For more information contact UAS Information Officer Kevin Myers at 796-6530 or by email.

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February 10, 2006
Avian Influenza: Alaska at the Crossroads

Avian Influenza is usually confined to wild birds, but last year it began infecting and killing millions of domestic poultry. Recently, humans have begun to get ill from Avian Influenza after contact with infected birds and it has been the cause of human fatality. As Alaskans, it's vital to understand the current and projected economic consequences of Avian Influenza and what roles migratory birds and Alaska may play in the progression of this highly infectious disease. One critical question is how Avian Influenza will affect the enormous populations of migratory birds breeding in Alaska.

Douglas Causey, a professor of biology from the University of Alaska Anchorage, will discuss his work in understanding the role of migratory birds in the spread and transmission of Avian influenza during a free public lecture on Monday, Feb. 13. Causey has worked for a decade on this problem in the high Arctic and Alaska's North Slope to better understand the natural occurrence of Influenza in the environment and in wild birds. “Avian Influenza: Alaska at the Crossroads” will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Centennial Hall. All ages are welcome.

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CONTACTS
Douglas Causey, Professor of Biology and Vice Provost for Research, UAA: (907) 786-4833 Kevin Myers, UAS Public Relations and Marketing Director: 796-6530