Bosnia, Intl Donors Launch $7.0 Mln Anti-Bird Flu Project

The project aims to reduce risks for both people and domestic animals posed by avian influenza or any other diseases that can be passed from animals to humans, such as brucellosis, and to help prepare for, respond to and control possible pandemics, the World Bank, which is one of the participating organisations, said in a statement.

Bosnia registered its first case of bird flu in February 2006. Outbreaks in the country and in the surrounding region seriously affected Bosnia’s poultry production and consumption, the World Bank said.

The project supports strengthening of health and veterinary services, disease surveillance, diagnostic capacity and applied research as well as enhancing public health program planning and coordination.

Over the past few years, international organisations such as the European Commission, the World Health Organisation, the United States Agency for International Development, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation have been funding or participating in activities assisting Bosnian governments and institutions to address the threat of bird flu, the statement said.

“The Project has been designed in close cooperation with these organisations to leverage the maximum financing possible and to avoid duplication of efforts,” the World Bank said.

($ = 0.7847 euro)