OIE affirms the most effective strategy for dealing directly with avian influenza; early detection and early warning, rapid confirmation of suspects, rapid and transparent notification, rapid response (including containment, management of poultry movement, zoning and compartmentalization, humane stamping out and vaccination where appropriate).
Early Detection & Warning
Early detection and warning are keys to effectively dealing with avian influenza. For this reason, the OIE is actively engaged in improving the capacity of national Veterinary Services' surveillance and information systems. The OIE has adopted new standards for the quality of national Veterinary Services and their disease notification systems and improved its own information system in order to provide early and accurate epidemiological information on a world-wide basis, in particular through its Early Warning System.
Biosecurity
Biosecurity measures (including movement controls, use of natural and artificial boundaries, commercial management and husbandry practices) factor in the establishment and maintenance of the health status of a zone or compartment. Significant effort is focused on developing appropriate recommendations for biosecurity in the context of backyard flocks.
Surveillance
Animal health surveillance is essential for early detection and warning of avian influenza. Surveillance strategies will be impacted by variables such as the poultry species at risk, different biosecurity levels and production systems and the frequency of contacts of domestic poultry with wild birds.
Rapid Confirmation of Suspects
Sampling & Diagnostics
Rapid confirmation of suspects and diagnosis of avian influenza is based on official criteria. This section provides links to details on samples to be taken, submission, diagnostic methods and interpretation guidelines in order to respect these criteria for diagnosis.
Updated 24-Sep-2008