The British High Commission asked us to share this information with you. It’s from the Deputy High Commissioner himself.
AVIAN INFLUENZA
You may already be aware of international concern about outbreaks of avian influenza, and fears that this might trigger a global human flu pandemic. The FCO has been planning for this eventuality for some time.
Below is an extract from our latest Nigeria Travel Advice on avian influenza dated 22nd June 2006;
�X On 8 February 2006, the World Organisation for Animal Health confirmed that H5N1 avian influenza had occurred on a commercial chicken farm at Jaji in Kaduna State. The disease has now been detected at commercial farms in Kano, Plateau, Katsina, Bauchi, Nassarawa, Bauchi, and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja and surrounds) as well as at other farms in Kaduna.
�X The authorities are taking measures to contain the disease, including restricting livestock movement in affected areas. No human infections have been reported.
�X The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low, provided you avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
We recognise that it may be difficult for British nationals living in Nigeria to access adequate information about the virus and the possibility of a future pandemic. This letter should provide you with this, point you in the direction of other sources of information and set out what the British Deputy High Commission, Lagos and the British High Commission Abuja will and will not be able to do in the event of a pandemic.
A copy of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office��s (FCO) fact-sheet on avian and pandemic flu is available on the FCO��s website at www.fco.gov.uk. This makes clear that the risk to humans from the H5N1 avian flu virus remains low, notwithstanding the publicity given to reported cases. Medical experts believe, however, that the virus could develop into one that could be passed between humans. If this were to happen, it could trigger a global flu pandemic. In the event of a pandemic, the virus would spread very rapidly, affecting all countries within a matter of weeks.
I also suggest that you visit the Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk/pandemicflu, to view their pamphlet: “Pandemic flu; important information for you and your family”. This has been made available in GPs’ surgeries in the UK and contains information about the implications of a pandemic. You should read this together with the FCO Factsheet. They will help you to consider your options and to prepare before a human flu pandemic occurs. They also give advice on sensible precautions you might take to reduce your risk of infection with an influenza virus.
Given the likely disruption to transport, healthcare and other services (including the NHS in the UK) the level of consular assistance and visa service which we provide in Nigeria is likely to be significantly reduced or even suspended, not least because some of our own staff may be ill or unavailable. We have put in place a flu contingency plan for all our missions in Nigeria, with the intention of maintaining a basic emergency only consular service during the crisis. During any pandemic, personal contact will be kept to an absolute minimum. Consular Sections will not be open to the general public. Residual consular services will be provided by e-mail and/or telephone possibly from a remote location. Our passport service will be restricted to issuing Emergency Passports for genuine emergencies only. You should ensure therefore that your British passport is kept in a safe place, and renewed if nearing its expiry date.
We would especially draw your attention to the section of the Fact-sheet headed ��British Nationals living overseas��. You will note that in the event of a pandemic, we have concluded that given the potential number of British nationals involved in Nigeria we will be unable to offer repatriation to the UK or third country. Nor will we be able to offer diagnosis or medical treatment. This, is the duty of your usual healthcare provider. It would be sensible for you to consider whether you would have access to anti-viral drugs and appropriate medical facilities should a pandemic occur.
Please contact David Harries should you have any further queries about pandemic flu planning.
You should also monitor the FCO and British High Commission, Lagos websites for updates. We will also disseminate further information through the CLO network.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Waterworth
Peter Waterworth
Consul General & Deputy High Commissioner