Download Measures on the preparation for and prevention of AI

Measures on the preparation for and prevention of AI
The Council of Agriculture of Taiwan (COA) has been conducting
avian influenza surveillance on migratory birds, chickens, ducks, geese
and pigs. Only low pathogenic H5N2 virus strain had been detected in
poultry in the first 3 months of 2004. Strict preventive eradication
program was carried out, and as a result, no more H5N2 avian influenza
virus has been detected since the last case on March 9, 2004. Up to now,
Taiwan is still free of HPAI and low pathogenic avian influenza.
Taiwan is free of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low
pathogenic avian influenza.
The following measures have been
undertaken to prevent the invasion of avian influenza:
1. The Surveillance Program
The surveillance program for monitoring the HPAI virus has been
undertaken in this country since 1998. The monitoring sites are at the
places such as swamps or debouchments of rivers or streams where
migratory birds rest frequently.
The surveillance program also
includes testing samples from pet birds, wild birds, duck farms, goose
farms, chicken farms and pig farms. Up to the present, no HPAI virus
has been found in migratory birds, pet birds, waterfowl, pigs and
poultry.
2. The Preventive Measures
(1) HPAI is a noticeable disease in Taiwan.
(2)In view of the current epidemiological information that the spreading
of HPAI virus is much likely linked to the boundless traveling of
infected migratory birds, a task force in cabinet level was
established in 2004 to coordinate the responsibilities and activities
of related authorities.
(3) Global disease information has been collected. Restriction on the
importation of birds and their products from the avian influenza
virus infected areas have been implemented. Strict quarantine
procedures at international airports and harbors have also been
carried out to prevent the smuggling of birds and related products.
(4) Field official veterinarians visit poultry farms at irregular intervals,
and assist poultry farmers in strengthening their bio-security
measures, such as installation of bird-proof nets on their farms with
partial government subsidiary to poultry farmers and education
programs for poultry farmers on virus prevention.
3. The Emergency Measures
In case of outbreaks of HPAI,
(1) an emergency control center starts to function immediately and
emergency control teams operate at the infected areas.
(2) measures are undertaken immediately based on the “Emergency
Manual for Avian Influenza” and the Statute for Prevention and
Control of Infectious Animal Disease.
A. The poultry on the premises will be stamped out and the
surrounding premises in a radius of 1-km will undergo
pre-emptive culling depending on the results of epidemiological
surveys. Premises in a radius of 3-km from the infected site
will be quarantined for at least 21 days.
B. The relevant authorities will establish evaluation committees to
decide upon compensation to the farmers.
C. For control of pandemic outbreaks, ring vaccination will be
considered. The COA has prepared 40 million doses of H5
subtype AI vaccines and 30 million doses of H7 subtype AI
vaccines for poultry to be used for ring vaccination in a buffer
zone.
4. Exercise for emergency control
Simulations of HPAI eradication exercise had been held in 2004, 2005
and 2006. The aims of these exercises were to test the contingency
plan for the control of HPAI and to strengthen the communication and
cooperation between public health and animal health authorities.
As a member of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE),
Taiwan will continue to put every effort to work with other members to
fight against avian influenza. Taiwan will also continue to fulfill the
international obligation to keep animal disease information transparent.