GAINS uses ICT as a tool for broadening scientific understanding of avian influenza epidemiology and disseminating information to all levels of governments, international organisations, the private sector, and the general public. Organisers believe that this sharing of knowledge can serve to improve decision-making in terms of fostering rational strategies to protect biodiversity as well as public and poultry/domestic waterfowl health.

Partnership is a key strategy in the GAINS system, and partners work in and travel to areas of importance in key migratory routes, as well as in areas where it is necessary to consult with reference laboratories, and local, national, and international agencies involved in avian influenza preparedness and response. (Please see the Partners section, below, for a list of participants.) These organisations work in an advisory capacity to host governments and local/national organisations by providing technical input into wild bird surveillance programmes, building technical capacity among local staff where needed.

GAINS shares the information that is unearthed by this process through an interactive, publicly accessible web-based database that is available by clicking here. The database of information related to wild bird avian influenza surveillance and migratory bird activity maps sample collection sites, flyways, and results of biological surveillance. The website features data tools, map tools, and various resources such as agency reports, scientific publications, and news. GAINS aims to make information as freely accessible as possible, sharing data and encouraging people to contribute to the database. In addition, a one-time (free) registration to the website enables access to GAINS forums, through which people may pose questions, respond to comments, or seek feedback from colleagues. A Links section is designed to facilitate connections to research institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), state actors, etc. that are engaged in avian influenza research and surveillance.

Biodiversity, Health.

Organisers explain that the economic losses associated with HPAI across parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa are estimated to be in the billions of dollars. They contend that, as the virus moves between wild birds, domesticated poultry, and people, the potential for a pandemic increases, and the impacts to biodiversity grow more severe. However, according to GAINS, current global disease surveillance efforts are focused primarily on human populations and domestic livestock; no federal or international agency is, at this time, working to monitor and prevent the full array of diseases that cross borders and can be transmitted between domestic and wild animals and people.