The Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds expressed its concerns on shrinking attention and support to study of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. The task force is jointly led by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) with 15 international collaborating bodies offering experts on avian influenza including five EAAFP Partners. Experts highlighted that there are multiple countries that are endemic with HPAI H5N1 (most in east and south Asia), and there continue to be new outbreaks occurring across Eurasia demonstrating that while attention may have been distracted by other issues, the core problem is still present. The lack of media attention and global complacency has resulted in a significant decline in funding to support efforts to fight HPAI H5N1 and this may have important implications in the future. Please refer to the news article linked below.

Go to FAO news release: On the trail of avian influenza (23 March 2010)