Abstract
This paper briefly reviewed the origin of H5N1 virus and spreading of the virus from China to the other parts of Asia, the Near East, Europe and Africa.
The new measures implemented by the EU in 2006 and 2007 were also reviewed, and the effectiveness of the measures such as surveillance of infected wild birds, strategic vaccination of zoo birds and poultry kept out-door and DIVA tests prior to their release etc was confirmed.
In the USA, the surveillance of infected wild birds has been intensified since 2006 with emphasis on Alaska, but so far H5N1 virus of Asian origin has not been detected. Emphasis was also placed on preparedness for emergencies, and the detailed plans for preemptive culling and strategic vaccination have been prepared.
Both the EU and the USA are putting emphasis on risk assessments, surveillance of infected wild birds, early warning systems and strategic vaccination prior to the invasion of AI into poultry farms. They are confident that vaccination is safe and effective if vaccination is carried out under the general supervision of the governments (EU and AHIS) and vaccinated birds are strictly controlled and disposed. How to get the maximum benefit by vaccinating the minimum number of birds is the subject assigned to the epidemiologists concerned.
