Bonn, 13 July 2007 - The recent findings of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Central Europe led the International Scientific Task Force (TF) on Avian Influenza to elaborate a new statement on these new outbreaks.

The statement, which was developed by all the TF members, including AEWA, is a caution against the unjustified or exclusive blaming of migratory wild birds as the only potential vectors of the disease.
The TF statement points to data derived from phylogenetic analysis suggesting, inter alia, that the recent outbreaks are observed in mostly non-migrant species and are occurring during the non-migratory period and can therefore hardly be connected solely to migrating wild birds.

•To read the full AI Task Force statement please click here: "New outbreaks of HPAI in Central Europe" (13 July 2007)

Further Information:

• Conclusions and Recommendations from the Avian Influenza & Wildlife Workshop held in Aviemore, Scotland, UK, from 26 to 28 June 2007

• AI Task Force Brochure: ‘Avian Influenza and Wild Birds – What is their actual role in the spread of the virus?’ (available in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Russian and Arabic)

• AEWA Announcement on Avimore Conference: Scientists consider Avian Influenza & Wildlife (26 June 2007)

• For more information please see: www.aiweb.info (Official AI Task Force Website)