New flap about the bird flu

The World Affairs Council will present a discussion about global bird flu, "An Inevitable Pandemic?" on Wed., Sept. 20 at the Westlake Village Inn. The event is open to the public.

A VIP reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by no host cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and a talk by keynote presenter Dr. Michael Osterholm at 7 p.m.

Issues to be covered include: how bird flu differs from seasonal flu, who is at risk, possible vaccines, and how to prepare.

Osterholm is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy and associate director for the Department of Homeland Security's National Center.

Ventura County Sheriff Bob Brooks will address "State of the County Emergency Preparedness" and Ventura county Public Health Officer Robert Levin, MD, will discuss "The Role of Your Local Government During a Public Health Emergency."

The event is $55 for members and $65 for non-members. For reservations call (805) 988-0784 or go to www.worldaffairscouncilvc.org.