Avian influenza experts gather at AVMA convention WASHINGTON, D.C. — Few public health threats are generating as much international attention as avian influenza, particularly the deadly highly pathogenic strain known as H5N1. Actions needed by the global health community to prevent the potential spread of "bird flu" is the focus of international scientists gathered at the American Veterinary Medical Association's 144th Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., July 14 - July 18.
From Indonesia to Egypt, H5N1 has killed millions of waterfowl and poultry and nearly 200 people. Scientists are concerned that the virus, which is spread from infected poultry to people, may one day mutate into a strain that can be transmitted from person to person, resulting in a human influenza pandemic.
"Infectious diseases remain among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide," says Anthony Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health and a featured speaker on Tuesday, July 17.
"The threat of a human influenza pandemic has greatly increased over the past several years with the emergence of highly virulent avian influenza viruses, notably H5N1 viruses, which have infected humans in at least 12 countries," Dr. Fauci says.
"Previous influenza pandemics have arrived with little or no warning, but the current widespread circulation of H5N1 viruses among avian populations and their potential for increased transmission to humans and other mammalian species may afford us an unprecedented opportunity to prepare for the next pandemic threat."
Scientists across all disciplines are working together to minimize that threat.
"The emergence of H5N1 and its spread have led to an increasing focus on this infection among public health officials, the media and the public," says Nina Marano, DVM, branch chief, Geographic Medicine and Health Promotion Branch, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Marano is a featured speaker at a unique symposium held Sunday, July 15, is dedicated to analyzing recent progress in research conducted to prepare for and prevent the spread of pandemic influenza and other emerging diseases.
Dr. Marano emphasizes how critical it is for medical professionals across all disciplines to share in the effort of studying and preventing avian influenza's spread.
"CDC always does its best work in partnership with others, and we value the partnerships we have built with the veterinary medical community and the animal health sector for detection and response to novel strains of influenza," she said.
David Swayne, DVM, director of the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service, will address "Recent Worldwide Outbreaks of Avian Influenza and Methods of Control" on July 15.
According to Dr. Swayne, vaccines can be used to prevent, manage or eradicate avian influenza from poultry and other birds.
"A variety of vaccines have been developed and tested under experimental conditions, with a few receiving licensure and field use following demonstration of purity, safety, efficacy and potency," he said.
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The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 75,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association's issues, policies and activities.
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