LONDRA TANITMA MÜŞAVİRLİĞİ’NDEN “KUŞ GRİBİ”NE YÖNELİK AÇIKLAMA
TC Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı Londra Tanıtma Müşavirliği tarafından Birliğimize gönderilen yazıda, aşağıdaki metnin tüketicileri bilgilendirmek üzere Müşavirlik’in web sitesine (www.goturkey.co.uk) konulduğu belirtilmektedir:
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Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
In their latest statement, issued on 12th January, the WHO (World Health Organization) states:
’The risk of infection for travellers to Turkey is negligible provided direct contact with dead or diseased domestic and wild birds is avoided.’
ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents, issued the following information on 12th January:
“BIRD FLU IN TURKEY. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed a number of cases of bird flu in humans in Turkey during January. The situation there is very similar to the kinds of outbreaks in south east Asia, which have been occurring since 2003 and there is still no evidence of human to human transmission of the disease. The Foreign Office, which takes advice on this issue from the World Health Organisation and the Department of Health, has not changed its advice to Turkey as they report that the risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low, provided travellers avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where they may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds. They also advise travellers to ensure that poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. “
The facts
• All the evidence shows that the only people who have been infected have had close, direct contact with infected birds.
• There have been no cases of travellers being infected anywhere in the world.
• There have been no cases of transmission from human to human anywhere in the world.
• All of the cases have been amongst villagers, mostly in the far east of Turkey, who often keep poultry in their own homes.
Your questions answered
Is it safe to travel to Turkey?
There have been no cases of travellers being infected by bird flu anywhere in the world. All the evidence shows that the only cases of bird flu have been contracted by direct contact with infected birds and the World Health Organisation says there is no sign that the virus is passing from human to human.
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office states: “The risk of avian flu to British nationals visiting countries affected by avian flu is believed to be very low. There is no reason not to travel to these countries.”
Likewise, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs state that "The risk of avian flu to Irish nationals visiting affected countries is believed to be low. There are no specific restrictions for travellers to any of the countries affected by avian influenza as the risk is believed to be low."
How has infection occurred in Turkey?
According to the World Health Organisation, “To date, all evidence indicates that patients have acquired their infections following close contact with diseased poultry. Contact between people and poultry has likely increased during the present cold weather, when the custom among many rural households is to bring poultry into their homes.
Based on experiences during the avian H5N1 outbreaks in Asia, behaviours that carry an especially high risk of infection include the slaughtering, defeathering, butchering, and preparation for consumption of diseased poultry. These behaviours tend to occur most frequently in rural areas where populations traditionally slaughter and consume birds once deaths or signs of illness are seen in poultry flocks.”
Is it possible to catch bird flu?
The following is taken from the WHO web site:
“The risk of avian influenza to humans is almost entirely confined to those who have had close contact with infected domestic poultry. For people who have no contact with domestic or wild birds the risk is almost non-existent.
To date, most human cases of avian influenza have occurred in rural or periurban areas where many households keep small poultry flocks, which often roam freely, sometimes entering homes or sharing outdoor areas where children play. As infected birds shed large quantities of the virus in their faeces, opportunities for exposure to infected droppings or to environments contaminated by the virus are abundant under such conditions. Exposure is considered most likely during slaughter, defeathering, butchering, and preparation of poultry for cooking. “
What precautions should I take in Turkey?
According to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, there are no specific restrictions for travellers to any of the countries affected by avian influenza, ‘as the risk is believed to be very low’.
In Turkey, as in the other countries where cases of bird flu have been reported, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. Normal cooking destroys the avian influenza virus. No cases of avian influenza have been linked to the consumption of properly cooked poultry and egg products.
As the risks from avian influenza are considered small, the UK’s Health Protection Agency does not at present advise tourists visiting affected areas to carry anti-viral drugs. There have been no cases of avian flu in travellers.
What measures are being taken to contain this outbreak?
The authorities are taking all measures to contain the outbreak, including restricting livestock movement in affected areas, culling of birds and an intensive programme of public education. No evidence of human-to-human transmission is reported. There is no disease in urban areas or in any of the resort areas.
Dr Marc Danzon, WHO (World Health Organization) Regional Director for Europe, said: "WHO has constantly stressed how important it is that that Member States facing outbreaks of avian influenza act swiftly and forcefully to prevent any further spread of the disease. My contacts with the Turkish health authorities have convinced me that all necessary measures are being taken to bring the whole situation under control."