Border States Should Prepare for Pandemic Flu
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) on Thursday called for the development of an organization involving states along the U.S.-Mexico border to help address a pandemic flu outbreak, the Los Angeles Times reports (Los Angeles Times, 8/25).
The proposed council would:
- Develop a surveillance and detection system;
- Expand the use of biosecurity measures at the border to reduce the illegal transportation of animals and products infected with the avian flu virus;
- Adopt strategies to monitor, detect and respond in the event of an avian flu outbreak; and
- Increase information sharing about disease surveillance and detection, public safety and public communication (Office of the Governor release, 8/24).
Schwarzenegger in November will convene a meeting in California to address the status of the council and invited other border governors to send their public health, wildlife and agriculture officials to the conference (Office of the Governor release, 8/24). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.