US embassy cable - 05PRAGUE1533

UNCLAS PRAGUE 001533 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMED, EAGR, EZ, PGOV, TBIO, WHO 
SUBJECT: AVIAN FLU: CZECHS DON'T HAVE THEIR DUCKS IN A ROW 
 
 
1. (SBU) Summary:  There is no evidence of Avian Flu in the 
Czech Republic.  However, due to a lack of political 
leadership and a delayed reaction to the potential pandemic, 
the government only has sufficient medical supplies and 
facilities to deal with a mild outbreak.  A larger outbreak 
would overwhelm the resources and abilities of the fractious 
Ministry of Health and Czech health care providers.  Post is 
prepared to care for all American employees, American 
dependents, and locally hired staff.  Post is looking into 
the possibility of procuring additional Tamiflu for family 
members of locally hired employees.  Consular and public 
affairs sections are spreading critical information to AmCits 
to ensure their safety and the warden system is ready for 
activation.  End Summary. 
 
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Fractured Host Government Preparedness 
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2. (SBU) As of October 21, the Ministry of Agriculture 
imposed two bans intended to help minimize the spread of any 
virus: a ban on gathering large numbers (term undefined) of 
birds together for exhibits, competition, or breeding; and a 
nonsensical ban on pigeon racing.  On a more encouraging 
note, the State Veterinarian Office has asked for the 14 
regional veterinary centers to hold educational seminars for 
poultry workers by the end of October, has two emergency 
destruction centers, and has an up-to-date plan to respond to 
any infectious diseases. 
 
3. (SBU) The Ministry of Health, which is wracked with 
internal struggles and has gone through six Ministers in as 
many years, is doing little to respond to Avian Flu concerns. 
 The Czech Republic has set aside funds to order 
approximately 2 million doses of avian flu vaccine, which 
will be produced in-country (note: the population of Czech 
Republic is 10 million, about 1 million of which reside in 
Prague).  However, clinical tests are not due to begin until 
next year.  The government claims to have 600,000 doses of 
Tamiflu already in stock, and has promised to purchase more, 
while at the same time banning the sale of Tamiflu to the 
public.  The acting Minister of Health, David Rath, who was 
only appointed on October 20, is rather dismissive of Avian 
Flu concerns, stressing that "people are far more at risk of 
dying in a road accident." 
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Post Readiness 
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4. (SBU) Post held an EAC meeting October 25 on Avian Flu. 
Post will have sufficient supplies of Tamiflu for all 
employees (Americans and FSNs) and American dependents in 
December, and is currently looking into the purchase of 
additional doses to cover the family members of locally hired 
employees.  The Embassy website is being updated to include 
information for AmCits about the flu and where they can get 
medical treatment in Prague.  If there were to be a 
substantial outbreak, medical facilities in the capital would 
likely be insufficient and AmCits who reside in the area or 
are quarantined during a visit due to an outbreak would be 
subject to the provisional plans of the government, which at 
this point are uncertain. 
 
5.  (SBU) Comment:  While the Ministry of Health does have a 
pandemic plan in place and has ready access to military 
resources in the event of an Avian Flu outbreak, hospitals 
that post is in contact with, are unfamiliar with the 
pandemic response plan.  Post continues to monitor the 
government preparedness. 
CABANISS