More than 100 businesses in Quebec's Eastern Townships are drafting a comprehensive emergency plan in case of an avian flu pandemic.

Company representatives will gather in Sherbrooke on Tuesday to discuss what they can do, including how they can share resources, if faced with an outbreak.

An outbreak seems farfetched, but it could spark a crisis in the local economy if there is no contingency plan, said Bianca Battistini, a communications consultant in Sherbrooke and a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

"We think that when it's going to hit, it's going to hit in the sense that many operations will be paralyzed."

Battistini surveyed several companies in the area and few had planned for an event like a flu breakout, even though a contingency plan could save a small business in the event of a crisis, she said.

"If you do have a continuing operation plan, everything is on paper. You have an alternative transport company. You have an alternative provider. It's all written down. You just have to pick up the phone and dial the numbers."

Businesses taking part in the avian flu plan conference will hear from public health officials and other experts.