AI.COMM - Avian and Pandemic Influenza Resource Link

Perhaps more than any other area, AI.COMM has proven itself in building capacity in
areas where there were heretofore limited skills, knowledge and other resources related
to responding to outbreaks. Animal health and agriculture offi cials and workers were
often the fi rst to be targeted, as they were the fi rst responders to AI outbreaks. First
responders had to be coached on how to correctly use personal protective equipment,
how to communicate clearly and effectively during a crisis situation, and how to impart
the correct information to an often-confused public. In most cases, the knowledge or
understanding about avian infl uenza – or about responding to any disease outbreak in a
coordinated fashion – was practically non-existent.
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