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FLIR Systems Products Used to Help Combat Avian Flu

The Avian flu threat continues to loom as a potential worldwide crisis, with the ability to rapidly spread through international travel. The French Ministry of Health is working to deploy technology to detect potential carriers and limit the potential spread of the disease.

The solution involves using thermal imaging infra red cameras systems from FLIR Systems, Inc. (Portland, Ore.) to detect the presence of a fever among passengers arriving from certain destinations -- a possible indicator of infectious diseases including avian flu.

The technology will be deployed at six airports throughout France. A major US technology manufacturing company has also ordered systems for use at its overseas manufacturing facilities. The systems will be used to identify fever in arriving employees. Delivery of the systems will begin immediately.

Both customers chose the FLIR ThermaCam(R) A20(TM) system, which offers software specifically designed for this application. The A20 can be mounted at an optimal location and provide real time thermal data and analytics to inspectors.

"As we did during the SARS outbreak, we are providing a tool to governments and businesses around the world who are preparing to protect their citizens and employees from a potential epidemic," said Earl R. Lewis, president and CEO of FLIR Systems, Inc. "Our cameras offer a discreet and effective way of identifying individuals with elevated body temperatures, helping to detect possible fever and thereby limiting the spread of infectious disease."