One management lesson that emerged with Newcastle Disease was the importance of advance planning and prior relationships in crises, Moynihan says. Good preparation helped those involved get to know one another and identify the best responders if an emergency did occur.

"In responding to Newcastle Disease, the task force approach quickly helped participants to learn, codify and share operating procedures based on field experience," Moynihan says. "They created a skilled staff that provided continuity during the crisis and kept information flowing across several states."

Their success in keeping the disease under control explains why most people have not heard about Newcastle Disease, Moynihan adds. "What public managers learned two and three years ago can provide valuable lessons for people addressing the potential problem with bird flu."

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Contact: Donald P. Moynihan
dmoynihan@lafollette.wisc.edu
608-263-6633
University of Wisconsin-Madison
6-Dec-2005