"Pandemic influenza (flu) is a worldwide outbreak of a new flu virus for which there is little or no immunity (protection) in the human population. Scientists and health professionals are concerned that the current virus in birds (avian flu) may develop into the next human pandemic. Pandemic flu can spread easily from person-to-person causing serious illness and death. When new pandemic flu spreads it creates a public health emergency. This emergency will not be like anything we've faced before. A pandemic will last longer, make more people seriously ill, and may cause more deaths than any other health crisis in our time. A long-lasting and widespread outbreak of the disease could mean changes in many areas of our lives. Impacts can range from school and business closings to the interruption of basic services such as public transportation and food delivery. Planning ahead is essential."
| Session title | Presenter |
| Welcome and Introductions | |
| Protecting the Permian Basin: Planning for H5N1 | Bruce Becker, M.D. |
| Preparing K-12 for a Pandemic Influenza Crisis | Diane Allensworth, Ph.D., R.N. |
| Avian Influenza: Overview & Emergency Management | Floron C. Faries, Jr., D.V.M., M.S. |
| Health Care | Cynthia Paulis |
| Prevention, Preparation, and Response | Grace Cox |