Avian Flu School: A Training Approach to Prepare for H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

• Main Authors: Beltran-Alcrudo, Daniel, Bunn, David A., Sandrock, Christian E., Cardona, Carol J.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Association of Schools of Public Health 2008
• Subjects: Practice; Avian flu
• Online Access: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2289985; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19006974

Since the reemergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in 2003, a panzootic that is historically unprecedented in the number of infected flocks, geographic spread, and economic consequences for agriculture has developed. The epidemic has affected a wide range of birds and mammals, including humans. The ineffective management of outbreaks, mainly due to a lack of knowledge among those involved in detection, prevention, and response, points to the need for training on H5N1 HPAI. The main challenges are the multidisciplinary approach required, the lack of experts, the need to train at all levels, and the diversity of outbreak scenarios.