An outbreak of Avian Flu will severely test even the best-laid business continuity plans, Marsh, the world's leading risk and insurance services firm, has warned.
In its Avian Flu Adviser the company has advised businesses to review and revise their plans in light of the threat, as pandemic influenza is not a ‘normal' business risk.
According to the firm the main types of insurance cover that need to be reviewed include property insurance/business interruption, employers' liability insurance, and public/products liability.
Since its last Avian Flu Adviser was published, Marsh said the business community had divided into two distinct areas: those that are concerned about the threat and are planning accordingly and those that have done little to prepare, as they believe the risk in a human to human form is too remote.
Marsh's Avian Flu Adviser, Eddie McLaughlin, Managing Director, Business Risk Consulting at Marsh said: “The potential for business loss arising from Avian Flu cannot be overestimated.
“To ignore the potential business threat is foolhardy and now is the time for firms to start assessing their risks and putting plans in place if need be.”
