RARDA on the alert for Avian Flu

BUGESERA - Stakeholders have been called upon to step up efforts against Avian Flu. The call was made Thursday by the Director General of Rwanda Animal Resources Development Authority (RARDA), Théogène Rutagwenda. Speaking at a two-day workshop in Bugesera District, Rutagwenda warned that Rwanda stands the risk of the virus mainly because of free cross-border movement of birds and animals. The workshop drew participants from the Ministry of Health, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Police and other stakeholders. It was meant to evaluate the emergency measures in case of an outbreak of Avian Flu. “This workshop should be able to evaluate and identify gaps in emergency efforts… so as to make it effective given the risks of Avian Influenza,” Rutagwenda told participants. Avian Flu also known as bird flu, refers to influenza caused by viruses from birds and poultry, but there is a high risk of transmission to human beings. In 2006, the virus was reported in Nigeria, Niger, Egypt and Cameroon. It was also suspected in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Kenya. Rutagwenda noted the risks of the disease spreading remain high in case of an outbreak-because sometimes human beings share houses with birds. The workshop was organized by RARDA and financed by FAO. It also attracted students from the School of Public Health. Also present was the head of Disaster Management Centre, Commissioner of Police Cyprian Gatete, and the acting Director of Epidemic and Infectious Diseases at TRAC-Plus, Thierry Nyatanyi. Ends