Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-1-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Public Health
First Advisor
Ashley White Jones
Second Advisor
Ruaa Al-Juboori
Third Advisor
Jason Hoeksema
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
In order to gauge preparedness for an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in the United States, a scoping review of the current literature was conducted. This process involved (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying studies relevant to the topic, (3) selecting studies for inclusion (4) charting the data, and (5) analyzing and reporting the final data. Ultimately, seventeen studies were deemed appropriate for examination within this scoping review and several key themes were identified. The results emphasize the importance of adopting a One Health approach, the key role that vaccination may well play in preventing the spread of this disease, and the strengths and shortcomings of current surveillance and testing abilities. In addition, several sources highlighted the significance of recognizing and controlling the role of farmworker health, as well as heeding the lessons of the previous COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of information surrounding international collaboration and treatment protocol was compelling. It is key that moving forward, these gaps and shortcomings are swiftly addressed at the federal and state level. Furthermore, subsequent studies should continue to examine the current state of preparedness against H5N1, and apply their findings in an appropriate public health setting.
Recommended Citation
Gurley, Emma J., "Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreak Preparedness in the United States: A Scoping Review" (2025). Honors Theses. 3346.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3346
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