The International Society for Influenza and other Acute Respiratory Virus Diseases (isirv) is an independent
scientific professional society to promote the prevention, detection, treatment, and control of influenza and other respiratory virus diseases.

The field of influenza and other acute respiratory virus disease is an aspect of public health that is of major international importance. Recent epidemiological events concerning massive outbreaks of highly virulent avian influenza in several countries, and evidence of transmission from poultry to man, have resulted in a high level of concern surrounding the potential risk of pandemic influenza, and established an urgent need for increased international collaboration on research and development.

The recent, sudden appearance of a new and highly pathogenic respiratory virus disease, SARS, has served to highlight the importance of clinical and laboratory research and scientific communication in respiratory virus disease.

A large number of laboratory and clinical scientists, public health professionals, and others around the world are involved in a broad range of activities in this field, including surveillance in man and animals, epidemiology, prevention by vaccines and antivirals, clinical studies, and basic scientific research. Furthermore, for many countries, preparing for the next influenza pandemic is a major priority and concern, as well as preparedness in dealing with potential future SARS cases or an outbreak. The isirv is the first professional scientific body to represent these activities internationally.

Link to isirv website: http://www.isirv.org