Avian Influenza

April 18, 2006 Resolutions

Number: 2006-04

 

WHEREAS, there is growing concern about a possible pandemic of a virulent avian influenza virus in humans; and

WHEREAS, there are numerous strains of avian influenza which occur in wild birds at low levels and most are of no significant risk to birds or humans; and

WHEREAS, virulent forms of avian influenza most likely originated in poultry (domesticated chickens, ducks, turkey, quail and geese) from mutations of the influenza virus; and

WHEREAS, human infection with avian influenza occurs in areas where poultry and humans live in close proximity, providing opportunity for transmission from birds to humans; and

WHEREAS, wild birds can potentially be infected with virulent forms of avian influenza by exposure to infected poultry; and

WHEREAS, there are many potential vectors for the spread of avian influenza, such as the legal and illegal trade in birds, migration of wild birds, and the movement of poultry and other avian livestock and caged birds; and

WHEREAS, potential transmission of virulent forms of avian influenza to wild birds can be minimized through proper management of poultry to prevent contact with wild birds; and

WHEREAS, there are no recorded cases of transmission of avian influenza from wild birds directly to humans; and

WHEREAS, attempts to control the spread of avian influenza through efforts to reduce or control wild native bird populations would be ineffective and potentially devastating, especially to less common native species;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled March 17-18, 2006, in New Orleans, Louisiana, hereby urges the development, funding, and implementation of an international strategy for managing avian influenza. The strategy shall include:

  1. a framework for wildlife, agricultural and human health agencies and organizations to work cooperatively on this disease; and
  2. the identification of additional research and monitoring needs; and
  3. recommendations for improving the dissemination of information about avian influenza with emphasis on providing information in rural areas; and
  4. the development of standards and guidelines for the management of poultry that include measures to control contact between domestic birds and wild birds and calls for the depopulation of infected poultry in the event of an outbreak; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation also urges that the developed strategy contain assurances that management of wildlife remains in the control of professional wildlife management agencies and not agricultural or human health agencies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation supports increased research funding to enhance the understanding of the biology of avian flu, means of transmission, methods of controlling outbreaks in poultry, and prevention of transmission of virulent strains to wild birds from poultry.