Cooperation on avian and human pandemic influenza planning

Cooperation in avian and pandemic influenza management is of interest to all governments and citizens of North America. The SPP will support closer international collaboration at all levels on actions to monitor and coordinate a multi-national response in the event of an outbreak of pandemic influenza. Priorities include the sharing of information among governments in an open, timely and transparent manner and the adoption of an integrated and comprehensive approach that incorporates all aspects of animal and public health. The SPP aims to ensure that rapid and effective steps are taken to respond to avian influenza outbreaks or a human influenza pandemic anywhere in North America.

Stemming from trilateral discussions under the SPP, the three governments have committed to advise one another in advance of making any decision that could seriously affect the other countries and to base their actions and decision-making on the best available evidence-based science. Additionally, the business continuity plans of respective governments are to consider the highly interconnected nature of the three countries’ economies. There is also a commitment to provide clear, consistent and timely messaging to the public and international organizations.

Learn more about Canada’s SPP Working Groups