Bird Flu Stalking Tanzanian Communities, Govt...

According to this article, the Tanzanian government is urging the general public to protect themselves against avian flu by adopting preventative measures such as basic hygiene practices and increased awareness about the disease.

According to Livestock Development Deputy Minister, Charles Mlingwa, Tanzania has a multi-sectoral emergency preparedness and response plan in place to deal with bird flu in the country. The plan has six main components including: capacity for early warning detection; capacity to contain avian flu at source; reduction of opportunity for human infection; improvement of awareness and information; research; and coordination. According to the article, a lack of funding has meant that the plan is currently only focussed on surveillance, detection and diagnosis of the disease, public education, and awareness.

According to Mlingwa, livestock farmers and poultry keepers need to change their behaviour regarding the safe handling of birds as they have the greatest risk of contracting bird flu. The Deputy Minister also stressed the importance of informing wildlife, environment and forestry workers about the risks of avian influenza.