Source: NCDA&CS, 12/7/09

WHO/WHAT:“Humans & Birds & Pigs, Oh My! A One Medicine Approach to Emerging Influenzae,” will bring together about 250 physicians, veterinarians and other experts in human and animal health and disaster response to learn about protecting humans and animals from flu viruses such as H1N1.

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

WHERE:Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center, 4700 Emperor Blvd., Durham

OTHER INFO:  This is the seventh annual symposium focusing on “one medicine,” an approach to disaster preparedness that fosters cooperation among agencies involved in human and animal medicine for a rapid, effective response to diseases, terrorism and natural disasters.

Featured speaker is Dr. Ali Khan, assistant U.S. surgeon general, who will speak at 9 a.m. about H1N1 and how the pandemic has changed pandemic planning. Other topics on the agenda include surveillance strategies for flu in human and swine, and impacts of the H1N1 pandemic on public health and the swine industry.

Other speakers include Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, State Health Director Dr. Jeff Engel and State Veterinarian Dr. David Marshall.

Tthe agenda is available online at www.onemedicinenc.org.

The symposium is sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the state Division of Public Health, the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC-Chapel Hill, and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Office of Professional Development at N.C. State University.