Programs and Events
U.S. Embassy Hosts Workshop on Avian Influenza Surveillance in Wild Birds
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| Participants at the workshop learn about patterns of avian influenza in wild birds. |
The U.S. Embassy, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA,) and Lao Department of Forestry and Agriculture hosted a workshop in Vientiane on March 27-29 to discuss surveillance techniques for the detection of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in wild birds. The goal of the workshop was to increase understanding of avian influenza and to help develop a framework for a Lao National Surveillance System for avian influenza in wild birds. In addition to learning capture, handling and sampling techniques for gathering avian influenza samples in wild birds, participants were also trained in laboratory diagnostics and data management.
Approximately 80 veterinarians and wildlife specialists from Lao’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry attended. The workshop featured wildlife, veterinary and health experts from China, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and the United States, including representatives from the Chinese Institute of Zoology, the Wildlife Conservation Society, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and the Interior. The workshop was sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID has declared avian influenza a top priority for the agency and supports prevention and containment efforts in affected countries.
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