OD/NT
Well-known member
Subject: Avian Influenza Information
Importance: High
Greetings,
Sensationalized Avian Influenza Pandemic scenarios are being portrayed on television and radio that create public fear. It is important for the public to get accurate information that helps them to make informed decisions. You can help. Thank you.
<>A Message from Dr. John Bonner, Executive Vice President of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST):
As attention around the world focuses on the potential for an avian influenza pandemic, there is concern that sensationalism may overrule facts, ironically creating the very chaos it predicts. It is critical in this situation that individuals and organizations be prepared to act rather than react. The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), known for its timely, pertinent communications of science and agriculture issues, is ready to assist. And we'd like your help.
<>CAST recently published two papers on the impacts of an avian influenza pandemic. These concise Commentaries, written for a general audience, have received wide recognition and are available to view and download without charge by visiting the CAST website (www.cast-science.org ).
<>
* Avian Influenza: Human Pandemic Concerns: This CAST Commentary addresses the current situation, evaluates the structure and function of avian influenza viruses, outlines pandemic risk assessment, and provides references and selected websites for more detailed information. <>
* Avian Influenza: Trade Issues: Although much of the concern about a pandemic outbreak of high-pathogenic avian influenza centers on human health, the potential impacts on the international poultry and feed grains trade are significant. This paper brings these trade concerns into sharper focus. <>
Additionally, we recommend a recently completed report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
* Pandemic Influenza Planning: A Guide for Individuals and Families. This excellent overview, which provides common sense actions that citizens can take to prepare for a potential pandemic, can be accessed at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/guide.pdf
<>Will you help us "get the word out" about these important publications? As mentioned above, they are available without charge to anyone. Please share this information with your colleagues, and consider adding a direct link (www.cast-science.org ) on your organization's website.
<>The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, headquartered in Ames, Iowa, assembles, interprets, and communicates credible, science-based information regionally, nationally, and internationally to legislators, regulators, policymakers, the media, the private sector, and the public. The official CAST website can be accessed at www.cast-science.org For further information, contact me at CAST: John M. Bonner, CAST Executive Vice President (515-292-2125, ext. 25; [email protected]).
<>Thank you very much for your help.
Best Regards,
<>John M. Bonner
Executive Vice President
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
4420 West Lincoln Way
Ames, Iowa 50014
515-292-2125, ext. 25
[email protected]
--
Nickolas G. Zimmermann, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Animal and Avian Sciences
3151 Animal Sciences Building
University of Maryland College Park
College Park, MD 20742-2311
301-405-2805 301-314-9059 Fax
[email protected]
http://www.umd.edu/MNC
Importance: High
Greetings,
Sensationalized Avian Influenza Pandemic scenarios are being portrayed on television and radio that create public fear. It is important for the public to get accurate information that helps them to make informed decisions. You can help. Thank you.
<>A Message from Dr. John Bonner, Executive Vice President of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST):
As attention around the world focuses on the potential for an avian influenza pandemic, there is concern that sensationalism may overrule facts, ironically creating the very chaos it predicts. It is critical in this situation that individuals and organizations be prepared to act rather than react. The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), known for its timely, pertinent communications of science and agriculture issues, is ready to assist. And we'd like your help.
<>CAST recently published two papers on the impacts of an avian influenza pandemic. These concise Commentaries, written for a general audience, have received wide recognition and are available to view and download without charge by visiting the CAST website (www.cast-science.org ).
<>
* Avian Influenza: Human Pandemic Concerns: This CAST Commentary addresses the current situation, evaluates the structure and function of avian influenza viruses, outlines pandemic risk assessment, and provides references and selected websites for more detailed information. <>
* Avian Influenza: Trade Issues: Although much of the concern about a pandemic outbreak of high-pathogenic avian influenza centers on human health, the potential impacts on the international poultry and feed grains trade are significant. This paper brings these trade concerns into sharper focus. <>
Additionally, we recommend a recently completed report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
* Pandemic Influenza Planning: A Guide for Individuals and Families. This excellent overview, which provides common sense actions that citizens can take to prepare for a potential pandemic, can be accessed at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/guide.pdf
<>Will you help us "get the word out" about these important publications? As mentioned above, they are available without charge to anyone. Please share this information with your colleagues, and consider adding a direct link (www.cast-science.org ) on your organization's website.
<>The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, headquartered in Ames, Iowa, assembles, interprets, and communicates credible, science-based information regionally, nationally, and internationally to legislators, regulators, policymakers, the media, the private sector, and the public. The official CAST website can be accessed at www.cast-science.org For further information, contact me at CAST: John M. Bonner, CAST Executive Vice President (515-292-2125, ext. 25; [email protected]).
<>Thank you very much for your help.
Best Regards,
<>John M. Bonner
Executive Vice President
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
4420 West Lincoln Way
Ames, Iowa 50014
515-292-2125, ext. 25
[email protected]
--
Nickolas G. Zimmermann, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Animal and Avian Sciences
3151 Animal Sciences Building
University of Maryland College Park
College Park, MD 20742-2311
301-405-2805 301-314-9059 Fax
[email protected]
http://www.umd.edu/MNC