It's called "Avian" flu and much of the discussion will mention the risk of transmission by wild birds migrating across the continents. Most of that discussion will be misinformed and misrepresent the facts. This is understandable because there will be no presentations by specialists in bird biology and migration to inform the participants.
Influenzas are, in large part, controlled because we understand how they are transmitted as we know little about how to kill the pathogen. I am disappointed that the organizers of this conference have overlooked this vital aspect of the pandemic issue.
Jim Corven
St. Thomas, V.I.

Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to [email protected].