[Prevention of avian flu]

Since 1997, highly pathogenic avian influenza has evolved from an exclusively animal disease to a zoonosis. In 2003, the H5N1 HP virus developed in poultry in South-Eastern Asia, before spreading to European countries and Africa. Human cases are systematically associated with a close and intensive contact with infected poultry; their number is currently limited as compared to the total number of exposed people in the world. Many precautionary measures have been taken to prevent the extension of foci, as much in terms of animal health as in terms of protection of those potentially exposed to infected birds. Besides the zoonotic aspect, the genetic evolutionary potential of influenza viruses and the unusual world H5N1 HP virus circulation in birds have raised concerns about a potential new influenza pandemic. This is the reason why public authorities have initiated a large-scale preparedness plan to face this contingency.