A REGIONAL CENTER FOR PREVENTION OF SPREADING OF AVIAN INFLUENZA IN SOUTH CAUCASUS TO BE SET UP IN ARMENIA

arminfo
2007-09-07 17:04:00

ArmInfo. A regional reference laboratory on avian influenza (AI) virus
H5N1 for South Caucasian countries will be set up in Armenia in 2008.

Armenian Health Minister Harutyun Kushkyan told journalists today
that the laboratory will give an opportunity to compare the AI virus
strain with the specimen taken from patients, which are suspected of
being infected with H5N1, on the spot. "We have got all the necessary
means to create the laboratory, and it remains for us to start the
main work," the Minister noted.

To recall, it was the World Health Organization that announced the
intention to open a reference laboratory in Armenia. The laboratory
should identify the viruses at the highest level and become a regional
center for prevention of AI spreading in the South Caucasus. It was
earlier noted that creation of such a center needs 250 thsd EUR. In
addition, a system of anti-epidemic AI control was worked out in
the republic with the support of the World Bank and the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention (USA).