Press Release

Public Affairs Office
Embassy of the United States of America
Rue Bartholonie, P.O. Box. 114
Vientiane, Laos.

Tel:  (856-21) 267229
Fax: (856-21) 267160
Website: http://laos.usembassy.gov
March 23, 2007
2007/01

Workshop on Avian Influenza Surveillance in Wild Birds

The U.S. Embassy, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA,) and the Lao Department of Forestry and Agriculture will host 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 is to increase the 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 will also be trained in laboratory diagnostics and data management.

Veterinarians and wildlife specialists from Lao’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will attend. The workshop will feature wildlife, veterinary and health experts from China, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and the United States, including representatives from the Chinese Institute of Zoology, Wildlife Conservation Society, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and the Interior. The workshop is 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.