1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... 79 » Vaccine Makers Urge Speedy Accord On Pandemic Plan Last Updated: Dec 4 2008 7:59AM Governments need to overcome their "pandemic fatigue" and act quickly to finalize a response plan to potential flu threats, leading drugmakers said on Thursday. The pharmaceutical industry is "very close to ready" to respond to a potential outbreak by shifting seasonal flu vaccine production to more targeted pandemic ones, said Stephen Gardner of GSK Biologics. But Gardner told a news briefing that countries needed to stop stalling and craft an accord on sharing samples of virus strains with pandemic potential for tests that accelerate efforts to formulate effective vaccines. "We don't have time to negotiate a new agreement when a pandemic arises. We need to get on with manufacturing quickly," he said.   Bird Flu Spreads To New Areas In Assam Last Updated: Dec 3 2008 7:47AM A fresh outbreak of bird flu in poultry was detected in Assam on Wednesday and authorities prepared to start culling thousands of chickens, a senior official said. "Yes, bird flu has spread to new areas, we are getting ready to start culling in those areas shortly," Ashim Kumar Kakoty, a top veterinary official in Assam, told Reuters. More than 40,000 chickens and ducks have been be slaughtered over the weekend in around 20 villages, after one of them, just 35 km west of Guwahati -- the biggest city in the region -- was hit by bird flu. Authorities were worried about a new outbreak after some poultry deaths were reported in Palasbari, also close to Guwahati.   Official: Vietnam Faces High Risk Of Human Infection Of Bird Flu Last Updated: Dec 3 2008 7:33AM A Vietnamese medical official said on Wednesday that bird flu has reappeared in Vietnam, bringing high risk of humans becoming infected with the disease, Vietnam News Agency reported. The new cases were reported in poultry in southern Ca Mau province and central Nghe An province. No new cases of humans contraction have been detected so far, said Nguyen Huy Nga, Head of the Department for Preventive Medicine and Environment at a meeting in Hanoi on Wednesday. "But due to the conducive weather conditions and the unpredictable development of the epidemic in poultry, there is a high risk of human case," warned the medical official. So far this year, Vietnam has reported five human avian influenza fatalities.   [India] Alert In Assam Districts Following Fresh Detection Of Flu Last Updated: Dec 2 2008 8:02AM An alert has been sounded in two central Assam districts of Kamrup (Metro) and Kamrup (Rural) as avian flu has been detected in fresh areas there amid reports of death of more than 100 birds. The death of chickens was reported from the Bogri and Kachumara areas, prompting the district administrations to ban purchase and sale of eggs, official sources said. Over a hundred birds were found dead yesterday at the Bongra and Kachumara areas from where samples had been collected and sent to the laboratories in Bhopal and Pune, Kamrup (rural) deputy commissioner R N Jain said. As a precautionary measure, an alert has been sounded as the avian disease is suspected to be spreading to fresh areas of Sarpara, Rangamati, Bongra and Kachuniapra villages.   China’s Hu Attends the G-20, APEC, and Conducts Four State Visits Last Updated: Dec 2 2008 12:00AM Download here (.doc)   [India] 40,000 Poultry Culled In Assam After Bird Flu Outbreak Last Updated: Dec 1 2008 7:41AM Authorities in Assam have culled some 40,000 poultry of an estimated 60,000 birds ordered to be killed after an outbreak of the deadly bird flu virus in the region, officials Monday said. {lsquo}{lsquo}Culling operations are on in the district of Kamrup since Friday and so far about 40,000 chickens and ducks were killed,{rsquo}{rsquo} said Manoranjan Choudhury, deputy director of the Assam Veterinary department. The culling is being carried out in about 48 villages within a five kilometre radius of village Thakurchuba in Kamrup district, about 40 km west of Assam's main city of Guwahati. The poultry targeted includes ducks and chickens. Some 22 Rapid Response Teams are engaged with the operation expected to be completed in the next two to three days.   [Indonesia] Makassar Stages First Urban Bird Flu Sim Last Updated: Nov 24 2008 7:31AM Makassar municipality organized a bird flu pandemic simulation in Tamangapa sub district, Manggala district, Makassar, South Sulawesi in an effort to disseminate know-how and to train related institutions on how to cope with a bird flu pandemic. The two-hour simulation held on Saturday involved at least 300 people from various institutions, including the Health Agency, the Food Self-Reliance and Marine Agency, the Education Agency, the Communication Agency, the National Police, the Indonesian Army and the public service center. The simulation started with a report about poultry deaths that allegedly triggered the death of two residents. The rapid tests conducted by the local authority at the incident site showed that the affected poultry and the two residents were positively infected by the bird flu virus. In the simulation, the region then was declared a pandemic-affected area and had to be closed or isolated.   New Flu Pandemic Could Hit 50% Of Tokyo Population Last Updated: Nov 21 2008 7:58AM A new study indicates that over half the population of the Tokyo area could fall ill if the bird flu virus mutates into a type capable of human-to-human infection. A research team at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases used a computer simulation to calculate the estimate, which is double the government's current projection of 25 percent for the entire nation. The simulation was based on a strain of virus as infectious as the one behind the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918. It shows that the number of patients would surge during the first 10 days of the outbreak, with one in 5 people in the Tokyo area getting sick by the 21st day. The researchers calculate that by the time the number of the patients falls to zero on the 81st day, 52 percent of the city's population would have become ill.   [Malaysia] Thai Frozen Chicken: No Guarantee Bird Flu Free Last Updated: Nov 21 2008 7:57AM The Kelantan Veterinary Services Department has expressed the concern that smuggled frozen chicken from a neighboring country could be infected with the bird flu virus. Department Director, Dr Mohd Zairi Serlan said the smuggling of frozen chicken has been rampant lately in the wake of the rise in cases of bird flu in Thailand, causing the demand for poultry meat in that country to drastically drop. "We know the traders in the neighboring country are trying to avoid heavy losses by smuggling the chicken into this country in the frozen form. "What we are concerned is that these chicken would be processed again and turned into nuggets that are difficult to be traced", he told Bernama here.   [Indonesia] Chicken Stalls Cry Foul Over Plan To Shut Them Down Last Updated: Nov 20 2008 7:56AM Sellers and buyers of live and freshly slaughtered chickens are objecting to the city's plan to close 1,200 chicken stalls by 2010 because of concerns about avian flu. Syaiful, a chicken butcher in Tanah Abang market, Central Jakarta, said if his business was closed down, he would lose not only his livelihood, but also his customers, who prefer to buy live chickens and have them slaughtered in front of them according to Islamic law. "My customers do not like buying already slaughtered chickens. They want to watch the slaughtering process to ensure it is done properly," he said. As one customer, Jayadi, said, "If I can't see the slaughtering process, then I can't be sure whether the chicken was cut in the proper way.   [Thailand] No Bird Flu, But Officials On High Alert In Northern Provinces Last Updated: Nov 19 2008 8:10AM There is no bird flu in Thailand, but officials involved in monitoring the potential for a reappearance of the dreaded virus are on high alert in the more-at-risk upper part of the kingdom as colder weather could facilitate the spread of the virus, according to a senior official in the Livestock Department. Deputy Director-General Trisadee Chaosuanchareon of the Department of Livestock Development, trying to downplay public concerns regarding the virus, said the situation was under control. However, as precaution, he said, preventative measures in the upper part of the country were stepped up while local authorities were assigned to tighten control over the unauthorised movement of chickens and ducks.   [Indonesia] S. Sulawesi Establishes Bird Flu Commission Last Updated: Nov 19 2008 8:09AM The South Sulawesi administration on Tuesday inaugurated a provincial Bird Flu Control and Handling Commission, as it bids to stop the spread of the virus. Speaking in the provincial capital Makassar, Governor Syahrul Yasin Limpo, who appointed the commission's 51 members, said bird flu had spread widely across the province, with a new case detected last week in Makassar's Sudiang subdistrict. He added because it was difficult to track the virus, the province had drawn up preventive actions to stop the virus from infecting more people.   [India] Migratory Birds Bring In Fear Of Avian Influenza Last Updated: Nov 18 2008 7:38AM With avian guests from across cool northern hemispheres making their annual journey to water bodies within the Bhitarkanika national park here, forests and wildlife personnel are, as a matter of abundant precaution, on high alert to prevent possible outbreak of avian influenza. Preparations for arrival of migratory birds were often confined to patrolling to prevent poaching and restrictions of use of motorized boats. But over the years routine preparations have included measures to prevent bird flu. The forest and animal and husbandry department in a joint exercise have stepped up watch and vigil on the winged species though no bird carrying symptoms of flu-infection has been sighted as yet, according to official sources.   Jakarta To Combat Bird Flu By Restricting Poultry Sales Last Updated: Nov 17 2008 8:31AM Malaysia Freezes Permits For Chicken Imports From Thailand Last Updated: Nov 17 2008 8:30AM [Pakistan] Migratory Birds Do Not Cause Bird Flu: Experts Last Updated: Nov 17 2008 8:28AM Indonesia Says Teenager Tests Negative For Bird Flu Last Updated: Nov 14 2008 8:27AM Tests on an Indonesian girl reported to have died of bird flu proved negative for the deadly strain of the virus, the health minister said Thursday. Siti Fadilah Supari said the 15-year-old girl, who died in hospital in the Central Java city of Semarang on November 7, was not carrying the H5N1 strain. "Both tests came back negative," she said. The girl, who lived near a chicken slaughter house, died 10 days after complaining of flu-like symptoms. Indonesia has been the country hardest hit by bird flu, with its official toll of 112 deaths accounting for nearly half of worldwide deaths from the disease.   [Indonesia] 17 In Hospital With Suspected Bird Flu Last Updated: Nov 14 2008 8:26AM A South Sulawesi hospital was overwhelmed as it admitted in two days 17 patients believed to have bird flu, an official said Thursday. The patients, mostly children, presented with symptoms of the disease, such as a high fever, cough and respiratory problems, spokesman for Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital in Makassar, Andi Kurnia Bintang, said. Kurnia said the first patient, 5-year-old Salman, was hospitalized Wednesday morning, followed in the evening by his siblings Nurul Awaliah, 3, and Nur Fadillah, four months old, and four neighbors.   New Outbreak Of Bird Flu Found In Fowl In Thailand Last Updated: Nov 14 2008 8:25AM Authorities have confirmed that bird flu has been discovered in fowl in northern Thailand. Director-general of the Livestock Department Sakchai Sriboonsue says laboratory tests have found the virulent H5N1 virus in chickens in Uthai Thani province, 180 kilometers north of the capital Bangkok. He said yesterday the virus has been found in about a dozen chickens raised in a backyard farm after several died.   Uthai Thani Instigates 21 Day Surveillance In Bird Flu Area Last Updated: Nov 14 2008 8:24AM Thailand's Public Health Ministry is keeping a close 21-day watch over local residents in Uthai Thani's Nong Chang district, after a dead fowl was discovered infected with deadly avian influenza on Thursday, a senior official said. Public Health Minister Chalerm Ubamrung said disease-control prevention measures regarding avian influenza in humans have strictly been imposed to restore the confidence of local residents. The ministry says it was aiming to prevent the deadly virus from spreading to humans in the area where the death of fowl had occurred. Moreover, cooperation of local residents in Sukothai's Thung Salium district would make the disease control quick and practical, stated Chalerm. Meanwhile, Department of Disease Control director-general Dr. Somchai Chakrabhand said disease control in Uthai Thani's Nong Chang district was progressing steadily.   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... 79 »

1 China’s Hu Attends the G-20, APEC, and Conducts Four State Visits Last Updated: Dec 2 2008 12:00AM Download here (.doc)   Australia Boosts Bio-Security Defenses Last Updated: Sep 16 2008 12:00AM Australia has opened a new National Center for Bio-Security to build its defenses against infectious diseases and biological weapons. Medical experts say it will help protect the country from threats such as SARS and bird flu as well as attacks by terrorists or rogue scientists. From Sydney, Phil Mercer reports. The new bio-security center adds another layer to Australia's counterterrorism defenses. Its researchers will look at ways to combat biological warfare, naturally occurring diseases and the theft or misuse of sensitive research on micro-organisms. In addition, they will study the dangers posed by synthetic biology, where a virus or bacteria can be created from scratch. The center's work will concentrate on 22 bacteria, viruses and poisons that the Australian government considers "agents of concern".   Anti-U.S. Activists Lead Protests Last Updated: Jun 27 2008 8:33AM The increasingly violent protests against the resumption of U.S. beef imports are masterminded by professional anti-U.S. activists, the conservative governing Grand National Party said yesterday. The GNP singled out well-known progressive activists by names.  Hong Joon-pyo, floor leader of the Grand National Party, said yesterday that behind-the-scenes instigators want to use the rallies to stir   Anti-U.S. Activists Lead Protests Last Updated: Jun 27 2008 8:30AM The increasingly violent protests against the resumption of U.S. beef imports are masterminded by professional anti-U.S. activists, the conservative governing Grand National Party said yesterday. The GNP singled out well-known progressive activists by names.  Hong Joon-pyo, floor leader of the Grand National Party, said yesterday that behind-the-scenes instigators want to use the rallies to stir up anti-American sentiment and oust President Lee Myung-bak.   [Vietnam] Department Pleads Provinces To Help Control Bird Flu Outbreak Last Updated: Feb 22 2008 7:50AM The Department of Animal Health yesterday urged all provincial branches to make urgent efforts to control an outbreak of bird flu as the virus has been reported in six northern and southern provinces. While bird flu virus has appeared in northern Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, Hai Duong, Nam Dinh and Tuyen Quang provinces and southern Long An Province, the central province of Quang Binh has been declared H5N1 free after no outbreaks in poultry were reported for 21 days. The department’s director, Bui Quang Anh, said animal health units, especially the unit’s head, would have to assume responsibility should an outbreak occur in their localities.   China Defends Standard Of Dumplings After Food Scare In Japan Last Updated: Jan 31 2008 8:39AM China said on Thursday it did not find any harmful pesticides during a pre-export inspection of frozen dumplings at the centre of a food scare that has left 10 Japanese ill. The incident has caused a national outcry in Japan, where the television networks are broadcasting horror stories from people who said they felt they were close to dying after eating the dumplings. Japan's cabinet held an emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss a response to the food poisoning, as authorities began investigating more reported cases of people falling ill.   Cyclone Sidr Strikes Bangladesh (Update 2) Last Updated: Nov 20 2007 12:00AM Download here (.doc)   China's Chief Vet Fears Pig Disease Cover-Up Last Updated: Aug 20 2007 8:36AM China's chief vet says local authorities may have covered up outbreaks of a disease that has killed tens of thousands of pigs. Official figures show the highly infectious blue-ear pig disease has killed 68,000 pigs across China and led to another 175,000 being slaughtered.   Chinese Officials Blame US Media For Fanning Food Fears Last Updated: Jul 16 2007 9:05AM China is blaming the country's food-safety woes on sensationalist US media even as it announced new seizures of suspect American imports, state press reported on Monday. "Some foreign media, especially those based in the US, have wantonly reported on so-called unsafe Chinese products.   FSM Island Of Yap Has Outbreak Of 'Zika' Virus Last Updated: Jun 25 2007 12:00AM Health authorities have confirmed that the Zika virus has caused an outbreak of illness on the island of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia. Marianas Variety reports a joint investigation has been carried out by local public health authorities, the US Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.   Fiji Warns Of Typhoid Outbreak Last Updated: Apr 17 2007 12:00AM As many as 9,000 people may be at risk of catching typhoid on Fiji's second island of Vanua Levu, after a 32-year-old man died of the disease.   Mr. Hu Goes To Moscow, Again Last Updated: Apr 6 2007 12:00AM Download here (.doc)   FDA urged to OK first bird-flu vaccine Last Updated: Feb 27 2007 10:51AM U.S. health advisers recommended Tuesday that the government approve the first bird flu vaccine as a stopgap measure, despite evidence it wouldn't protect most people. In separate votes, the outside panel said the vaccine was both safe and effective. A vaccine must meet both standards to win approval from the Food and Drug Administration.   Burma Releases 9 Protestors In Rangoon Last Updated: Feb 27 2007 12:00AM Burma's military government has released nine people who'd been held for five days after holding a rare protest over living conditions in the capital, Rangoon. Around two dozen people took part in last Thursday's demonstration outside a bus station, waving placards and shouting slogans.   Japan Confirms 32nd Mad Cow Case Last Updated: Feb 5 2007 12:00AM TOKYO: Japan confirmed its 32nd case of mad cow disease on Monday, extending its record as the only Asian country to have verified the brain-wasting disease in its herd. A cow, born in August 2001 in a farm on the northern island of Hokkaido, tested positive for mad cow disease, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), a health ministry official said.   1