Today there are far more questions than answers.
Birds play a role in the primary infection of the country, but then after that there's no need for wildlife. It will spread very easily from one village to another through trade,
There is ample evidence that the Nigerian bird flu situation is difficult and worrisome.
It's a very worrisome situation because it's in a big country with a lot of poultry farms. It has good conditions to have several outbreaks.
The priority to prevent the pandemic still stands on Asia, but besides that, if the virus is coming in Africa, yes, it's a very big worry for us.
The animal health infrastructure in the country is facing a big challenge and will require outside assistance.
Compensating farmers for the loss of their animals is another important tool to encourage early reporting of outbreaks and for effective application of control measures. Without financial incentives, people will probably continue to hide outbreaks and sell infected poultry.
In Africa, the capacity to respond will not be enough.
In Africa in general, the veterinary services are understaffed and under-budgeted.
In 2004 we said it will be an international crisis if we don't stop it in Asia, and this is exactly what is happening two years later.
