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  IUCN website 1 Nov 05
IUCN urges governments to tackle the root causes of shared animal-human diseases

Gland, Switzerland, 1 November 2005 (IUCN) - The spread of avian influenza points to the urgent need to tackle the underlying causes of all shared animal-human diseases, rather than reacting exclusively to the current epidemic, says the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

“Much is being done to control the spread of bird flu, but far too little attention is given to the underlying causes of this outbreak. Our modern world is increasing the risk that animal diseases jump over to humanity, and it is only a matter of time before we are hit by the next epidemic if we do not address those issues,” says Dr. William Karesh, co-Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission’s Veterinary Specialist Group and Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Field Veterinary Program.

Some of the critical factors that contribute to the current spread of avian influenza and the risk of other animal diseases infecting humans are the rapid transportation of goods and people, increasing population density, and a growing dependence on intensive livestock production for food.

The risk is further increased by human encroachment into formerly isolated areas and a massive trade in wildlife around the world; animal and human populations that were previously separated now are in much closer contact.

“Attempts to cull wild birds in the current epidemic would not only be unethical but also ineffective, interfering with migration routes and dispersing birds over a wider area,” says Dr Jean-Christope Vié, Deputy Coordinator of the IUCN Species Programme.

“A comprehensive surveillance system focused on wild birds and their health is needed to help answer the many questions surrounding the role of wild birds in spreading avian flu,” he adds.

Experts believe that recent outbreaks of SARS, monkeypox and avian influenza point to the urgent need to address their root causes.

The World Conservation Union, in line with other organizations, calls for the following measures based on years of experience and research:

1. Increase knowledge of wildlife biology in particular, migration patterns of wild animals, and of trade routes for wildlife and plants;

2. Increase international cooperation, for instance by establishing formal communications channels between all institutions that deal with human and animal health;

3. Improve regulations for international trade in animal products and wildlife;

4. Monitor wildlife health and increase research into emerging diseases;

5. Educate people working with domesticated and wild animals on the health risks involved and best practice to prevent disease outbreaks.
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Related articles on Global issues: Bird Flu and Global issues: Biodiversity
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