Avian flu and the New World

摘要

The H5N1 avian influenza virus has not yet reached North and South America. What will happen when it does? The H5N1 virus once seemed a problem that was lurking in someone else's backyard farm, But since last summer, the lethal avian influenza virus has surged out of southeast Asia into Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Fifty-one countries - 36 this year alone - have now experienced outbreaks. The New World is as yet untouched, but many experts consider it inevitable that the virus will reach Northand South America. This area is home to the world's largest poultry exporters, Brazil and the United States And although government and industry officials say they are well prepared for the arrival of H5N1, other s argue that they have yet to take on board the full extent of the challenge.