Incorporating risk communication into highly pathogenic avian influenza preparedness and response efforts

Shauna J. Voss, Sasidhar Malladi, Fernando Sampedro, Tim Snider, Timothy Goldsmith, William D. Hueston, Dale C. Lauer, David A. Halvorson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the United States will initiate a federal emergency response effort that will consist of disease control and eradication efforts, including quarantine and movement control measures. These movement control measures will not only apply to live animals but also to animal products. However, with current egg industry "just-in-time" production practices, limited storage is available to hold eggs. As a result, stop movement orders can have significant unintended negative consequences, including severe disruptions to the food supply chain. Because stakeholders' perceptions of risk vary, waiting to initiate communication efforts until an HPAI event occurs can hinder disease control efforts, including the willingness of producers to comply with the response, and also can affect consumers' demand for the product. A public-private-academic partnership was formed to assess actual risks involved in the movement of egg industry products during an HPAI event through product specific, proactive risk assessments. The risk analysis process engaged a broad representation of stakeholders and promoted effective risk management and communication strategies before an HPAI outbreak event. This multidisciplinary team used the risk assessments in the development of the United States Department of Agriculture, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Secure Egg Supply Plan, a comprehensive response plan that strives to maintain continuity of business. The collaborative approach that was used demonstrates how a proactive risk communication strategy that involves many different stakeholders can be valuable in the development of a foreign animal disease response plan and build working relationships, trust, and understanding.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1049-1053
Number of pages5
JournalAvian diseases
Volume56
Issue number4 SUPPL.1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2012

Keywords

  • Avian influenza
  • Secure Egg Supply Plan
  • public-private partnership
  • risk assessment
  • risk communication

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