“Water birds, to an influenza researcher, are more than majestic swans and charming mallards. They are instead stealthy vectors of novel influenza viruses, some of nature’s bioterrorist agents, chauffeuring dangerous microbes from place to place without showing symptoms of infection themselves.”
This according to Tara Smith, University of Iowa associate professor of epidemiology and director of the UI Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, in an article penned for Slate. Smith is an expert on zoonotic diseases—those spread between animals and humans—the topic of the upcoming Great Plains Emerging Infectious Diseases Conference, sponsored by the UI College of Public Health and department of epidemiology, April 19-20.
“This conference will serve to bring together public health professionals, researchers, faculty, and students in microbiology, infectious diseases, and related fields working in the Great Plains and Midwestern states to discuss how to best protect the public from the threat of infectious disease,” Smith says.
The community is invited to join a free program and reception, “Infectious Art: Bridging Science and Creativity,” from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 18 in the College of Public Health Building. This event, a joint project of the College of Public Health and M.C. Ginsberg Jewelers in Iowa City, will feature the artistic works of 3-D sculptors, ceramicists, bench jewelers, and machinists, who combine their creative vision and the science of public health to create beautiful objects depicting a variety of infectious agents.
The conference will feature a keynote address from the 2013 Hsu-Li Distinguished Lecturer in Epidemiology, Peter Daszak, president of EcoHealth Alliance and noted disease ecologist. While registration is required to attend the full conference, Daszak’s keynote, “Predicting and Preventing the Next Pandemic,” is free and open to the public.
“Daszak’s address will focus on patterns of disease emergence globally, ways to identify potential pandemics before they emerge, and how to deal with the underlying causes of disease,” says Margaret Chorazy, associate in the department of epidemiology and one of the conference coordinators. "To really make a difference in controlling emerging infectious diseases we need to collaborate, think creatively, and develop measures that protect everyone around the globe.”
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact Jennifer Barnes in advance at 319-384-1500.