Red Cross Federation says short of bird flu funds

GENEVA, June 16 (Reuters) The world's largest disaster relief agency today said it had received only small change towards its 17.4 million Swiss francs appeal (14.18 million dollars) to combat bird flu, limiting its training of Red Cross volunteers.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said there was a risk of the H5N1 virus spreading across more countries with migration patterns of wild birds shifting again next month.

Two months after its appeal to boost defences against a feared human pandemic - by training 50,000 volunteers, especially in rural areas - only 3.2 percent of the funds had been received, a statement said.

''We need to put preventive measures in place now as this will help communities worldwide to be better prepared should a crisis occur,'' said Pierre Duplessis, the Federation's special envoy for avian flu.

Its 183 Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies are considered by UN bird flu coordinator David Nabarro as a key frontline partner in gearing up preparedness against a pandemic.

Africa - where the virus has been detected in birds in eight countries - is particularly vulnerable because healthcare services there are often weak, the agency said at the time of its April 20 appeal.

Only Britain, and the German and Japanese Red Cross societies, have come through with contributions, according to spokeswoman Sian Bowen. ''Traditionally we get better appeal coverage by now, so that is why we are concerned,'' she said.

REUTERS SB PM2002