Why were rapid response measures during the 2015 HPAI outbreak considered necessary?

• A. All of the above
• B. To prevent spread to humans
• C. To reduce economic losses
• D. To maintain food supply

Answer: (A)

Rapid response during avian influenza outbreaks targets multiple crucial outcomes, not just stopping the disease in birds. First, timely actions help prevent spillover to humans by quickly limiting exposure—through rapid depopulation of infected or at-risk flocks, strict movement controls, enhanced biosecurity, and worker protection. Second, these measures reduce economic losses by containing the outbreak sooner, limiting the number of affected premises, and shortening trading suspensions and compensation costs. Third, they support maintaining the food supply by minimizing disruptions to poultry production and processing, helping ensure a steady supply of poultry products and stabilizing prices. Because rapid measures address health, economic, and food-security concerns all at once, choosing all of the above best reflects their combined purpose. During the 2015 HPAI events, swift surveillance, containment, and biosecurity steps were implemented with these goals in mind.