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                     REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION (RFD)

This is a formal Request For Discussion (RFD) for the following changes
in the uk.* Usenet hierarchy:

         create unmoderated newsgroup uk.current-events.bird-flu

Newsgroup line:
uk.current-events.bird-flu  Discussion relating to Bird Flu


      *** ALL DISCUSSION MUST TAKE PLACE IN UK.NET.NEWS.CONFIG ***

This is not a Call for Votes (CFV); you cannot vote at this time.
Further procedural details are given below.

RATIONALE: uk.current-events.bird-flu

Hopefully a short-lived group (reflected in its proposed placement within 
uk.current-events) to focus various on-going, ad-hoc and future discussions 
relating to the spread of Avian Influenza, more commonly known as "bird
flu".  Although not yet (with the exception of quarantine facilities)
identified in the UK, Avian Influenza has migrated from Eastern Asia to
European regions in recent weeks and is gaining popularity as a "hot news"
item within the media.  Current restrictions on trade and importation are
being applied; the subject is therefore a "current event" for the UK.

If created, the group should not become a barrier for the creation of other, 
longer-term groups within other more appropriately focussed groups within the
uk.* hierarchy.


CHARTER: uk.current-events.bird-flu

For the discussion of issues including but not limited to the transmission of 
avian influenza (bird flu) between avian-avian, avian-human and human-human
subjects.  Mutations of the (currently H5N1) virus, implication for public 
health, public safety and public policy, control, vaccination and
epidemiology.  Commercial and domestic fowl strategies (including "home
hatches"), food safety, Poultry trade, environmental health, occupational
health and environmental impact, especially upon rare-breeds and biodiversity.

END CHARTER

PROCEDURE:

This is a request for discussion, not a call for votes.  In this phase of
the process, any potential problems with the proposal should be raised
and resolved.  The discussion period will continue for a minimum of 10
days, starting from when this RFD is posted to uk.net.news.announce
(i.e. until March 5th) after which a Call For Votes (CFV) may be
posted by a neutral vote taker if the discussion warrants it.
Alternatively, the proposal may proceed by the fast-track method.  Please
do not attempt to vote until this happens.

This RFD attempts to comply fully with the "Guidelines for Group Creation
within the UK Hierarchy" as published regularly in uk.net.news.announce
and is available from http://www.usenet.org.uk/guidelines.html (the UK
Usenet website).  Please refer to this document if you have any questions
about the process.

DISTRIBUTION:

This RFD has been posted to the following newsgroups:
        uk.net.news.announce
        uk.net.news.config

Proponent:
        Martyn Bailey {aka "Mother"} 

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