NEPAL: AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE FOR JUNE

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 001191 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO CASC KFLU SOCI WHO NP SUBJECT: NEPAL: AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE FOR JUNE No AI Human or Bird Cases Reported in Nepal -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Post's avian influenza (AI) working group held a virtual meeting on June 11. Post Medical Officer reported that there have been no confirmed cases of AI in Nepal, in spite of more reported outbreaks in nearby Bangladesh. Post is actively monitoring the situation and continuing awareness efforts. USAID AI Country Plan -------------- ¶2. (U) USAID reported that it would submit a Country Operating Plan on June 22 to USAID/ANE/AI outlining the use of USD 750,000 in potential FY2007 supplemental funds. USAID planned to use the funds for animal and human health expert technical assistance, logistics technical assistance, and community-based surveillance of backyard poultry farming. USAID also expected to receive a second shipment of Personal Protective Equipment by the end of June that it would distribute to Nepal's Animal Health Directorate and the Epidemiology and Disease Control Department at the Ministry of Health. USAID planned to work with each office to ensure that the equipment was transported and stored properly. US PACOM To Provide AI Training in Bangkok -------------- ¶3. (SBU) DATT reported that U.S. Pacific Command's (PACOM's) Center for Excellence would organize a series of AI workshops in Bangkok from July to September. The DATT planned to send one or two Nepal Army staff and one Ministry of Health official to participate in each of the five seminars. MORIARTY