Wolk bill to better prepare State for Avian Flu moves to Senate

Legislation passes Assembly Floor with unanimous, bipartisan vote

SACRAMENTO–Legislation by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to increase the state’s preparedness for an outbreak of the Avian Flu, the virulent strain of bird flu experts warn could become a global pandemic, passed from the State Assembly yesterday on a 73-0 bipartisan vote. The bill now moves to the State Senate.

Assembly Bill 874 would enact the Avian Flu Wildlife Surveillance Act, requiring that the State Resources Agency, in consultation with the University of California , develop a plan for surveillance, monitoring, sampling and diagnostic testing of avian influenza in wild birds. The Avian Flu virus is commonly carried by wild migratory birds, which are one of the pathways through which the virus could enter California , and can infect domestic poultry and humans.

“My legislation seeks to encourage an effective, coordinated response to this extremely critical problem,” said Assemblywoman Wolk. “We need to have a plan in place that is science-based, and, above all, effective.”

AB 874 would require a plan be developed in consultation with the University of California, with the assistance of an advisory task force consisting of key scientists and representatives of agencies, including the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Department of Health Services, the Office of Emergency Services, and the Department of Fish and Game.

Also of key importance, the bill calls for the development of procedures for rapid response and reporting of information on avian influenza, and for interagency communication and coordination in addressing any incidences of the disease detected in wild birds. The bill also requires a report back to the Legislature by July, 2007, to assure that the program is being carried out effectively.

“Multi-agency strategies, which include wildlife management, health services and agriculture are essential,” said Wolk. “We can't afford to leave this to chance, or to rely on the federal government. In fact, the federal government has made it clear that states will be expected to take the lead in developing state-specific plans for responding to this ominous public health threat.”