AVIAN FLU CONFERENCE IN EGYPT: AUSTRIA PLANNING TO ATTEND,

UNCLAS VIENNA 001304 SIPDIS DEPT FOR OES/IHA, EUR/AGS STATE PASS G-AIAG (BOGGESS) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU AORC TBIO EAGR EAID PREL AU SUBJECT: AVIAN FLU CONFERENCE IN EGYPT: AUSTRIA PLANNING TO ATTEND, BUT PLEDGES VERY UNLIKELY REF: A) STATE 92335; B) 07 VIENNA 2876; C) 06 VIENNA 3477; D) VIENNA 1877 ¶1. Hubert Hrabcik, General Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Health, Family and Youth Affairs (Assistant Secretary level) told Emboff he had registered for the Ministerial Conference on Avian and Pandemic Influenza in October in Egypt and intended to represent the GoA in Sharm el Sheikh. The organizers of the conference had not yet responded to his registration though, he said. Hrabcik's attendance would be the first Austrian representation at a global avian flu conference since Austria hosted the June 2006 conference during its EU Presidency. Unfortunately, due to budget restraints, it was "very unlikely" Austria would pledge additional funds at the conference, Hrabcik regretted, although a final decision has not been made. ¶2. On the domestic level, Austria has "continuously improved its extensive pandemic influenza plan", Hrabcik said. Although there have not been any avian influenza cases (in birds) since April 2006, Austria will remain "vigilant", according to Hrabcik. The latest English version of Austria's Pandemic Influenza Plan can be found on the website of the ministry: www.bmgfj.gv.at. GIRARD-DICARLO#