Response to Avian Influenza in Bulgaria

Both interpersonal strategies and ICTs shaped the project's efforts to bolster the Bulgarian government's capacity to optimise prevention of avian flu in humans and to respond adequately in the event of further cases in birds and/or humans. For example, workshops on surveillance and infection control/case management were held. Other meetings focused on strengthening national preparedness plans and facilitating donor coordination meetings with the Bulgarian government. In addition, an early warning system for human surveillance was developed and tested; it involves an electronic system for rapid exchange of data between 28 districts and national level, new upgraded hardware, and training of local epidemiologists in data entry. Veterinarians also took part in 2-day, hands-on workshops.

Organisers also carried out a public awareness campaign in an effort to provide information about avian influenza to regional veterinarian offices, municipal and private veterinarians, mayors and local community leaders, small- and medium-size backyard farmers, commercial poultry operations, and minority groups in villages. Key tools here to disseminate messages included radio broadcasting (especially in high-risk areas and remote villages) and television channels. In addition, organisers developed an informational, interactive website (in Bulgarian); click here to access it. This website also provides access to the printed materials of various types (depending on the intended audience) that were developed as part of the campaign; click here to access 5 brochures (in Bulgarian).

Health, Natural Resource Management, Risk Management.

USAID reports that Bulgaria saw its first cases of avian influenza in 2006. Due to its proximity to Romania and Turkey, the country is reportedly at a high risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and - according to organisers - may consequently suffer health-care- and economic-related setbacks.