Avian influenza (194) - Sudan (Bahr Al Jebel)

International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Source: New Vision , Kampala, Uganda, 11 Sep 2006 [edited]
< http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/520450 >

There is a confirmed outbreak of bird flu (Avian Influenza) in Juba,
Southern Sudan, the Ministry of Health has announced.

The chairperson of the National Task Force on Bird Flu, Dr. Sam
Okware, said yesterday [10 Sep 2006] the outbreak was confirmed on 6
Sep 2006, and is affecting local chickens.

He directed the district health officers and district veterinary
officers in Nebbi, Arua, Koboko, Yumbe, Moyo, Adjumani, Pader, Gulu,
Kitgum, Lira. Apac, Kaabong, Kotido and Moroto districts to
strengthen their task forces on bird flu to enhance surveillance and
public education.

"In addition, the people at the country borders should be on high
alert for any suspicious birds or poultry products being brought into
the country," Okware said in a press release yesterday.

He asked the public, especially people who have been travelling to
Juba or Southern Sudan, to be on 'high alert'.

On 19 Apr 2006, Sudan's Federal Ministry of Animal Resources
notified the OIE of the diagnosis of HPAI, subtype H5, in the
provinces Khartoum and Gezira. In subsequent notifications, in May
and July, additional outbreaks in the same provinces and in the
province River Nile were reported, and the causal agent was finally
confirmed as H5N1.