Symposium on Avian Flu

The written summary of the symposium is now available for download here.

Avian Influenza Symposium to be Held at Davis Senior Center on 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 waterfowl. As frequently is true with complex scientific issues, they are not well explained in the press. As a result, 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. 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 is organizing a public outreach and education symposium that would bring the best and latest information on this topic to the public, including elected officials, to counter misconceptions. Taking advantage of contact with leaders in this field at UC Davis and elsewhere in the Capitol region, we will be hosting this event at the Davis Senior Center on Saturday, April 15th.

There will be panel discussions on avian influenza and wild bird populations, domestic birds (especially poultry), and humans. The keynote speaker will be Virginia Hinshaw, Provost and Executive Chancellor of UC Davis and a virologist specializing in influenza. Other presentations and panel discussions will include experts on wildlife and public health issues. There will be plenty of opportunities for questions from the audience.

The registration fee of $15 includes lunch.

Please register early to avoid disappointment. We hope to see you there!

Click here for the downloadable registration form and program of events.

The following links contain more information on avian influenza: