Most of the health crises that have occurred in the last ten years have been related to diseases that are transmittable to humans and that have originated in developing countries. Clearly, therefore, the investments that are required to improve health systems need to focus on prevention at source - in animals - and in the countries of the South.
Robust animal health systems directed by well-equipped veterinary services and supported by a clear political commitment are the key elements for successful avian influenza control campaigns, the FAO Director-General stressed.
In partnership with national veterinary services, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO), FAO has played a lead role in combating avian influenza. With FAO's assistance, more than 130 countries have been able to adopt appropriate prevention and control measures.
(FAO, 4 December 2007)