Avian Influenza: CDC Response
Domestic Activities
- In May 2005, CDC joined a new, inter-agency National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Task Force organized by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. This task force is developing and refining preparedness efforts with international, state, local, and private organizational partners to help ensure the most effective response possible when the next influenza pandemic occurs. For more information about the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department and other aspects of this coordinated federal initiative, please visit www.pandemicflu.gov.
- CDC developed the first test approved by FDA for the detection of the H5 viruses that first emerged in Asia in 2003.
- CDC reconstructed the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic virus to help develop strategies for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, if a similar pandemic virus emerged.
- CDC has collaborated with the Association of Public Health Laboratories to conduct training workshops for state laboratories on the use of molecular techniques to rapidly identify H5 viruses.
- CDC is working collaboratively with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and other partners to assist states with pandemic planning efforts.
- CDC is working with other agencies, such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, on antiviral stockpile issues.
International Activities
- CDC is one of four WHO Collaborating Centers and in this capacity provides ongoing support for the global WHO surveillance network, laboratory testing, training, and other actions.
- CDC has worked collaboratively with WHO to conduct investigations of human H5N1 infections in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Turkey and to provide laboratory diagnostic and training assistance.
- CDC has performed laboratory testing of H5N1 viruses from Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.
- CDC is implementing a multi-million dollar initiative to improve influenza surveillance in Asia.
- CDC has led or taken part in 9 training sessions to enhance local capacities in Asia to conduct surveillance for possible human cases of H5 and to detect avian influenza A H5 viruses using laboratory techniques.
- CDC has developed and distributed a reagent kit for the detection of the currently circulating influenza A H5 viruses.
- CDC has worked with other international and national agencies in Asia to develop a training course for rapid response teams that will be used to help prepare the region to respond to outbreaks when they occur.
- CDC has developed an international program to support surveillance, laboratory capacity, health education, rapid response training, and other activities for avian influenza.
Page last modified May 17, 2006