Viral Forecast

The Global Viral Forecasting Initiative is a non profit organization formed with the aid of this Firm, which hopes to monitor viruses worldwide, especially viruses transmitted between animals and humans by establishing a network of sites globally to monitor new diseases and obtain information regarding the spread of diseases. Each site utilizes local infrastructure and knowledge to communicate with the local community, particularly those that are highly exposed to zoonotic infections (animal diseases). These research sites study individuals who have regular close contact with animal fluids (e.g., hunters and butchers) and monitor the transfer of diseases between humans and animals. The organization hopes to utilize modeling and other methods to predict new disease outbreaks and pandemic based on the data they gather. The organization will also provide minimal healthcare to blood-drawing volunteers. Though their specific purpose is not to provide healthcare, they will provide education to hunters, butchers, farmers, etc. on how to handle animals and how to avoid blood-to-blood contact.