AMBASSADOR AND EU TROIKA RAISE CONCERNS WITH PM ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAKU 000356

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/CARC AND EUR/PGI, ALSO OES
DEPT PLEASE PASS USAID
ANKARA FOR AGRICULTURAL COUNSELOR
GENEVA FOR HEALTH ATTACHE
ROME FOR FAO REPRESENTATIVE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/06/2016
TAGS: EAGR EAID PGOV KFLU CASC AJ
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND EU TROIKA RAISE CONCERNS WITH PM ON
AVIAN INFLUENZA; SUSPICIOUS HUMAN ILLNESS BEING INVESTIGATED

REF: A. A) BAKU 329 AND PREVIOUS


B. B) 05 BAKU 1892

Classified By: DCM JASON P. HYLAND; REASONS 1.4 (B,D)


1. (C) SUMAMRY: In a March 6 meeting requested by the
Ambassador and EU Troika (EU Commission, German Ambassador,
French Charge) to highlight common concerns about
Azerbaijan's handling of avian influenza problems, Prime
Minister Artur Rasi-zade, welcomed international expertise in
dealing with the AI threat, contradicting what his First
Deputy Prime Minister told us just days before. He also
agreed in principle that a compensation plan for farmers was
necessary. Following press reports of six suspicious human
illnesses and the deaths of two young people from
Azerbaijan's rural Salyan region, Rasi-zade claimed that the
Health Ministry ruled out avian influenza in all eight cases.
Separately, Post learned that the Azerbaijan State
Veterinary Service (SVS) on February 28 contacted the
Weybridge, UK reference laboratory for the first time and
planned to send 17 samples from wild birds and poultry for
verification. In addition, Post's avian influenza working
group met March 6 to review the situation, Post's tripwires
(ref B),and identify additional action required. Post has
increased our efforts to ensure appropriate human samples are
sent for international testing. We are also Qeparing a
coQngency wardenQessage in the event of confirmed human
infection. END SUMMARY.

PRIME MINISTER SUPPORTIVE
--------------


2. (C) On March 6, the Ambassador and EU Troika called on PM
Rasi-zade to express strong common concern over the GOAJ's
avian influenza efforts. The German Ambassador stressed that
AI was a global problem. However, national governments, like
Azerbaijan, had the first responsibility to deal with the
problem. With international media interest in Azerbaijan
increasing, transparency and action from the GOAJ was now
critical. Failure to act would cause a negative image for
Azerbaijan. The French Charge noted that the struggle
against AI was a matter of trust; the international community
needed the GOAJ to be actively engaged. The Ambassador
stressed that the international community looked to cooperate
with Azerbaijan. However, in light of the threat to humans,
the GOAJ needed to address four areas immediately: active
surveillance of poultry throughout the country, effective
quarantine and biosafety mechanisms, a broad public
information campaign, and a compensation scheme to induce the
public to report suspicious bird deaths. All of these areas
would be helped, he said, by the rigorous implementation of
the GOAJ action plan, drawing on international expertise.


3. (C) Rasi-zade, in contrast to his deputy (DPM Abbas
Abbasov) welcomed international expert assistance, in
addition to equipment and supplies from donors. (NOTE: In a
March 1 meeting with donors, DPM Abbasov took a much harsher
line, see ref A). He expressed concern that unscrupulous
businessmen would take advantage of any GOAJ compensation
plan. He opined that Azerbaijan first needed to get rid of
avian flu and then work on a compensation plan. He recapped
GOAJ avian influenza efforts to date and claimed that the
GOAJ cooperated closely with the World Bank and Asian
Development Bank. On unconfirmed reports of suspicious human
cases, Rasi-zade claimed that the Ministry of Health had
stated there was no connection to avian influenza. He noted
that a total of eight suspect cases were reported, all
originating in the rural Salyan district of Azerbaijan. Six
of the cases were now in Baku in "good condition," he said.
Two others, he said, had died over the weekend. (NOTE:
Post's medical staff visited two Baku hospitals on March 6
and met directly with medical staff. Including the two
fatalities, there are currently between 8-11 suspicious
respiratory illness cases. At this time, it is not clear
what these illnesses are. Post's medical staff is following
up with health authorities for a full readout on all cases.
Post will report this information septel. END NOTE.)

NEW SAMPLES SET FOR TESTING ABROAD
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BAKU 00000356 002 OF 002




4. (SBU) Post learned from the Weybridge, UK reference
laboratory March 6 that the State Veterinary Service
contacted the lab February 28. Azerbaijan's Chief
Veterinarian asked for the lab's assistance in testing an
additional 17 samples from wild birds and poultry taken from
throughout Azerbaijan. As of March 3, however, the Cabinet
of Ministers indicated that no additional samples had left
the country following the February 6 set, which was sent
following strong Embassy intervention. Post continues to
urge the vet authorities to send samples to international
reference labs immediately.

POST'S AVIAN FLU GROUP MEETS
--------------


5. (SBU) On March 6, Post's avian influenza working group met
to discuss the situation in Azerbaijan and examine Post's
tripwires (ref B). The group determined that at the present
time there had been no findig of human cases of avian
influenza in Azerbaijan As a result, the tripwire
concerning human cases had not been reached. However, the
group acknowledged that the situation remained fluid and
could change rapidly. Post's consular section will be ready
to send an approved warden message very quickly in the event
of a positive human case finding. In addition, emboffs have
redoubled efforts aimed at sending samples (animal and human)
out for international testing.
HARNISH