The rural population is considered as a crucial link in the chain of potential transmission of avian influenza to human, and the potential transformation of the avian influenza into a human pandemic influenza, since it comprises the group with the higher theoretical risk to come in contact with the virus,especially in periods when HPAI strains circulate among wild birds which seem to provide their natural reservoir. This assumption is based on certain circumstances that appear to characterize rural life in most areas of the European countryside, such as medium or small-scale animal farming in close proximity with houses and frequent contact with wildlife as part of everyday activities.On the other hand, the prospect of humans coming in close contact with carriers of the disease in the densely populated urban areas, seems rather unlikely, appart from certain cases where transmisison could take place through occupational exposure.
Furthermore, the structure and function of the primary health care network in those areas is an important attribute for the prevention and management of influenza outbreaks, since in most countries health promotion and education activities as well as immunization delivery come all under the responsibility of the primary health care system, and through the active participation of local authorities and the population.
Another aspect of rural life that needs to be considered, is the existing diversity among different regions of Europe with regards to varying demographical and socio-economic characteristics, different animal farming types & practices, or even specific geographical or climatic conditions that may favour the spread of the disease to humans.
All those special characteristics of the rural population in general, as well as the different circumstances across three European regions (North, South, and East Europe) are investigated by the research team of this ambitious activity, in order to identify rural life "risk factors" and practices for which specific guidelines should be adressed, within the content of a more "targeted" approach to the inhabitants of rural areas of Europe.
Up-to-date scientific knowledge on Avian Influenza will be evaluated through an extensive review on existing literature, with regards to the epidemiological characteristics of the disease and effective prevention methods, and criteria will be defined to integrate or customize existing material from existing guidelines and public health campaigns, so that this knowledge can be disseminated in an effective way to the target population. Furthermore, the channels and networks used for the dissemination of this knowledge will be assessed, reviewing existing activities targeting the rural population, in order to propose the most effective communication strategies and information material, according to the needs of the population in each region.
