Addressing the avian influenza A(H7N9) emergency ::: Risk management along the food chain

This document describes options for mitigating human exposure to the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus via birds and their by-products, and options for mitigating the spread of H7N9 in birds. It applies both to countries where H7N9 exists and to those that have not yet identified the virus. It should...

African swine fever in the Russian Federation - Risk factors for Europe and beyond

African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most severe viral pig diseases

Some genotypes of ASF can cause up to 100 percent mortality in pigs and wild boar, such as the genotype II virus introduced into Georgia in 2007 which spread throughout the Caucasus into the Islamic Republic...

Culprit behind massive shrimp die-offs in Asia unmasked

Bacterium responsible for Early Mortality Syndrome of Shrimp – Crucial first step in finding effective ways to combat the disease

In a major breakthrough, researchers at the University of Arizona have identified the causative agent behind a mysterious disease that has been decimating shrimp farms in Asia.

The disease, known as Shrimp...

Strong biosecurity measures required in response to influenza A(H7N9) virus

FAO supports China and neighbouring countries in disease detection and animal health management

Responding to the occurrence of the A(H7N9) influenza virus in China requires strong biosecurity measures, FAO said today. Unlike other influenza strains, including highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 [...]

Madagascar needs more than $41 million to end locust plague

Half of the country infested by locusts - food production seriously at risk

Madagascar needs more than $22 million of emergency funding by June to start fighting a severe locust plague that threatens the country's next cropping seasons and the food security of more than half the country's population[...]

Cell phones revolutionizing Kenya’s livestock sector

Mobile phones send first alerts for livestock diseases, and Web access by cell phone means endless innovations are improving Kenya’s livestock industry by leaps and bounds

Farmers and veterinarians across Africa are increasingly using cell phones to issue alerts quickly about possible animal disease outbreaks [...]

FAO urges stronger measures on global health threats

World risks new bird flu surge if countries drop their guard

The world risks a repeat of the disastrous 2006 bird flu outbreaks unless surveillance and control of this and other dangerous animal diseases is strengthened globally, FAO warns. [...]

Wheat rust diseases: preparedness and prevention is key

Contingency Planning for Management of Wheat Rust Diseases

Serious Desert Locust threat extends to northwest and northeast Africa

The Desert Locust situation remains serious as small swarms continue to form in Mali, Niger, and Chad, and adult groups have moved north to Libya, Tunisia and Algeria. [...]

US increases funding to combat influenza and emerging disease threats

Continued partnership will strengthen countries' preparedness, surveillance and response

FAO's commitment to fight emerging disease threats in "hotspot" regions worldwide is getting a boost with new funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the UN agency said today. [...]