Jackie Chan stars in bird flu announcement

World-famous actor and martial arts expert Jackie Chan stars in a new television public service announcement to alert children and their families around the world to the dangers of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu.

The PSA was produced by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), with funding from the Government of Japan.

The one-minute spot shows Chan, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, with six children and some very colourful origami birds that are used to convey an essential message. Chan tells the girls and boys in a firm tone: birds can pass on avian influenza to people; so it's important to stay away from sick and dead birds, especially chickens. He then nods approvingly as 8-year-old Ava pipes out: "But playing with paper birds is fine."

While the PSA deals with a disease that has spread beyond Asia and often incites fear, it aims to do so with panache rather than panic.

"It was great to work with this group of children on something that concerns Asia and the entire world. This is not about creating alarm but helping children be more alert and careful. When it comes to bird flu, we don't want to take any chances with our kids," said Jackie Chan.

Visit the FAO website to view the public service announcement on bird flu starring Jackie Chan, click on View the PSA under related links on the right hand side of the page.

Photo: FAO

Editor WorldPoultry