Fejfarová M.
Abstract
Since December 2004 new human cases of infection by avian influenza have reappeared in South-East Asia. The
virus of H5N1 originally resides in poultry but became transmittable to humans causing death in more than 50% of
cases. During the early 2005 avian influenza spread quickly in poultry flocks through out Vietnam and into some
parts of Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Later this summer poultry infection moved North and Westwards to the very
doorstep of Europe. WHO experts regard the latest developments as warning sings of an upcoming global
pandemic. An effective vaccine is in the process of testing but will not be available for public use at least for some
months; furthermore the evolution of the virus is yet unpredictable. The world capacity for production of
oseltamivir, so far the only effective treatment for humans infected by H5N1, is insufficient if the pandemics breaks
out. In any case a substantial restructuring of poultry production, distribution, processing and marketing as well as
education strategy is necessary in South-East Asia to lessen the chance of a pandemic outbreak
Key words:
Avian influenza/bird flu; H5N1; pandemics; South-East Asia; animal health; human health; poultry