Keeping avian flu out
The United States has many practices in place to prevent the introduction and spread of avian flu among our domestic fowl. These include:
- tight controls on the import of birds and poultry products from other countries
- monitoring domestic and wild birds within the United States
- helping poultry producers spot and prevent avian flu infections among their livestock
- launching an awareness campaign to make international travelers aware of avian flu and how they can reduce their chances of carrying the virus into the United States
- working with other countries to study avian flu and plan control strategies
- funding public health improvements in Asian countries where avian flu outbreaks are common
Preparing for a pandemic
You can be reassured that our federal government's pandemic plan is comprehensive and includes many tools available to local and state authorities . Some highlights of the pandemic plan include:
- strategies that would control the spread of disease in the United States
- methods of managing the flu in hospitals and nursing homes
- tactics for keeping critical services in business, even when large numbers of staff are sick
- working with other countries to make sure Americans abroad are protecte
- working with other countries to develop a global pandemic plan
Many states and local governments also have a pandemic preparedness plan. Contact your local health authority to find out how they're getting ready.
Lisa Bendall