Residents confident of keeping safe from bird flu

Abu Dhabi: A majority of the residents in the country are confident that bird flu will not affect them, a Gulf News survey indicated.

A number of them questioned yesterday said the control executed by authorities in the Gulf will prevent bird flu from reaching the region.

Most were also aware about bird flu and what it may entail, although some residents emphasised the need for more awareness campaigns in the country.

Most also felt it is safe to eat chicken.

Yesterday's spot survey contrasted with the findings three months ago, when a majority feared the disease and said they did not know enough about it (see box).

Interestingly, another online Gulf News poll coincided more closely with the earlier online poll.

Rida Abdul Hadi, a 25-year-old UAE national, yesterday told Gulf News that he is not scared of bird flu. "The disease can be contracted anywhere but I am not afraid of it," he said. "I know it can't be transferred from man to man. I don't think we should stop eating chicken."

Brando Ugalino, 32, a project administrator from the Philippines, said he is not scared of bird flu. "In the UAE they are very keen on such sensitive issues and with the quality control and check on the poultry, there's nothing to fear."

"With the present media coverage, everybody knows enough about bird flu," he said. "I eat a lot of chicken and I don't think I will stop eating."

Stella Ghantous, a biologist from Canada, said there's no need to be afraid of bird flu. "I'm not afraid of it, yet it is possible that the virus can mutate. Right now people who handle poultry are the ones who get affected first. The danger is when it starts spreading from person to person and becomes an epidemic. With what we see on TV, I think people are aware enough of the flu. I also think they should do something about the migratory birds that come to the UAE," she said.

Role of campaigns

Ramez Kawas, 41, a bank employee from Jordan, said he cancelled all his travel plans due to bird flu.

"I am not afraid of bird flu hitting the Gulf region but I'm afraid it may affect other countries especially the ones near Turkey," he said.

Kussay Abdullah, 46, a project manager from Syria, said the fear is baseless. "Authorities here are very protective especially when it comes to bird flu."

Gail Waddleton, 34, from Canada, said everyone should be afraid if there is a chance of bird flu affecting the region. "I am a little scared of it but I guess the role of awareness campaigns comes now."

Fact file

Online survey figures show fear has abated

Gulf News online polls on the bird flu issue showed the following results:

Do you fear bird flu? (September 9, 2005)

Do you fear bird flu? (January 12, 2006)

Do you know enough about bird flu? (October 16, 2005)

Has the bird flu scare made you stop eating chicken? (October 18, 2005)