eThekwini taking no chances with bird flu

July 7, 2006 (Press Release) -- eThekwini taking no chances with bird flu

The health division of the eThekwini Municipality is finalising a programme to help it cope in the event of an outbreak of bird flu. At least 500 migratory birds fly to Durban from northern Asia every year and stay for the summer.

The city is working in co-operation with national government, which has secured reservations with a Swiss pharmaceutical company for supplies of Tamiflu, the anti-viral that is used in the treatment of avian influenza.

In February, UN health officials declared a regional bird flu crisis in Nigeria and Niger, bringing the deadly virus closer to home. A Preparedness Plan is awaiting approval by the eThekwini Municipality.

Plan looks at culling birds
The plan looks at the culling of birds and isolation of the infected, if an outbreak occurs although pre-detection is the most important step. A study conducted on migratory birds in Durban late last year revealed no trace of bird flu.