Tests confirm deadly flu strain

2005-10-24 11:19

Brussels - Test results on Saturday confirming that a deadly strain of bird flu has been found in Romania have underscored fears that Europe is unprepared for a potential influenza pandemic should the avian disease mutate into a major threat to humans.

The European Commission has warned of vaccination shortfalls and lack of preparedness among some of the European Union's 25 member nations in the event of a major flu outbreak.

"In the event of a pandemic, vaccine shortage is highly probable," the Commission cautions on its website.

It adds that supplies of vaccine are distributed unevenly across the EU.

"Vaccine availability and access to anti-viral drugs is up to now nationally determined and access is not co-ordinated in the EU," warns the EU's public health directorate.

"Facilities for vaccine production exist in only a limited number of member states."

The website gives a grim view of the likelihood of a major flu pandemic, which some experts say could kill millions.

'Influenza pandemic is inevitable...'

"Experts take the view that an influenza pandemic is inevitable and may be imminent," it says, adding that the most likely source is a strain jumping from animals to humans.

"Poultry and pigs are considered the most likely source of new strains capable to cross the species barrier from animal to man, through a mutation mechanism."

Some EU nations have failed to draw up comprehensive plans to deal with a flu pandemic.

"National pandemic preparedness plans are being drafted or are already in place for the major part, but not in all member states," the Commission's website says.

EU officials declined to comment on a report published in London's Financial Times on Saturday which said that European supplies of antiviral drugs were only expected to cover 10% of the population, compared to the 25% recommended by the World Health Organisation.

The main drug being stockpiled in case of a pandemic is Tamiflu, produced by Swiss-based Roche Holding AG. It is in short supply as nations around the world try to stock up.

The Commission has long warned that drug manufacturers are unlikely to be able to keep up with demand for antiviral drugs or vaccines in the event of a pandemic.

Although 60 people have died of bird flu in Asia in the past two years, the virus doesn't easily infect humans.

However, scientists fear the deadly H5N1 strain, which was confirmed in Romania and Turkey, could mutate into a form easily transmittable between people, triggering a human pandemic.

- AP