Be vigilant and help contain spread of bird flu

The outbreak of the Avian flu in Uganda has triggered a strong response by local authorities to ensure that the pathogen does not find its way across the border and into Kenya. The flurry of activity was prompted after tests on dead birds at Lutembe beach in Lake Victoria and near Entebbe turned positive for the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Already, Kenyan authorities have banned the importation of poultry from Uganda and warned residents living near the border to watch out for uncharacteristic deaths of chicken. This is as it should be. To back this up, there must be increased vigilance at immigration entry points where health officers, equipped with reliable testing kits, are stationed.