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Oregon Territory

March 31, 2006 — Bird Flu and the Pacific Northwest

part one part two

download links: part one | part two

Officials expect to see birds infected with the H5N1 strain of Asian bird flu arrive in the Northwest in the near future, though nobody knows exactly when.

The concern, of course, is that the bird flu could mutate into a human strain that transmits easily from person to person, leading to a deadly flu pandemic. Whether this happens or not, public health officials are urging people to prepare for any natural disaster--from bird flu to earthquakes to long-term emergencies where you may be on your own for long periods of time.

This week we look at emergency preparations in the Pacific Northwest, using the possibility of a bird flu pandemic as our case study.

Host: Christy George

Guest: Susan Allan, Oregon Public Health Director; Ken Murphy, Oregon Director of Emergency Management.

Reports:

  • Kristian Foden-Vencil looks at how officials are keeping track of migrating wild birds that might be infected with bird flu
  • Mary Sawyers explores hospital plans for a bird flu pandemic
  • Rob Manning talks to folks responsible for maintaining business and social order during long-term emergencies
  • Casey Negreiff gets the street talk on bird flu
  • Tom Banse takes a look at preparing yourself for an extended emergency

Complete audio of interviews on bird flu with:

Links:

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