What is known thus far is only a report by the state-run Korea Central News Agency that with the outbreak of avian influenza in two or three chicken farms near Pyongyang, hundreds and thousands of birds have been buried or burned. There are 135 confirmed bird flu strains, and the methods of diagnosing and combating them differ from strain to strain. If the wrong drugs are used, it fosters resistance. Depending on how far the flu has spread, disinfection methods and the scope of the slaughter vary. South Korea cannot offer medicine and equipment at random.

Avian influenza has broken out at massive chicken farms near Pyongyang directly managed by the authorities. Many experts think chances are high that the flu has spread to a many other areas where quarantine and sanitary conditions are poor. North Korea admitted the outbreak as late as Sunday; the outbreak was rumored among experts here for over a month.

Since we have suffered nationwide bird flu outbreaks, we do have experience of combating it. In Asia, Korea and Japan have the technology for diagnosing the deadly disease. But if we are to provide adequate technology, facilities and equipment, North Korea must give us accurate information about bird flu strains, the process by which it is spreading and the preventive measures taken so far. Only then will we be able to help effectively.

Since this is not a migration season for birds, experts say, chances are slim of the bird flu in the North spreading to the South. But we should not become complacent. In only three months after our first avian flu broke out in December 2003, we had to slaughter as many as 5.2 million birds. Thorough precautions must be taken with the people, goods and vehicles traveling to the North. In the restricted area along the de-militarized zone, blissfully free from people, there live many resident birds that fly to and fro between the two Koreas.