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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Dilyara Barzani, MD, MPH, Ministry of Health, Kurdistan Regional Government, Cancer Control Program, MOH, KRG, Government Square, Erbil, 44001, Iraq, 32 48 445 2268, dr.barzani@consultant.com

Introduction: A highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1), found in Asia and parts of Europe - Turkey, is causing severe socio-economic problems for poultry farmers. It poses an immediate and potentially severe threat to animal and human health. Kurdistan Region of Iraq is bordering Turkey and spread of AI among the while birds and poultry was just a matter of time. Overview of the problem and gaps: The first reports of deaths among the migratory birds and poultry was reported in December 2005, however the lab. testing for H5N1 AI was negative. The first confirmed human case was reported in Kurdistan Region of Iraq in January 2006. Panic among the population resulted in increase of hospital admission for respiratory diseases by 20%. Poultry consumption significantly decreased and more than 900,000 chicken and migratory birds have been culled by the regional government and hundreds of farmers were affected. Measures taken: Regional Government Developed and Implementing the AI prevention program that includes: surveillance, equipment and medication purchase, training of health professionals, public education, infrastructure development and other. Recommendations: Governments of all countries should be prepared and take preventive measures now: by surveillance and detection, prevention of animal outbreaks, control of animal disease, raising public awareness, prevention of human infection in order to reduce economic losses in the poultry sector, limit sporadic human cases and diminish the likelihood of an eventual human influenza pandemic.

Learning Objectives:

• • By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to recognize that there is significant gaps within countries where the outbreak occur – and within the main technical agencies that support national efforts. As well as the importance of communication of accurate information to the general public, mobilization of required behavioural changes at the community and household level and the engagement of all relevant professional and scientific stakeholders so that they are prepared to intervene.

Keywords: Emerging Diseases, Infectious Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation