Is Uganda ready for bird flu epidemic?

Apr 03, 2006

SIR — The number of marabou storks has alarmingly increased in Kampala. The birds are normally associated with poor sanitation and Kampala is full of rubbish.

SIR — The number of marabou storks has alarmingly increased in Kampala. The birds are normally associated with poor sanitation and Kampala is full of rubbish.

Domestic birds may become infected through direct contact with infected ones or through contact with surfaces such as dirt or cages or materials like water or feed that have been contaminated with the virus. People and vehicles can also be vectors. These storks fly to various places in the city, including areas inhabited by people. therefore the possibility of them being carriers is not far-fetched.

The bird flu outbreak can be very severe. Animal health experts worldwide have carefully monitored the bird flu virus for several reasons such as the potential for low pathogenic viruses to evolve into highly pathogenic forms, the potential for rapid spread and significant illness and death among poultry during outbreaks of the disease and the economic impact and trade restrictions as a result. Uganda is a poor country and it is necessity that we look for all possible means to prevent the spread of the deadly virus if or when it invades our country. This can be done through eradicating the possible carriers by maintaining a clean environment. Unfortunately, the deadly virus has been reported to be present in some parts of Uganda. many storks and birds were reported to have died but thank God, a recent report from the Poultry Association of Uganda has dismissed the claims.
- John Baptist Olara
Makerere University


SIR — The bird flu which has devastated some parts of Asia does not attack birds only but also human beings. Are the authorities in Uganda well-prepared in the event of an outbreak?
- name withheld

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