Kabul, Afghanistan

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) trained staff of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in wild bird identification and surveillance techniques so that they can more closely monitor areas where domestic and wild birds may come into contact. This training, funded by the FAO, was undertaken as part of the Ecosystem Health component of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Afghanistan Biodiversity Conservation Project and Global Avian Influenza Network for Surveillance (www.GAINS.org). The course was taught by WCS wildlife veterinarian and biologist Dr S. Ostrowski, and took place in the city of Kabul, Afghanistan between 19 and 24 May 2007. Main topics included theoretical and applied approaches to bird identification, sample collection for avian influenza investigation and recording techniques. Descriptive epidemiology of avian influenza in wild birds was also explained so participants could understand the relationship of domestic poultry, wild birds and the exotic bird trade in the spread of the disease. A visit was organized to Kabul zoo where trainees were offered the opportunity to handle and sample a variety of bird species, and to wild bird markets to help with understanding the trade issues. Two visits were also made to wetlands in the vicinity of Kabul, where students could develop their bird identification skills, learn the use of geographic positioning system devices and discuss the risk of disease spillover between wild and domestic avian species. The second part of the training course, scheduled to take place in October, 2007 during post-breeding migration, will focus on wild bird capture and practical aspects of avian influenza sampling. This technical course was attended by a majority of women, in accordance with WCS' emphasis on equal educational opportunities for women and minorities.

WCS works around the world, using science to tackle pressing wildlife conservation problems.

The Global Avian Influenza Network for Surveillance (GAINS) is a WCS program that seeks to gather and disseminate scientific information on avian influenza in wild birds.

Submitted by: Dr. S. Ostrowski, WCS

Picture 1: Trainees practice tracheal swabbing in healthy domestic ducks, Kabul, Afghanistan

Picture 2: Trainees on their way to identify wild-caught passerines, Ka Farushi bird market, Kabul, Afghanistan