Description: Computer simulation used to predict the spread of avian influenza (H5N1) to other countries, specifically the United States
simulation (1530) pandemic (253) influenza (124) avian (88) epidemic (43) h5n1 (23) predicting (7) searums (1)
Avian Influenza is a specific type of influenza (flu) that infects birds. Avian Influenza is caused by many different influenza viruses, specifically the H5 and H7 subtypes. H5N1, which has received a lot of media attention, is by far the most virulent and a significant threat to human health and safety.
To predict the spread of Avian Influenza, there are few possible methods. Very little statistical data is available, making methods such as mathematical analysis difficult to perform. Other methods, such as computer-based modeling and simulation have the capability to predict the spread of Avian Influenza.
SEARUMS was developed exactly for this purpose. SEARUMS, which is an acronym for Studying Epidemiology of Avian influenza Rapidly Using Modeling and Simulation, is a full-fledged simulation environment. SEARUMS was used to model the interactions of migrating waterfowl, stationary waterfowl, and poultry, to observe the routes by which avian influenza infection spreads. A detailed description of SEARUMS is also available.