# 1286
With outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 occurring around the world at an increasing pace, the concerns over a pandemic have not abated. If anything, they have grown stronger. While no nation can be truly prepared for a severe pandemic, some nations are far less prepared than others.
Even when it comes to dealing with containing outbreaks in poultry, a far less daunting task than dealing with a pandemic, many nations are unprepared.
This from the Associated Press.
WHO official says Asia should remain alert for bird flu, but some countries unprepared
By CHISAKI WATANABE
Associated Press Writer
TOKYO (AP) -- Some Asian countries have yet to devise a plan on how to respond to a bird flu outbreak, a disease that continues to be a threat for the whole region, a World Health Organization health official warned Saturday.
Preparedness in some Asian developing countries remains inadequate, said Dr. Shigeru Omi, western Pacific director of the World Health Organization.
"There have been outbreaks of bird flu among birds in many countries. It's not something you can just pick up on one country as being threatened," Omi said in an interview with The Associated Press.
It was important for countries to improve the quality of sanitation for the general public and livestock, as well as to report incidents to authorities promptly, Omi said.
Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore were ready to tackle outbreaks, but preparations were inadequate elsewhere, Omi said. He declined to identify where.
(cont.)
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