6 Quotes by Juergen Voegele

If we look at the importance of poultry as a percentage of GDP, it tends to be pretty small. But in terms of development and poverty, it's extremely important. Thousands and thousands of families depend on the chickens they raise in their backyards for food and income.

At this moment, it's not clear to what extent this epidemic is under control in Europe and Central Asia. Our message to countries in the region is this: Be prepared. Don't wait till you have an outbreak to think about drafting contingency plans and putting together a communications strategy.

Preparation in these countries is in full swing and the cooperation with the local and international specialists is excellent . We expect these projects to be approved within the next few weeks.

The world is beginning to see this is not going to go away easily.

The Kyrgyz Republic is located in Central Asia on a major migratory flyway path and the current capacity in the country to monitor migratory birds and potential transmission of disease to local poultry and among local poultry is very weak. This is definitely a country that needs assistance immediately.

A joint assessment has come up with a $30 million requirement to fill the needs to improve surveillance, veterinary services and put in place a basic human health component to deal with the outbreak.