Avian Flu

The University of Tampa’s highest priority is the safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff. While we do not wish to increase anyone's anxiety, we do believe it’s prudent to let you know the University is constantly monitoring and preparing for emergency situations. Our goal is to educate and not alarm you. This Web page is written in that spirit.
 
Avian flu has been deemed a significant threat worldwide by the World Health Organization. Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally in wild birds. Some viruses are deadly to domestic fowl, and can be transmitted from birds to humans. No humans are immune, and no vaccine is available.

The virus has not yet been transmitted from human to human, but officials say if it mutates so that it can infect human to human, a pandemic is the likely outcome. As such, there is currently a nationwide effort by colleges and universities to develop contingency plans to deal with the possibility of an avian flu outbreak in the United States. Our Emergency Operations Team has formed a sub-committee to evaluate what actions could and should be taken on the UT campus.
 
Following further study and evaluation, the University will define specific actions to be taken in the event of an outbreak on the UT campus or in the Tampa Bay area and post it here.

Relevant Site Links

• ABC News
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• The Florida Department of Health