Learn From Mistakes Over Bird Flu

The appearance and spread of avian influenza in Korea is the stimulus for this commentary expressing the need to contain the disease in the initial stage. This editorial focuses its criticism on delayed communications. The article states that there is too much elapsed time between the deaths of entire flocks of chickens and ducks at farms in various provinces and the availability of test results for the highly pathogenic virus strain H5N1 - sometimes 5-7 days of delay. Criticism is levelled at the national veterinary service for delays in notifying provincial governments immediately, so that disinfection and quarantine procedures can be implemented.


The solution proposed in this document is to create a culture where the detection of suspicious cases of bird flu is reported immediately to health officials. This requires that farmers receive assurances of full compensation, and health officials and farmers cooperate closely. It recommends that the government provide the public information on poultry preparation (thorough cooking to reduce the likelihood of human contraction of the bird flu) to reassure the public and reduce consumer panic.