NEPAL: AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE FOR APRIL

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 000760 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO CASC KFLU SOCI WHO NP SUBJECT: NEPAL: AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE FOR APRIL REF: A. NEW DELHI 1418 ¶B. KATHMANDU 558 No AI Human or Bird Cases Reported in Nepal -------------- ¶1. (SBU) A/DCM chaired post's avian influenza (AI) working group on April 11. Post Medical Officer reported that there have been no confirmed cases of AI in Nepal, in spite of recent confirmed cases in surrounding countries. In the past thirty days there have been confirmed reports of AI bird cases in Bangladesh, Northern India and Tibet. PMO commented that in light of the reported cases in the neighboring countries, AI is probably already in Nepal, but to date has gone undetected. Post is actively monitoring the situation and continuing awareness efforts. Imports Restricted -------------- ¶2. (U) Following the detection of bird-flu in India, PolOff reported, Nepal has made an effort to ban the import of birds, chicks, eggs and processed poultry meats from India. Special quarantine check posts have been set up in border areas. Post will continue to monitor activities at the border and the effects of the ban. Training for Nepal Police, Army and Health Officials -------------- -------------- ¶3. (U) USAID reported that the Armed Forced Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS) will host a training for 20 members of the Armed Police Force, Nepal Police and Nepal Army on April 17-19 in Kathmandu. Dr. Rodney L. Coldren from AFIRMS will conduct the training and will cover rapid response techniques, background information, infection control and non-pharmacologic interventions. PolOff reported that four public health officials attended an AI trainers workshop in New Delhi in March organized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (ref A). MORIARTY