New Delhi: Members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries today (Feb 16, 2004) gathered in New Delhi to draw a regional contingency plan to prevent spread of Avian Flu virus.

"Since the virus does not discriminate political and geographic boundaries, there is a need to devise joint strategy in consultation with neighbouring countries," Union Health Minister Sushma Swaraj said, opening the meeting.

With inputs from members of SAARC countries, experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO), health and agricultural departments, a strategy would be evolved to prevent occurrence of the disease in the country, she said.

There is a need to address the problem at the psychological level as well, she added.

The members would discuss preventing unnecessary panic among the public, Swaraj said.

The delegation would come out with a joint contingency plan against the Avian Flu virus, which has killed 19 people in Vietnam and Thailand, she said.