The Ministry of Agriculture announced the implementation of a comprehensive plan to combat 2011’s avian influenza in bird farms.
Approximately 12,000 veterinarians and their assistants will participate in the nationwide plan.
In statements to the press on Saturday, Minister of Agriculture Amin Abaza said that an emergency unit has been set up at the General Authority for Veterinary Services to contain the spread of the disease and ensure that farms are applying the minimum bio-safety standards.
Mohamed Mostafa al-Garhi, head of the General Authority for Veterinary Services, said that around 16,000 farms will be inspected, adding that farm owners are willing to abide by the standards.
Al-Garhi warned that any farms that do not respect safety standards will be closed.
According to the World Health Organization, Egypt is third of countries most affected by avian flu. Since the disease first appeared in Egypt in February 2006, 122 deaths have been reported.
In a country where around five million families breed domestic poultry for money and food, most of Egypt’s infections are people in direct contact with infected birds.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
