 In
response to continued outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian
influenza H5N1 around the world, a group of wetland experts
met in Changwon, Republic of Korea from 11-14 Nov to discuss
future responses to the spread of H5N1 and its handling
in the media. The workshop was part of an intersession
expert meeting of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands’
Scientific & Technical Review Panel (STRP) on wetlands
and human health, and thus specifically dealt with avian
influenza issues related to wetlands and waterbirds.
CMS and the Scientific Task Force on Avian
Influenza and Wild Birds was represented at the workshop
by Rebecca Lee, the Task Force coordinator. Rebecca gave
advice on the Task Force’s activities and presented
a draft of a new guidance document developed during the
workshop that will aid decision makers and others in accessing
avian influenza guidelines. Considering the important
and dynamic nature of H5N1, workshop participants agreed
that a new resolution on avian influenza should be prepared
for consideration at Ramsar’s next Conference of
Parties to be held from 28 Oct – 4 Nov 2008, also
in Changwon, Republic of Korea.
Work to further develop the draft resolution and the
guidance document will be undertaken through the 14th
meeting of the Ramsar STRP in January 2008, in which the
Task Force Coordinator will participate.
 The Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild
Birds was established in August 2005 by CMS in close cooperation
with AEWA in response to growing concerns about the role
of migratory birds as potential vectors of highly pathogenic
avian influenza H5N1. The Task Force aims to bring together
the best scientific advice on the conservation impact
of the spread of avian influenza, assessing the role of
migratory birds as vectors of the virus, and issuing advice
on the root causes of the epizootic as well as technically
sound measures to combat it and develop early warning
systems. The Task Force comprises 14 members and observers,
including UN bodies, wildlife treaties and specialist
intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
For more information, please visit
www.aiweb.info
or contact Rebecca Lee
E-mail: rlee@cms.int
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