The Spreading Bird-Flu Menace Reaches Europe

After killing millions of fowl and more than 60 people in Asia, the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus has arrived uninvited on Europe's doorstep. Outbreaks in Turkey, Romania, Russia, and possibly Greece threaten to sweep through the European Union, forcing EU ministers to think about how to tackle an epidemic that could decimate the poultry industry – or worse, set off a global flu epidemic that could kill millions. Even if the virus fails to mutate into a strain communicable between humans, it could have drastic economic consequences. The 2003 outbreak of SARS killed around 800 people, but caused nearly US$60 billion in lost production, hitting the travel sector hardest. Poor and rich countries alike would be affected. In developing nations, farmers may have to cull poultry, often the source of their livelihoods. Developing nations are already undertaking or planning costly precautionary measures such as stockpiling anti-viral drugs and mass vaccination programs, increasing fiscal deficits. Researchers are scrambling to develop an effective human vaccine, but European officials worry more than a year will pass before it goes to market. "Until then," The Economist warns, "all countries need to prepare for the worst." – YaleGlobal

The Spreading Bird-Flu Menace Reaches Europe

Friday, October 21, 2005

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