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Symposium on
Avian Influenza
Organized by Yolo Audubon Society
April 15, 2006
The H5N1
strain of avian influenza is the potential source of a pandemic
that could be extremely lethal to humans. It has been widely
reported that this strain is hosted by wild birds, especially
waterfowl. However, the potential role of wildlife in a future
pandemic is poorly understood by the public, elected officials,
and even interested individuals. To protect birds and other
wildlife, it is important to understand the potential for wild
birds to transmit the disease to humans, to contribute to
evolution of a virus that could transmit the disease between
humans, and to pose a threat to human health. In other
countries, culling waterfowl populations and draining wetlands
have been proposed as means to reduce human health risk. The
public has expressed concerns that bird feeders could be a
source of infection for their families. Are these ideas and
concerns founded?
Yolo
Audubon Society organized a symposium that presented the
best and latest information about avian influenza. The event was held at the Davis Senior
Center on Saturday, April 15th. Co-sponsors of the event included
Audubon California, California Waterfowl Association,
Environmental Stewardship and Planning, Padre Associates, Abbey
Road Press, City of Davis, and UC Davis.
The
opening speaker was UC Davis Provost and Executive
Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw, a virologist who specializes in
influenza research. The symposium program included presentations
and panel discussions by leaders in this field from UC Davis and
elsewhere in the Capitol region. These panels addressed avian
influenza in bird populations (wild and domestic) and avian
influenza and public health. Following each panel, there were
plenty of opportunities for questions from the audience.
Go to www.yoloaudubon.org
for information on this recently held conference.
Julia A. Levin - State Policy Director
Audubon
California
4225 Hollis Street
Emeryville, CA 94608
(510) 601-1866
(510) 601-1954 Fax
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