| Summary: | Preventing transmission to humans Cue: There are many different strains of avian flu, which cause death and sickness in poultry around the world every year. However, the H5N1 strain, which is causing such concern to poultry producers and veterinary authorities, is different from others, because it is the first strain we know of that can be passed from birds to humans. So far over one hundred people have died from H5N1, mostly in South East Asia. However, scientists fear that if more human cases occur, the virus could develop into a new form which could be spread from one person to another. This could lead to a serious epidemic, causing thousands or even millions of human deaths. Preventing transmission of the virus from birds to humans is therefore very important. And there are a number of simple measures that farmers and poultry keepers can take to reduce their risk of contracting the disease. Dr Linus Chimangha, an inspector from the Cameroon ministry responsible for agriculture, spoke to Martha Chindong about how spread of the disease from poultry to humans can be prevented and what symptoms people should look for if they think they have been exposed to birds that may have avian flu. Martha began by asking which types of people are most at risk of contracting the disease. IN: ?First the farmers, the poultry farmers ?? OUT: ??for confirmation of the diagnosis.? DUR?N: 5?01? BACK ANNOUNCEMENT: Dr Linus Chimangha with some advice to people if they think they could be at risk of having contracted avian flu. The interview comes from a radio resource pack on avian flu produced by CTA. Transcript Chimangha First the farmers, the poultry farmers and their families, who have direct contact with the birds on a daily basis. Then you have veterinarians and other technicians who visit these poultry establishments for no matter what type of intervention. Then you have even journalists, journalists like you sitting here. When an outbreak occurs you will visit it and want to have in depth information so you can better inform ...
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