The Marine Corps is currently experiencing an increase in operational tempo. With this increase comes a potential for exposure to new diseases and a greater need for disease awareness.The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) caused by influenza A (H5N1) has spread in animal populations - particularly chickens - to more than 50 countries on three continents. http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/Public%20Affairs%20Info/Archive%20News%20Pages/2006/060616-flu.html