An outbreak of avian flu in the United States could threaten college students more than other segments of the population, a disease control expert said.

Dr. Nancy Cox, chief of the influenza division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said influenza outbreaks can severely affect college students because infections spread more easily in environments with high concentrations of people, such as dorms.

“We have seen large outbreaks occur in university and college populations during pandemics in the past,” Cox said.

She spoke at the Iowa Community Conference, an annual meeting of community leaders from throughout Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, which was held Thursday at the Scheman Building. Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, hosted the conference, which featured presentations designed to prepare Iowa communities to face new challenges.

Cox said seasonal influenza can also threaten college students and recommended routine vaccinations to prevent outbreaks.

“There have been large outbreaks of seasonal flu on college campuses,” she said. “That’s one of the reasons we’re beginning to emphasize seasonal vaccinations among college students.”

Although seasonal vaccines probably won’t protect against severe strains of avian flu, she said higher demand for seasonal vaccines would create stable production and distribution chains of vaccine and anti-viral medications should an outbreak occur.

Dr. Kevin Petersburg, area veterinarian-in-charge for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, said animal science researchers in Ames carefully monitor poultry and other animals for signs of avian flu.

“Veterinary practitioners at Iowa State and in Ames provide the eyes and ears on the front line,” he said. “They would report any case of avian influenza.”

According to the CDC, 141 of the 241 worldwide cases of avian flu in humans have resulted in death. No cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in the United States, either in humans or birds. Most cases are concentrated in southeastern Asia.

Latham said the input he received at the conference would help shape his policy agenda in Washington because he is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

“This conference is always very informative for me,” he said. “It affects where I work to direct funding.”

The annual conference, which began 60 years ago, alternates between Washington, D.C. and Iowa.