West failed to stem bird flu says researcher

Western countries have failed Asia in its attempts to control the bird flu epidemic now threatening poultry flocks in Europe, a Massey University researcher says.

Professor Roger Morris, an epidemiologist, said yesterday that the influenza outbreak could have been confined to Asia and controlled if the West had provided the assistance sought.

"The global community has failed to respond adequately to calls for help in stemming spread of the disease."

The H5N1 strain of influenza has led to the deaths of millions of birds and more than 60 people. The virus does not spread easily between people, but experts fear it could change to do so, causing a global pandemic that kills millions of people.

No one knows when this might happen.

Professor Morris and his team members have studied the epidemic and its risks in Asia and the likely consequences if it reaches Britain. They have written reports on it for Governments and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation.

One of his doctoral students has been studying bird flu in Hong Kong, particularly the role of live bird markets and the species involved, especially quail.

"[Quail] are the hidden item in the equation. They play a significant role in the disease, as do ducks."

Professor Morris said the United States and Europe had virtually ignored repeated Asian calls for help.

Badly affected countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia could not afford all the necessary control measures.

"There was a big need particularly to vaccinate poultry and to take whatever measures were appropriate, for example, through live bird markets. The countries have taken measures.

"They were pressured in the early days to cull large numbers of poultry," he said.

"Village farmers were told they would be compensated. Most were not compensated or were not compensated adequately, so they have hidden the disease since."

Repeated efforts to start studies on aspects of the disease had foundered for lack of financial support.

"It's only when the disease has hit the corner of Europe that there has been some global pandemic panic."

Controversially, Professor Morris has also spoken out against individuals stocking up on Tamiflu treatment pills, although he supports the Government having a stockpile.

He said infected humans in Asia had a variable response to the drug.

"I totally support there being national resources that would be used on the right people at the right time.

"I'm concerned about people buying it and using it under the wrong circumstances and assisting in development of resistance [by viruses]."

Professor Morris does not have a personal supply of the drug, although he does keep masks at home.

Doctors have varied opinions on whether to prescribe Tamiflu for people to store. Many do prescribe it for this purpose and stocks have run short.