Stamping out H5N1 avian influenza could take decades

Eliminating the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus from poultry in the six countries where it remains endemic will take ten or more years, according to a new FAO report.

The report makes specific recommendations for each country regarding measures that should be taken...

Situation in Japan

The current crisis in Japan -- triggered by the powerful earthquake of 11 March and subsequent tsunami -- is a complex emergency where the United Nations system is responding as and where requested by the Government of Japan.

Damage to nuclear power plants and the resulting risk of radiation mean that...

North Korea: FAO says urgent vaccine and equipment needed to contain Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Around a million dollars of equipment and vaccines are urgently required to help stem outbreaks of deadly Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD) in North Korea, followed by a more prolonged and concerted effort to modernize veterinary services in the country.

Working together to support Japan and the global community

FAO, IAEA and WHO are committed to mobilizing their knowledge and expertise in support of the Japanese government's ongoing efforts to address food safety issues stemming from the events of 11 March.

Additional information on the food safety dimension of events in Japan is contained in a set of...

FAO-OIE team in North Korea to help with Foot-and-Mouth disease

A team of animal health specialists from FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has arrived in North Korea to assist veterinary authorities there in responding to outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth disease among pigs and cattle.

The group consists of a veterinarian specializing in FMD and transboundary animal...

Vets go private, crush brucellosis in Central Asian republic

A dramatic decline in brucellosis, a serious disease affecting both livestock and humans in this Central Asian country, is being hailed as the first major victory of the recently privatized national animal health service.

Government services in this former Soviet republic all but collapsed during a civil war in...

Fewer pesticides and higher yields and incomes

West African farmers have succeeded in cutting the...

Africa crop tool launched

FAO has launched a quick reference calendar covering 43 major African countries that advises which crops to plant when, according to the type of agricultural zone from drylands to highlands.

Madagascar - locust emergency

FAO situation update No.2 -- The rainy season – which is now starting slowly and will last until April 2011 – favors rapid multiplication of the migratory locust in its traditional south western distribution area and beyond. At least three generations can successively occur, each of them multiplying the locust population...

Deadly animal virus threatens to spread to southern Africa

A deadly viral disease which broke out in Tanzania earlier this year risks spreading to Southern Africa, posing a mortal threat to more than 50 million sheep and goats in 15 countries, FAO warned today.

Known as Peste des Petits Ruminants (Small Ruminants' Plague), or PPR, it is considered as the...