In the statement, FAO also warned that "as long as the H5N1 virus circulates in poultry, humans continue to be at risk."
"Close contacts between humans, domestic poultry and wildlife should be reduced and closely monitored. On farms and in markets, domestic birds should be strictly separated from wild animals to the greatest extent possible," said the agency. "Vaccinating poultry could also be considered in at-risk situations."
That's right. Bird flu. It's coming for Europe, Asia, Africa...the warning drumbeat continues with another statement from the UN FAO today. (Of course, we don't listen to the UN so much, so maybe we can just stick our heads in the sand on this issue, too?)
Are we ready? The dismal level of preparedness for a natural disaster, the diversion of funds away from the internal security concerns of America, all point to one answer: NO.