Creating a mobile-phone based geographic surveillance system for avian influenza

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is not only a global thread to human and animal health but also disproportionately impacts poor livestock keepers in southern countries. While billions have been spent on the disease, response to the epidemic remains fragmented and information channels slow. As such, this demonstration details a geographic mapping system at the global and local levels to aid information transfer among policy makers, practitioners and the poor themselves regarding the control of this disease. The demonstration will include hands on case studies in which conference attendees will be asked to both make decisions and use the tool in a simulated outbreak situation.