Brussels, 24 October 2006

Brussels, 23 October

NOTE from Commission to Council

Subject: Written Information from the Commission on Avian Influenza - Update

Delegations will find in Annex a written information from the Commission on Avian Influenza.

AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE AS OF 20 OCTOBER 2006

SITUATION IN THE EU AND ROMANIA

Since the last Agriculture Council in September no cases have been detected in the EU, either in wild birds, poultry or other birds.

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However, in view of the ongoing migratory season of wild birds, there is a continued need for the highest levels of vigilance. Member States are therefore urged to keep appropriate biosecurity measures, early detection systems and rigorous import controls in place, in line with existing Community rules. These measures should enable a swift response to any possible re-emergence of the virus.

Romania has not detected any further outbreaks in poultry or cases in wild birds since the last case found on 7 June. A Decision to re-authorise imports of fresh poultry meat from those parts of the country located west and north of the Carpathians was adopted by the Commission on 3 October.

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SITUATION IN THIRD COUNTRIES

ANIMALS

During the past month the disease has continued to be detected in Asia and Africa and has again been found in poultry in Egypt and in China. Further outbreaks have been found in poultry in Indonesia.

HUMANS

The overall total of human cases of avian influenza for the 10 affected countries stands at 256 with 151 fatalities. In Indonesia, the number of confirmed human cases has now reached 72, of which 55 have proven fatal. New cases continue to be found on a regular basis.

In Egypt, a human case has recently been detected, the first since May of this year.

SUPPORT TO THIRD COUNTRIES

The World Bank has now awarded five grants (to Laos, Georgia, Djibouti, West Bank & Gaza, and Zambia) from the Avian and Human Influenza Facility (AHIF), the Multi Donor Trust Fund for avian influenza preparedness.

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The 30 million EDF money pledged in Beijing is to be contracted to the ALive Platform (8 million) and AU/IBAR (22 million).

Preparations are ongoing for the next international conference on avian influenza, to be held in December 2006 in Bamako, Mali. Invitations are being sent to those who attended the Beijing and Vienna conferences.

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