I understand that the title of this article is a statement you may not be used to hearing - especially from a biologist and natural science major. Its really not that any of us in the research field want the Avian Bird Flu Virus to propagate, its that I personally see this looming crisis as a wake up call for the World Health Organization, governments, and families worldwide, and that in the end, when we have controlled and defeated this deadly virus, we will all be better prepared for the next threat to our health and safety.

Our best defense against the Avian Bird Flu H5N1 Virus is a potent offense. That offense must begin with the World Health Organization and an improvement with its dissemination of critical information. Recent activity has suggested that this is actually happening. More and more world wide experts have predicted that this will be a world wide problem, and that has stepped up WHOs organizational structure and response team for this particular crisis. Individuals can also do their part by monitoring WHOs website, while community organizations will find it an improving resource.

Three years ago, North Americans had the SARS crisis right in the heart of Toronto, and are still largely unprepared for a similar occurrence. This is especially frightening because the predictions for the avian bird flu virus are more widespread in their points of landing, and less controllable because of the natural element involved. Governments, (and not just the North American ones) need to have an action plan now. That plan should include temporary, large scale medical facilities, safe water and food reservoirs, complete bird flu protection suits, and safe storage of excess medical supplies and vaccines. Not one single government has adopted any of this yet. A dead, infected bird is going to have land on the door steps of a president.

Our best reliance at this point is ourselves and our families. You absolutely know that your government is not going to be prepared, so you should, and dare I say now MUST, get prepared for yourself. Food, water, protective gear, secondary home or travel are all things you need to know and plan for now. In fact, I feel that individuals like yourself will lead the way for others who had no foresight.

You may have heard about the bird flu and feel that it is largely a problem for foreign countries and is something you may not have to worry or plan for. Fear just that. The avian bird flu is coming to you. Birds can fly. They migrate. They mate. They contaminate. Know this, every case of the bird flu so far discovered in humans has killed half of them, and there is NO vaccine available. We need this to get ourselves prepared for any threats to our family's health.

Evangeline Siri is a biologist from Missouri and has studied in Florida while at present is continuing her education in Thailand. Her website is http://www.avianbirdfludefense.com/sitemap.htm