Resources for State Leaders: State Preparedness for Pandemic Influenza and Other Emergencies
 

Updated April 2009

	Bird Flu Virus Vaccine - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced April 17 the first approval in the United States of a vaccine for humans against the H5N1 influenza virus, commonly known as avian or bird flu. The vaccine could be used in the event the current H5N1 avian virus were to develop the capability to efficiently spread from human to human. Read the article
	The ABC's of Emergency Preparedness - NCSL's Annual Meeting presentations on emergency coordination between local, state, and federal governments, the private sector and state veterinary experts (posted September 2006). Kathryn Condello, Principal Associate, George Mason University Critical Infrastructure Protection Program Ron Wilson, Tennessee State Veterinarian, Tennessee Department of Agriculture
	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Interim Guidance for States Conducting Avian Mortality Surveillance - Surveillance of dead birds for early detection of West Nile Virus and/or the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus can be useful for early detection. CDC's interim guidance is written to support the efforts of states conducting avian mortality surveillance. Read the guidance
	Antibiotic Surge Supply and Pandemic Preparedness - This article suggests that the availibility of antibiotics to treat pneumonia, along with antivirals and vaccines, is critical to pandemic preparedness.  Read the article
	Preparing for a Pandemic - A primer for state officials from the National Governors Association's Center for Best Practices (posted July 2006).  NGA Report
	Flu Readiness Discussed in Podcast - Are state and federal flu pandemic plans in sync? Learn more in this edition of NCSL's podcast The Conference Report (May 2006). Listen In!
	A Pandemic Flu Could Cripple the Nation - Empty grocery shelves. Rolling brownouts. Closed schools. Pandemic flu could give rise to these marks of natural disaster on a worldwide scale, health experts said at NCSL's Spring Forum (April 2006). Read the News
	Preparing for a Pandemic - Concern over a possible avian flu pandemic is moving states, communities and the federal government to action. Read the article from NCSL's State Legislatures magazine (April 2006).
	NCSL Influenza Report - NCSL resources on Avian Flu emergency preparedness, influenza vaccines and more (updated regularly). NCSL Report

The NCSL Health Program regularly collects resources of interest to legislators and policymakers. We provide the links above for informational purposes only, and they do not necessarily reflect NCSL positions.