In 2006 there was an outbreak of the bird flu also known as
H5N1. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization give notice that the
world again is at risk for another outbreak. The FAO (Food and Agriculture
Organization) urges vaccinations in order to cut down on the risk. 400million
domestic poultry since 2003 were killed by the bird flu. There has also been
forced culling and the damage is seen in the economic sector totaling $20
billion. The virus does not always infect humans but when humans are infected
there is a 60% death rate. From 2003 to 2011 of the 500 infected by the bird
flu 300 were killed. FAO is extremely concerned that precautions are not being
taken globally. They also note that there are large reservoirs of the virus in
countries like Asia and the Middle East. The first Endemic affected 63
countries and this threat could reach epidemic proportions. The issue that is
preventing vaccinations is found to be financial constraints. FAO also warns
about Peste des Petitis (PPR) that is a highly contagious sheep and goat
disease. PPR has the power to wipe out entire flocks and is affecting
sub-Saharan Africa. Democratic Republic of Congo is also greatly affected
despite a readily available vaccination. The article describes a lack of political
will and poor planning/coordination.
Though
preventing an outbreak is cheaper that cleaning up the results of one the
finances in the world market do not place this at a high stake. The countries
that would be affected the most would be countries that get most income from
livestock and farming. Safety measures should be in place for a disease that
has a 60% death rate for humans infected. The cost to vaccinate those at risk
is far more important than potentially loosing human life. Not to mention the monetary
cost of $20 billion in loses due to the lost of livestock. With the population
density in countries in Asia and Middle East being high these vaccinations are
vital to stop an epidemic. Governments seem to be more concerned with saving
money now than saving lives and the cost we stand to have later.
Latina Brooks
February 1, 2013
2:39pm
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