The AEB and the UEP have formed a joint communications team to coordinate industry responses in the event of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The objective will be to maintain consumer confidence and counter adverse publicity anticipated by animal rights organizations opposed to intensive livestock production.  The crisis team will devise and test strategies, a rapid response plan and messaging.  The selected program will be announced to the industry at the end of the third quarter and will hopefully allow a single-voice authoritative response.

It is considered critical to emphasize that in past U.S. outbreaks of HPAI, eggs from infected flocks were not released for consumption. The message that H5 and H7 strains of avian influenza are not transmitted to consumers through eggs and that humans are not susceptible should come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and not the AEB for optimal credibility. Accordingly UEP and the AEB should reach out to the CDC in advance of an outbreak to coordinate the statements required.

Further information is available from Marc Dresner, Integrated Communications Director for the AEB.