Govs plan for avian flu

Stateline.org reports that according to a new report published on Tuesday, if an avian pandemic were to strike, states would have a difficult time coping with the strain on hospitals. However, there would be a serious impact on commerce, schools, power plants, and offices as well. Governors would have a very difficult time keeping basic services going, and up to 40 percent of workers might stay home for periods of up to 14 months. The 32-page report is intended to help governors and their staffs prepare for the unique challenges that a pandemic presents. Because states have the authority and the tools to rapidly respond to local conditions, and may not have federal assistance at their disposal…