The Three Ilôts saga has revived attention on the threat of Avian influenza though the authorities have clearly stated there is no link with the infection that has caused trauma in Asia over the past years. On the other hand, the episodes following the death of 38,000 chickens within four days, have contributed to increasing consumers? awareness of such a controversial issue. The question now is: to eat or not to eat?

Food and Allied industries Ltd (FAIL) constantly provided reassurance on the safety of consuming Trois Ilôts poultry. Laboratory tests in South Africa provided supplementary information on the cause of death. Hence, the ministry of Agriculture concluded the main reason was nephretic bronchitis and confirmed that humans cannot be infected. Following the ministry?s request, twelve tons of chicken were nevertheless withheld from the market. It is clear that only future developments will allow a definite closure on the matter.

Different specialists consulted on this issue have confirmed that no connection exists between the Three Ilôts case and the bird-flu. As regards travelling to Asian countries, it is clear that Mauritians have paid particular attention and advice is still being given to passengers on the proper measures to be taken. Eventually it would be relevant to consider the origins of Avian flu and its consequences on populations and countries.

The term ?Avian influenza? originates from the identification of influenza viruses infecting birds. Actually, type A influenza viruses that circulate among wild birds do not infect humans. Wild birds are carriers of the disease without being affected, but it can lead to sickness and death in domesticated birds.

The characteristics of the bird-flu virus concern two subtypes pertaining to the surface proteins.The viruses have been named after their location. The first Avian flu cases were reported in Hong Kong, China and the Netherlands. The subsequent consequences have confirmed that it was transmitted from bird to human. Some evidence of human-to-human transmission was found in the Netherlands but with no further consequence. More than 30 millions chickens, infected by the H5N1 virus, have been killed to eradicate the epidemic. The main infected countries are Pakistan, China and other South-East Asian contries.

The human symptoms of Avian flu encompass typical flu symptoms, with other infections like pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. Much has been written on the potential threat of an influenza pandemic - a global inflenza outbreak when a new virus emerges and spreads worldwide. Past influenza pandemics have brought heavy death tolls, social disruption and important economic loss.

The notorious 20th century pandemics are the 1918-19 Spanish Flu with 500 000 deaths in the US and 20 to 50 million deaths worldwide; the 1957-58 Asian Flu starting in China with 70 000 deaths in the US; the 1968-69 Hong-Kong Flu, still prevalent there.

The chicken dilemma remains a severe concern not only for infected countries but also for the global population. It would be illogical to neglect precautions as any country can become the prey of the winged virus.

Pamela Arasen-Lilette