Which countries are affected at present and what recommendations are given to travelers?

This avian influenza epidemic started in 2003. Since then, foci of infection have been reported in Asia, then in Africa (Egypt, Nigeria), in the Middle East and in Europe (Turkey).

This epidemic of avian influenza is now endemic on three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe. Furthermore, at the end of March 2007, cases where the virus had been transmitted to man were identified in 12 countries (Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, Laos and Nigeria). The WHO regularly updates a map of the countries affected by avian influenza as well as the human cases. It is available on the WHO site:

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/

The recommendations given to people traveling to, or living in, the affected countries are as follows:

Avoid all contact with live or dead (uncooked) poultry.
Do not visit farms, zoos which have avian fauna, or poultry and bird markets.
Avoid contact with surfaces contaminated by faeces.
Do not bring back birds which originate in these areas.
Do not eat poorly or inadequately cooked poultry or egg-based products.
And, of course, obey the rules of hygiene.
If you have a temperature, breathing difficulties, or a cough, consult a doctor, telling him of any contact with poultry.