Many companies are now well advanced with the development of plans for responding to threats posed by avian influenza and the possibility of a human influenza pandemic. Recent developments underscore the ongoing risks posed by the spread of H5N1, while also providing some optimism about the gradual progress being made in developing and stockpiling countermeasures to combat a pandemic caused by H5N1. Some companies are using the pandemic planning process to prepare for a range of possible disease risks, and to develop internal and external communication and coordination capabilities in the event of an emergency. In addition, new dimensions of supply-chain integration are being explored as companies make sure that their suppliers and customers are prepared to respond to the types of disruptions that could take place during a pandemic.

On August 23rd, 2006, Bio-era convened a teleconference to discuss recent developments in the disease and the pandemic planning process. The conference featured commentary from various experts including Stephen Aldrich and James Newcomb from bio-era, Robert Goldsmith from General Electric, David Parsley, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Applebee’s, Michael Robach, Vice President of Food Safety at Cargill, Inc., and Gil Meyer, Crisis Coordinator for DuPont Agriculture and Nutrition. The call also included a distinguished group of bio-era clients and guests. The report is an edited transcript of the call.