Niger appeals for help
2006-03-01 20:18
Niamey - Niger, one of the world's most impoverished countries, called on Wednesday upon the international community to help it fight an outbreak of the deadly strain of the bird flu.
"Knowing that we are a developing, practically destitute country ... Niger can only turn to the international community to urgently request its support as soon as possible to contain this virus," said government spokesperson Mohammed Ben Omar.
Niger became the third African country to have been hit by the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus after Nigeria and Egypt when earlier this week four farmed ducks were confirmed to have been infected.
"We need the support of the international community as soon as possible," Omar said on state television.
Niger needs vaccines for the still unaffected poultry and protective material for people who will be deployed to work in the affected areas.
Anticipating an outbreak after the virus appeared in its southern neighbour Nigeria, Niger had last month put together a plan to combat bird flu with an initial budget of more than €3m.
Authorities have now set up two security zones. One completely seals off the affected areas in preparation for a mass slaughter of all poultry.
Producers are to receive compensation of 1 000 CFA francs (€1.50) per bird.
Heightened surveillance and enforcement of sanitary controls are to take place in a second outer 10km-wide zone, said Omar.
Since the weekend Niger authorities have been stopping poultry entering the capital, according to an AFP photographer.