A statement has been released by director of US Foreign Assistance and USAID administrator Randall Tobias about the effects of avian flu and the measures the US government has undertaken since its outbreak.

The statement reports that, in the past year, the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus moved rapidly from Southeast Asia and spread into Europe, Eurasia and Africa. The disease has been detected in 53 countries. Avian flu has cost governments and private industries billions of dollars, and caused the death or destruction of at least 220 million birds, affecting agribusiness, trade and opportunities for economic growth. To date, it has also infected 247 humans in ten countries; almost 60% of these cases have been fatal.

It added that, in addition to loss of life, avian influenza and the risk of a pandemic poses enormous challenges to global stability. The statement said that the US government is providing emergency assistance and preparedness planning to 53 countries through support to international organisations, including the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Health Organisation. USAID's total avian influenza commitment is reported to be $191 million.

The USA is training first responders to learn how to use personal protective equipment, collect and ship samples, detect disease using improved laboratory equipment, and provide emergency response to outbreak situations.