Avian Influenza and the Economics of Bio Security

Thursday, February 16, 2006
Avian Influenza and the Economics of Bio Security
Stern Center, Great Room, 7:00 p.m. Issue in Context
A form of avian influenza, known as “fowl plague,” first appeared in Italy around 1878. It was first recognized in the United States in 1924, and occurred again in 1929. The disease was eradicated both times. In recent months, concern surrounding avian influenza has escalated. The latest cases lie along the migratory routes of birds, as in Turkey , where the H5N1 strain has taken several lives. The greatest fear, however stems from the possibility that H5N1 may evolve into a form of disease that will cause a virulent global human pandemic with a high mortality rate.

The threat posed by avian influenza is causing growing fear and raising many questions: Is fear justified? What are the scenarios for public health, the economy, and society? What are the underlying driving forces of this disease, and what can and should be done in response?

About the Speaker
Stephen Aldrich is the founder and President of Bio Economic Research Associates (bio-era), a leading independent research and advisory firm providing insight into the future of living systems and the global bio economy. Bio-era has been active since March of 2004 in assisting companies to assess and prepare for the risk of an avian influenza pandemic.

Stephen Aldrich has more than 20 years experience with research and advisory businesses, and has worked extensively with senior executives and directors of major corporations.

Prior to founding bio-era, Aldrich had a long and distinguished career as a principal at Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA), where he co-founded the Natural Gas practice, and worked closely with senior management teams and Boards of Directors at major energy companies on strategic matters. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Harvard University , where he studied evolutionary biology.

Related Links
• Centers for Disease Control
• Pandemic Flu
• World Health Organization
• Agriculture Department