4 countries of South Asia have been hit by bird flu- Afghanistan, India, Myanmar and Pakistan. Until now the infection has remained limited to the chickens and human beings have somehow survived. Thousands of infected chickens have been killed in these 4 countries but bird flu has not been totally eradicated from South Asia. Instead, almost every week we are getting reports of new areas being infected in these countries. Today, when I read a report in Reuters with the headline- "Ill-equipped South Asia looks resigned to bird flu", I realized the seriousness of the condition.
Most people live in rural areas in the South Asian countries and raising poultry is a common thing for almost every family. So, if bird flu attacks South Asian countries in a large scale then it will take a disastrous turn because most people in the rural areas do not have access to even basic health facilities. There is a strong possibility that some of the bird flu outbreaks will not be reported- especially in Myanmar. Unfortunately, the international community is not paying enough attention to South Asia.
» South Asia not prepared for Bird Flu? from Bird Flu Monitor
[Source: SouthAsiaBiz] quoted: Most people live in rural areas in the South Asian countries and raising poultry is a common thing for almost every family. So, if bird flu attacks South Asian countries in a large scale then it will take a disastrous tur... [Read More]
Tracked on: April 17, 2006 5:08 PM | Permalink to Trackback