Book Description

Avian influenza (AI) refers to a large group of viruses that affect birds. Strains that belong to subtypes H5 or H7 and are considered virulent are classified as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Domestic poultry populations have been very susceptible to HPAI infection, although some species such as ducks do not show symptoms. Birds can get infected through direct contact with infected birds or through contact with secretions or feces of an infected bird or blood of a slaughtered infected bird. The conditions in the production environments in which most domestic birds are raised contribute to the rapid disease spread among them once the virus establishes a presence. Biosecurity measures, transportation of birds and bird products, trade and live bird markets are factors that explain disease spread locally or over long distances.There are measures that can be taken both before and after the appearance of an outbreak of H5N1 HPAI that can drastically reduce its scope and limit the harm it causes. This paper outlines the major legal and institutional elements that governments should consider in preparing for and reacting to such an outbreak. The paper does not describe the current situation in at-risk countries nor does it tell governments what to do. The former would be difficult because with the upsurge in international travel and global commerce, potentially H5N1-infected goods are easily spread throughout the world, and thus every country is at risk. Moreover, the latter is neither feasible nor desirable, since the political, cultural and economic landscape in each country will affect the choices that policymakers have available and may decide upon.