FOR MORE INFORMATION

Michael San Filippo
Phone: 847-285-6687
Cell: 847-732-6194
e-mail: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 14, 2006

Schaumburg, Ill.

— Avian influenza will be a hot topic in Honolulu next month as veterinary experts from around the world gather for the 143rd American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Annual Convention July 15-19.

Approximately 40 presentations addressing avian influenza, from 30-minute talks to full-day seminars, will be given throughout the convention. Topics include national and international efforts to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, new methods of surveillance, efficacy of vaccinations and the role of the military in a potential pandemic.

Some of the presentations include:

Avian Influenza Virus Surveillance in Wild Birds in Lower 48 During 2005: Richard Slemons, DVM, Associate Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State University, will be leading this full-day seminar. Dr. Slemons is one of the country’s leading experts on avian influenza surveillance and is part of a federally funded surveillance effort to track avian influenza in wild birds. Dr. Slemons was the first to discover that migratory birds infected with avian influenza harbored the germ in their intestinal tracks, leading scientists toward the natural reservoir of type A influenza genes that can be transmitted to humans, pigs and other mammals.

Prevention of Animal Disease Introduction into the US: Dan Sheesley, DVM, deputy administrator of the Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service International Services branch, will describe his experiences managing a group of 63 officers working to combat diseases, including avian influenza, in 26 countries on six continents.

Status of Agriculture in Asia: Levels of Biosecurity: Mo Salman, DVM, PhD, professor of epidemiology at Colorado State University, will address the positive and negative impacts of current biosecurity practices by livestock producers on infectious animal diseases, including avian influenza.

Asian Veterinary Medicine and Human Disease: Steven McLaughlin, DVM, MPH, epidemiologist at the CDC, will discuss how the emergence of zoonotic diseases like highly pathogenic avian influenza in Southeast Asia have shown how inadequate surveillance and delayed response in a single country can endanger national populations worldwide. This seminar will discuss the expansion of existing global surveillance and laboratory networks for polio and measles to encompass emerging public health threats.

Role of the Military in International Disasters: Col. Gary Vroegindewey, DVM, assistant director of the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, will define the role of the military veterinarian in international disasters in this presentation, with avian influenza, tsunami, and post conflict reconstruction response providing three models for discussion.

In total, the AVMA Annual Convention will offer nearly 1,000 hours of educational programming on a wide-range of topics in companion animal medicine, food animal/equine medicine, personal/professional development, and public and corporate practice. Attendees have the opportunity to earn up to 41.75 hours of continuing education credit.

In addition to the educational opportunities, more than 200 companies and organizations will be present in the exhibit hall to display their products and services. Finally, a full complement of social programs like Family Night and networking opportunities like the Alumni Receptions will complete the convention experience.

For more information about the 2006 AVMA Convention, including registration information, visit http://avmaconvention.org/. To arrange interviews with scientific speakers and global veterinary leaders, contact Michael San Filippo, media relations assistant, at 847-285-6687 (office), 847-732-6194 (cell), or [email protected].