03/11/2005

ODC issues bird flu warning

Otorohanga District Council is warning residents to take the bird flu seriously.
This comes as new outbreaks of the disease are regularly reported around the world.
At a council meeting on Tuesday, mayor Dale Williams and chief executive David Hall warned residents that the threat of a potential pandemic in New Zealand should not be ignored.
"The chances are significantly high given that it is all around the world now, birds fly, and it will eventually come here," said Mr Williams.
"No one should panic but it would be irresponsible of us as a district council to not warn people."
Mr Williams said statistics from the District Health Board stated if the disease did arrive in the country, they expect a 40 per cent infection rate and a two per cent fatality rate.
As well as human infection, the bird flu has the potential to destroy the country's chicken industry as well as kill off native bird species such as the kiwi.
"The impact could be devastating for our country," said Mr Williams.
If an outbreak does occur in New Zealand and infection is suspected, people will be isolated immediately.
This isolation could require people to stay in their homes for two weeks to one month.
Mr Williams recommends residents prepare for an outbreak by creating a store of clean water, food and basic medicines.
Of highest priority is clean water, which ideally should be about three litres per person per day and enough to last three  weeks.
"Residents need have to have a spare stash of water somewhere that can't be tainted by birds," said Mr Williams.
However, he said one of the best ways for people to protect themselves from the bird flu is to ensure they are as fit and healthy as possible.
"Be as healthy as you possibly can as it is your own immune system that fights it off."