SUDAN - AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE 11

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KHARTOUM 002283 SIPDIS AIDAC SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/SPG, PRM, AND ALSO PASS USAID/W USAID FOR DCHA SUDAN TEAM, AFR/SP NAIROBI FOR USAID/DCHA/OFDA, USAID/REDSO, AND FAS GENEVA FOR NKYLOH NAIROBI FOR SFO NSC FOR JBRAUSE, NSC/AFRICA FOR TSHORTLEY USUN FOR TMALY BRUSSELS FOR PLERNER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PREF PGOV PHUM SOCI KFLU SU SUBJECT: SUDAN - AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE 11 REF: A) KHARTOUM 1925, B) KHARTOUM 2203 KHARTOUM 00002283 001.2 OF 002 -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. On September 3, Government of National Unity (GNU) officials announced that several backyard chicken flocks in Juba had been found to be infected by Avian Influenza (AI) H5N1. This is the first time Southern Sudan has confirmed cases of H5N1. At this time no new cases of AI have been reported in humans or poultry in any of the northern states. Additionally, the GNU is taking steps to tighten requirements for poultry farms and the importation of fertilized eggs in order to prevent the spread of AI. End summary. -------------- Status of AI in Juba -------------- ¶2. At the beginning of August, Juba-based health officials received reports of illness and death in chickens in Hai Jalaba, Juba, and initiated an investigation. Chickens and ducks at several homes were suspected to have AI, and specimens from living and dead birds were collected and sent for analysis. ¶3. On September 3, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) convened a Technical Task Force meeting on AI. At the meeting it was announced that the two batches of samples collected from domesticated poultry in Juba on August 4 had tested positive for AI type A at the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) in Khartoum. After further analysis in the United Kingdom (UK),the samples were found to be positive for H5N1. This is the first time Southern Sudan has confirmed cases of H5N1. According to the UK laboratory's report, the Juba samples had a slight variation to the most common sequence of H5N1. Further analysis will be performed on the samples in the UK. ¶4. According to FAO officials, there is no large-scale poultry farming in Central Equatoria State, but it is common for people in Juba to keep chickens and ducks, which range freely in communal areas. Juba reportedly receives commercial poultry products from northern Sudan and Uganda. -------------- Status of AI in Sudan -------------- ¶5. At this time no new cases of AI have been reported in humans or poultry in any of the northern states. ¶6. In late August, blood samples from dead wild birds were collected by the GNU Wildlife Administration Authorities in White Nile State. On September 10, the Federal Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries (FMARF) announced that these samples will be taken to CVRL in Khartoum for testing and if necessary sent to the UK for further analysis. ¶7. Recently the GNU has tightened requirements for poultry farms to ensure they meet bio-security standards. At the September 3 meeting, FMARF and the Khartoum State Ministry of Agriculture stated that licenses will now be required for the importation of fertilized eggs in order to prevent the introduction of AI into Sudan. The ministries recommend that eggs be imported from the Netherlands, UK, or Germany. Farms have already begun to import eggs to restock and continue to upgrade their bio-security measures. ¶8. At the September 3 meeting, a representative from the GNU Poultry Chamber of Commerce stated that the increased expense of importing fertilized eggs from the recommended countries may have a negative impact on the industry. Industry representatives are concerned that Sudan's demand for imported fertilized eggs will exceed the supply from the three recommended countries. Additionally, the price for the imported eggs from the European sources is estimated to exceed the price of Egyptian eggs, which was the most common source before the new regulations. ¶9. The GNU has approved a 40 percent compensation plan for poultry lost due to culling from May to July. As of September 3, the GNU has not announced a national compensation policy for new poultry losses occurring after July. KHARTOUM 00002283 002.2 OF 002 ¶10. At the meeting, the FMARF reported that the AI surveillance system lacked efficiency. USAID staff report that the federal ministries, state ministries, and CVRL need to better coordinate reporting farm data, collecting samples, and leading appropriate control measures. ¶11. A team from FAO and FMARF plans to travel to Juba to assess the AI situation and to develop a surveillance system. -------------- U.S. Government (USG) Contributions -------------- ¶12. The USG deployed a consultant to the FAO, who is posted at the FMARF, to assist in AI control activities for three months. The consultant will assist with the establishment and training of a Rapid Response Team and will provide epidemiology training for GNU veterinary staff. The consultant will visit Southern Sudan and may conduct additional training there. ¶13. Following the confirmation of AI cases in northern Sudan, USAID has coordinated with the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS),UN agencies, and other relevant stakeholders on an AI preparedness response. In April 2006, USAID collaborated with the FAO, FMARF, and the Ministry of Health (MOH) to establish an AI Task Force. USAID has also provided technical support for drafting the GOSS AI preparedness and response plan, as well as other communication materials. In collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),USAID has provided AI training to FMARF and MOH staff in Entebbe, Uganda, and Nairobi, Kenya. Additionally, USAID has donated 500 personal protective equipment items to FAO in Southern Sudan, which will be positioned in areas at risk of AI. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶14. Following the reporting of positive cases of H5N1 in Juba, USAID is coordinating with CDC, the Department of State, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help the GOSS and UN agencies in Southern Sudan further investigate the outbreak and respond appropriately. HUME