H5N1 Pandemic Information News

The Dead Poultry is Testing Negative in Vietnam #H5N1 #Birdflu

2012-02-01T18:55:00.004-05:00

Just like in parts of Indonesia.

More than 2,500 poultry and livestock died in Nghe An

(PL) - By the way 31-1, Nam Xuan Commune (Nam Dan district) and Quynh Giang commune
01/02/2012
(Quynh Luu district, Nghe An) has more than 100 birds have died from unknown causes.

According to the Veterinary Station Quynh Luu district, from 29-1, began to appear dead poultry in Quynh Giang, Nam Xuan commune also appear dead chickens before Tet. The Veterinary Department of Nghe An province has sent samples taken Veterinary Agency Region 3 tests.

Previously, Hung Nguyen District Veterinary Station (Nghe An) said on 25-1, this district has destroyed more than 2,400 chickens died industry. Test results showed that samples negative for bird flu.

Meanwhile, by the way 31-1, at Tuong Duong district (Nghe An) has 11 buffalo and cow disease from blood infections, including eight children had died. In the Ky Son district, Anh Son, Quy Hop has 10 cattle died unknown causes. Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to direct the district epidemic.

Indonesa: The effectiveness of Tamiflu is doubtful #Birdflu #H5N1

2012-02-01T18:43:00.000-05:00

International experts question the effectiveness and safety of Tamiflu, the main drug used to treat pandemic flu, including bird flu.

Tamiflu does shorten the duration of flu symptoms, but so far no evidence the drug is able to reduce the number of patients requiring hospital care. The experts also claim, the side effects of this medication may not be reported.

The doctors of Chochrane Collaboration, a research institute that has a network in 100 countries, reviewing 16,000 clinical test data regarding this drug. They critically question how well these drugs work as well as safety.

Carl Heneghan, one of the researchers, said that what is sought of a drug are its benefits and possible side effects. "Currently in the absence of scientific evidence we are not in a position to say benefits outweigh the side effects," he said.

The researchers also mengklim 60 percent of people involved in phase 3 clinical trials were never published. "We are concerned that these data are not in the scientific community supervision," he said.

In response, Roche as the manufacturer of Tamiflu, assuring that 80 percent of the open clinical trial data and conducted by independent scientists.

"We have a foundation of integrity and strength are supported by data on the effectiveness and safety of Tamiflu. Various clinical studies and experience in the field showed the drug is effective in reducing the severity and duration of symptoms," wrote the pharmaceutical company said in a statement.

2013, RI Vaccine Production

Dna treatment-related prevention, Bio pharma is expected to produce bird flu vaccine in bulk from 2013 after adding new facilities. "Currently the production of Bio Farma need for enlarged capacity. If the money out this year, the end of 2013 so the new facility, it is time consuming , "said Health Minister Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih.

On that occasion, the Rector of the University of Indonesia Gumilar Rusliwa Somantri submit prototype bird flu vaccines to Bio Farma vaccine research as a form of cooperation that normally can reach 15 years.

Endang said that cooperation as a form of government support for national vaccine production to eliminate the dependence on imported vaccines. "UI which deliver vaccine, Bio Farma produces, then our government is buying," said Endang.

President Director of PT Bio Farma (Persero) Iskandar said it took a shortcut to speed up research. "Initial step short cut through the synergy of academia, business and government do Bio Farma to hold back the National Vaccine Research Forum," he said.

From the forum, eight consortium formed to research and development of dengue vaccine is a vaccine, malaria, AIDS / HIV, rotavirus vaccine, bird flu vaccines and new vaccine TB.Konsorsium bird flu vaccine research have produced a prototype vaccine through joint research in 2011 ago.

"The research was funded by the Ministry of Research and Technology. The consortium will continue with the research and development of vaccines and other pharmaceutical raw materials such as malaria vaccines, HIV, Rotavirus, Pnemuococcus and adjuvant vaccine," said Endang.ins

Dead falcon, gull in HK test positive for bird flu

2012-02-01T18:24:00.001-05:00

2012-2-2

THE Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said yesterday that preliminary testing of a dead peregrine falcon and a dead black-headed gull have returned positive for the H5 avian influenza virus.

A spokesman for the city's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said that further confirmatory tests are being conducted.

According to the AFCD, the dead peregrine falcon and black-headed gull were found and collected at two separate locations on January 30.

Peregrine falcons are rare winter visitors to Hong Kong, while the black-headed gull is a common visitor.

The spokesman said that there were no poultry farms within 3 kilometers of where the dead peregrine falcon was found, but four chicken farms are within 3 kilometers of where the dead black-headed gull was found. AFCD staff inspected the farms and found no abnormal mortality or symptoms of avian influenza among the chicken flocks.

These farms will be put under enhanced surveillance.

"People should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them," he warned.

Avian Flu Poultry Industry Disrupt Australia

2012-02-01T18:16:00.002-05:00

Previous posts on this subject out of Australia, can be found here and here

02 FEBRUARY 2012
Cases of bird flu in the state of Victoria causing a number of regions in Asia such as Japan and Hong Kong banned poultry imports from Ausralia.

KBR68H - About 24 thousand of poultry in Australia ekot found cases of birds culled after bird flu positive. This case led to a number of areas in Asia banned poultry imports from Ausralia, such as Japan and Hong Kong.

This prohibition on the importation of poultry meat businesses regrettable Organisation The Australian Chicken Meat Federation. This organization says the ban is an attitude due to excessive imports, the positive poultry bird flu only a few are found in the southern state of Victoria. That, too, has been isolated and are believed not to affect poultry. Businessmen said the import ban on Australian poultry industry is very big impact for them.

In 2010, Japan imported 1.2 tons and 0.7 tons of meat poultry eggs from Australia. While Australia exported about 4 percent of their poultry products to 60 countries, and Hong Kong became the largest consumer. Authority of the state of Victoria ensure poultry meat industry in the region they have a good reputation and Australian beef import ban will not last long. (AFP)

CDC: Oseltamivir-Resistant Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Virus Infections, United States, 2010–11

2012-02-01T16:01:00.000-05:00

Volume 18, Number 2—February 2012
Dispatch
Abstract

During October 2010–July 2011, 1.0% of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 viruses in the United States were oseltamivir resistant, compared with 0.5% during the 2009–10 influenza season. Of resistant viruses from 2010–11 and 2009–10, 26% and 89%, respectively, were from persons exposed to oseltamivir before specimen collection. Findings suggest limited community transmission of oseltamivir-resistant virus.

[click on title for full report]

CDC: 1918 Influenza, a Puzzle with Missing Pieces

2012-02-01T15:56:00.000-05:00

Volume 18, Number 2—February 2012
Commentary
David M. MorensComments to Author and Jeffery K. Taubenberger
Author affiliations: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Suggested citation for this article

Shanks and Brundage offer thought-provoking hypotheses about influenza pathogenesis during the catastrophic 1918–1919 pandemic (1). Although we neither agree nor disagree with their views, its central hypothesis of T-cell–mediated immunopathogenesis begs examination of past events in light of modern immunologic and virologic understanding. We also emphasize that effects of the pandemic virus should not be measured only by illness and death in 1918–1919, but should also take into account disease caused by its descendent seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses up to the present (2). Thus, for human influenza history to be better understood, it must be continually reevaluated.

Figure
Thumbnail of Combined influenza plus pneumonia (P&I) age-specific incidence, mortality, and case-fatality rates, per 1,000 persons/age group, US Public Health Service house-to-house surveys, 8 states, 1918, and US Public Health Service surveys during 1928–1929. A) P&I incidence for 1918; B) mortality rate for 1918 (ill and well persons combined); C) P&I case-fatality rates for 1918 (solid line) compared with a more typical curve of age-specific influenza case-fatality rates (dotted l

Figure. Combined influenza plus pneumonia (P&I) age-specific incidence, mortality, and case-fatality rates, per 1,000 persons/age group, US Public Health Service house-to-house surveys, 8 states, 1918, and US Public Health Service surveys during...

Specifically, Shanks and Brundage hypothesize that high mortality rates in 1918 resulted from immunopathogenic effects of cell-mediated immune responses elicited by previously circulating influenza viruses. They also suggest that clues to immunopathogenic mechanisms are found in the unique, well-documented, W-shaped age-specific mortality curve of the 1918 pandemic (3) (Figure) in which the typical (U-shaped) curve of pandemic influenza, featuring mortality rate peaks in young and old persons, was augmented by an unprecedented third mortality rate peak in persons 20–40 years of age.

A complicating fact about 1918–1919 mortality patterns and pathogenesis hypotheses is that for ≈98% of infected persons, influenza was clinically unremarkable in its traditional signs and symptoms (fever, cough, myalgia) and severity (4). Clinical and epidemiologic differences were confined to 2 aspects: higher frequency of its long-appreciated post-illness complication—bacterial pneumonia (5)—and an unusual peak in fatal or nonfatal pneumonia cases in persons 20–40 years of age. In 1918, a higher percentage of persons of all ages, and especially those 20–40 years old, experienced influenza that led to cases of secondary bacterial pneumonia, which were caused by highly prevalent pneumopathogenic bacteria (especially pneumococci, streptococci, and staphylococci). These bacteria had been continuously causing primary pneumonia and pneumonia after influenza and other respiratory illnesses, and had long been exacting a substantial death toll.

[continued - click on link for full article]

VIETNAM -2012’s second bird flu death confirmed #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-02-01T13:33:00.000-05:00

A+A-

Wed, February 1, 2012,10:30 PM (GMT+0700)

File photo shows a woman wearing a mask at a shopping mall in Hong Kong during an alert over bird flu

Photo: AFP

The Mekong Delta’s Soc Trang Province has reported another bird flu death, the 2nd case in 2012, according to the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health.
This is also the 2nd person having succumbed to H5N1 virus in the Mekong Delta this year after the case in Kien Giang Province, said Nguyen Van Binh, head of the department.
The 26-year-old female patient in Thanh Tri District was brought to the local hospital on January 23 after showing fever symptoms.
She was then transferred to Bac Lieu Province General Hospital on January 25 with viral pneumonia diagnosis since the illness still persisted. She died in the hospital three days later.
Test conducted by Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City has showed that patient was infected with Influenza A virus subtype H5N1, also known as "bird flu".
According to a recent epidemiological investigation, the patient had slaughtered and eaten infected meat, in the area where there was phenomenon of mass poultry death.
The Ministry of Health has directed Soc Trang Province’s Department of Health to strengthen anti-epidemic measures to monitor and prevent the disease from spreading further locally.
HCMC Pasteur Institute has also sent a team of anti-epidemic servicemen to support local health department to investigate and implement preventive measures. http://www.tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/society/2012-s-second-bird-flu-death-confirmed-1.59997

Nghe An- epidemic occurs in poultry and cattle #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-02-01T11:50:00.000-05:00

Updated at 17:04, Wednesday, 01/02/2012 (GMT +7)

Nhan Dan Online - The synthesis and initial reports from the veterinary stations in several districts of Nghe An province, the 1-2 morning had thousands of cattle and poultry disease and death.

Before Tet, Quynh Giang Commune, Quynh Luu district, Nam Xuan commune, Nam Dan district has killed hundreds of birds. According to Hung Nguyen District Veterinary Station, on 25-1, this unit has destroyed more than 400 chickens died industry.
In the mountainous districts of Ky Son and Tuong Duong, Anh Son, Quy Hop ... had dozens cow disease from blood infections, including Ky Son district, Anh Son, Quy Hop has 10 cattle dead yet unexplained.

Competent authorities are sending test samples and focus on directing the district not to actively prevent epidemic. http://www.nhandan.org.vn/cmlink/nhandandientu/thoisu/doi-song/i-s-ng-tin-chung/ngh-an-xu-t-hi-n-d-ch-gia-c-m-gia-suc-1.332127

Vietnam-The second person died of bird flu #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-02-01T11:38:00.001-05:00

This is a 26-year-old female patient, in Thanh Tri district, Soc Trang province. So in just a 2 months in both cases of bird flu have died.

According to the notice of the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health), on 23 / 1, patients experience fever, cough should be tested in Thanh Tri district hospital. However, two days after the condition is not relieved of the house should be taken to the hospital in Bac Lieu province. Here, the patient was diagnosed with pneumonia suspected viral evolution.

. On 28 / 1, the patient died. Results of samples tested positive for the H5N1 flu virus.

. An epidemiological investigation showed that patients with slaughtering and eating infected chicken had died phenomenon sick poultry in the area the patient lives.

So, to actively prevent H5N1 flu spread from birds to humans, the Health Ministry advised people to discover sick poultry, absolutely not dead slaughter and use that to inform the authorities the locality. Ensure cooked food, drink boiled; wash hands with soap before eating. When you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath related to avian influenza to immediately go to the nearest medical facility for examination and treatment.

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=vi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fvnexpress.net%2F

Nam Phương

Vietnam- Death from H5N1 - #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-02-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

Have died from influenza A/H5N1Wednesday, 01/02/2012 23:10
ANTD - Day 1-2, Department of Preventive Medicine - The Health Ministry said, just one more case of A/H5N1 flu deaths. Were female, 26, Tan Thanh Commune, Thanh Tri district, Soc Trang province.

On 23-1, the patient developed symptoms of fever, cough, the doctor put in Thanh Tri district hospital. 25-1 To date, no relief to the patient sent home for examination and treatment at the Polyclinic Hospital in Bac Lieu Province with pneumonia diagnosed suspected viral evolution.

Disease progression and continued until 28-1, the patient died. Patient samples were obtained post Flu Center - HCMC Pasteur Institute tested, results on 30-1 confirmed positive for influenza A/H5N1 virus.
Epidemiological Survey results showed that patients with slaughtering and eating infected chicken had died phenomenon sick poultry in the area the patient lives. As such, this is the first two A/H5N1 flu cases this year and both died. Previously, cases of influenza A/H5N1 was first recorded in 2012 in Kien Giang and died on 16-1, after 20 months found no cases of the disease in the country.
First sign of this concern, the Department of Preventive Medicine has directed the Department of Health Soc epidemiological investigation and increasing deployment of surveillance measures, anti-epidemic in the province; City Pasteur Institute Requirements .
City sent a team to maneuver against epidemic outbreaks support local health surveys and implement control measures. At the same time, the Department of Preventive Medicine suggested DAH - MARD to strengthen active surveillance, detection and thorough handling of outbreaks in poultry, and coordinate the implementation of measures to prevent and combat the spread of bird flu to humans. Private health care system backup routes to increase surveillance of influenza A/H5N1 situation in the area to detect and treat early if the outbreak.
Dr. Nguyen Van Binh, Director of Preventive Medicine recommends, to actively prevent A/H5N1 flu spread from birds to humans, people should perform well the following measures:- Upon detection of poultry sickness, death, do not be slaughtered and used that to immediately notify local authorities.
- No shipping, trading poultry and poultry products of unknown origin, ensure cooked food, drink boiling, wash hands with soap before eating.
- When you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath related to avian influenza should immediately go to the nearest medical facility for examination and treatment.

http://www.anninhthudo.vn/Xa-hoi/Lai-co-nguoi-tu-vong-do-cum-AH5N1/434300.antd

Another new H5N1 death in Vietnam #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-02-01T11:23:00.000-05:00

Add one case of death from bird flu
Wednesday, 02.01.2012, 21:11 (GMT 7)

TTO - Day 1-2, Dr. Nguyen Van Binh - Director of Preventive Health (MOH) - have reported a case of death from bird flu in Soc Trang. These are deaths from A/H5N1 flu Monday in 2012, after the deaths in Kien Giang.

Patients who died were women, 26 years old, residing in incubation B1, Tan Thanh Commune, Thanh Tri district.
On 23-1, the patient developed symptoms of fever, cough and consult in Thanh Tri district hospital.

Disease should persist on 25-1, the patient was transferred to hospital in Bac Lieu Province with pneumonia diagnosed suspected viral evolution.

On 28-1, the patient died. Test results at the Center for flu - HCM City Pasteur Institute showed that patients infected with influenza virus A (H5N1).

According to the epidemiological investigation, patients were slaughtering and eating infected meat, in areas of patients living with sick poultry died phenomenon.
The Health Ministry has directed the Department of Health Soc epidemiological investigation and strengthen the implementation of measures to monitor and prevent influenza A (H5N1) in the area.

HCM City Pasteur Institute has sent a team of anti-epidemic service to support local health department to investigate and implement preventive measures. http://tuoitre.vn/Chinh-tri-xa-hoi/Song-khoe/475657/Them-mot-truong-hop-tu-vong-do-cum-gia-cam.html

Bogor-Five Suspected Bird Flu Patients Recover It #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-02-01T11:03:00.003-05:00

Five Suspected Bird Flu Patients Recover It
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 21:36:01
Oleh : Aris Basuki
By: Aris Basuki

KBRN, New York: Five people were residents in RT 3.1, Cinnamon Village Bogor City who complained of cough, high fever and a cold current condition is recovered. Wati, Erika, Ifan, Windi and Damar who previously complained about the condition of his high fever and cough, after a number of birds died suddenly in his area.

A number of birds at the location of RT 03/01 in Village Cinnamon who died suddenly feared that local residents will soon menjalarkan virus to the public.
"His condition is no cough, and was good. That we seek treatment at health centers in Kampong Cinnamon. Now it's passable, "said Wati to RRI, Wednesday (1 / 2).
Cinnamon Health Center, providing free medical treatment for patients with suspected bird flu indication. Therefore, community health centers will mengratiskan when exposed to colds, flu and cough.
Previously, residents in the area of RT 03/01 Village Cinnamon has a mass culling of poultry. Culling was done by the local health department.

(Syariful/Aris.B/HF)

http://translate.googleusercontent.c...ZTp6UIINT1_Vog

Sri Lanka-Bird Flu confirmed: Health Minister orders probe #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-02-01T09:35:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, 01 February 2012 13:19

The Health Ministry has ordered a full investigation into the sudden deaths of a large number of fowls at a Bingiriya poultry farm with symptoms of Bird Flu, Health sources disclosed. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Livestock has reported one of the dead hens had symptoms of Bird Flu virus that had hit some nations in Asia. Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has ordered an immediate probe into the Bingiriya Farm fowl deaths and have directed health officials to visit hospitals around the area to conduct investigations on patients admitted with flu.http://www.nation.lk/edition/latest-top-stories/item/2154-bird-flu-confirmed-health-minister-orders-probe

Suspected bird flu case in Bingiriya #BIRDFLU #H5N1

2012-02-01T09:24:00.000-05:00

Suspected bird flu case in Bingiriya
Wednesday, 01 February 2012 09:28

The Health Ministry this morning called for a full investigation on the Bingiriya chicken farm which had a suspected case of bird flu after 1,000 chickens were found dead including one which showed symptoms of the flu, ministry officials said.

Ministry officials said two groups of experts from the Health Ministry as well as the Livestock and Animal Production Department of the Agricultural ministry had carried out tests to determine the cause of the deaths and symptoms showed by the rooster with suspected bird flu symptoms.

“Based on the results of the tests carried out the researchers will decide what would be done to remedy the problem to ensure that no more chickens are affected,” ministry officials said.

Meanwhile the All-Island Poultry Association said that the chickens in the Bingiriya farm had been affected by a virus since November last year. He said that since then about three birds had been dying each day and that out of some 5,000 chickens, 30% had already died. However he said the virus was not bird flu.

“Whatever it is, it is not infectious and it does not affect human beings. It should not raise alarm as if it was bird flu it would spread like wild fire. This is not the case. Sri Lanka is 100% free of bird flu,” the association’s Chairman D.D. Wanasinghe said.

He said it should not affect the industry as the virus would not affect people and that there has been no change in the demand for chicken so far. Meanwhile it had been reported that the sale of eggs and chicken at the Bingiriya farm had been temporarily suspended. (Olindhi Jayasundere)
http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/16459...ingiriya-.html

Bangladesh -13 thousand of birds infected with #BIRDFLU

2012-02-01T08:16:00.001-05:00

With more than 10 thousand 5 hundred eggs have been destroyed.
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=bn&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bdreport24.com%2Farchives%2F60779

Hong Kong -Peregrine falcon and black-headed gulls #BIRDFLU

2012-02-01T07:54:00.000-05:00

Peregrine falcon and the body of the Hong Kong bird flu black-headed gulls tested positive
2012-02-01 20:38:56
Xinhua Hong Kong, February 1 (reporter Wu Zheng) Hong Kong SAR Government Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said spokesman 1st, in the New Territories and Tung Chung, Yuen Long, seized the body of the peregrine falcon and the black-headed gulls H5 avian influenza virus initially tested positive, the Government is continuing to further confirmatory tests.

The peregrine falcon and the black-headed gulls body on January 30 at Seaview Crescent in Tung Chung Man Tung Road Park and the Chun Yin Square Playground in Yuen Long was discovered seized. In Hong Kong, peregrine falcon is a rare winter visitor, Black-headed Gull is a common winter visitor.
The spokesman said the body found in peregrine falcon sites within 3 km there is no farm, black-headed gulls body within 3 km where there are four chicken farms. AFCD has been sent to inspect the farms and found no abnormal mortality or chicken showed symptoms of avian influenza. AFCD will step up monitoring of the farms.
http://news.163.com/12/0201/20/7P735VUF00014JB5.html

Quang Tri:Destroyed more than 1,100 ducks infected with H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-02-01T07:49:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, 01/02/2012 15:42

ANTD - Day 1-2, Dao Van An, head of veterinary stations of Hai Lang district, Quang Tri said, has destroyed more than 1,100 ducks infected with H5N1 bird flu have found in the area.

CAH U.S. Chapter investigating the destruction of poultry in contravention of regulations
Destruction of birds of unknown origin

After the results of the test station diagnosis-Veterinary Agency Region III identified 756 human ducks (88 days old, weigh 2 to 2.5 kg / head) of households said Phan Thong, neighbors Cho, a village, Hai Tho, Hai Lang district by testing positive for HPAI virus (H5N1), Veterinary Station Hai Lang district Hai Tho combination of CPC held the destruction of ducks.

Destruction of infected ducks at Hai Tho
During the monitoring process outbreak, 29-1 am continuing to detect 354 human ducks (61 days old, weighing 1 to 1.5 kg / head) of households said Phan Van Mo (adjacent households with household Phan Information) show signs of infection like Mr. Thong household flock, Veterinary Station reported to the Veterinary Department, and provincial and district People's Committee held the second destruction of ducks in the morning the same day. Both ducks were buried deep in the hole, is processed through two layers of lime and chemicals.
Along with the destruction of the infected ducks, Hai Lang District Veterinary Station also led households with infected ducks entire compost collection, disposal and litter to supply chemicals to handle protected , disinfect all cages, to avoid large-scale epidemic.

http://www.anninhthudo.vn/Xa-hoi/Tieu-huy-hon-1100-con-vit-nhiem-H5N1/434250.antd

Bangladesh destroys 140,000 birds, eggs after flu virus detection since November #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-02-01T06:13:00.001-05:00

16:19, February 01, 2012

DHAKA, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh's authorities destroyed nearly 140,000 birds and eggs until last month since mid November when this season's first outbreak of bird flu was detected, an official said Wednesday.

Ataur Rahman, assistant director at the control room of Bangladesh's Fisheries and Live Stock Department, told Xinhua that "Some 67,327 birds, including 12,714 at the latest on Tuesday, were culled in about a dozen flu-hit farms since the middle of November last year."

During the same period, he said, "A total of 69,390 eggs were also destroyed."
An official had earlier said risky factors of bird flu disease usually rise with the fall in temperature during January and February in Bangladesh which is considered a high-risk country with respect to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) as the South Asian nation of over 160 million people is especially vulnerable to virus perpetuation because of insufficient biosecurity, rearing of chickens and ducks together, selling of live birds, and deficient disease surveillance.

Bangladesh's poultry farmers during winter season in 2009 and 2010 had suffered to some extent from the outbreak of the disease. The disease was first detected in Bangladesh in a poultry farm near capital Dhaka in March 2007. The situation deteriorated later on as the virus spread fast across the country which was reported in 47 districts between December 2007 and March 2008. http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90782/90880/7717135.html

Massachusetts-4 dead swans tested positive for bird flu #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-02-01T06:08:00.000-05:00

February 01, 2012

State and federal wildlife officials say four of the 12 swans found dead at a Westborough pond recently have tested positive for avian influenza, but stress that there is no threat to humans. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the US Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services collected the swan carcasses from Mill Pond in December after a resident reported seeing them floating near shore. A spokesman for the state Division of Fisheries & Wildlife said four birds tested positive for a mild form of avian flu that is relatively common, and humans are not in danger of catching the disease. The remaining eight birds did not have avian influenza, and tests could not determine a cause of death. http://bostonglobe.com/metro/2012/02/01/dead-swans-tested-positive-for-bird-flu/whMGO1It1EX3mYbX82KiNI/story.html

Outbreak of Nodding Syndrome Spreads

2012-01-31T21:46:00.002-05:00

Yael Waknine

January 31, 2012 — The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued recommendations geared toward controlling an outbreak of nodding syndrome in South Sudan. The permanent neurologic condition previously was reported in the neighboring countries of Uganda and Tanzania.
Nodding syndrome, which primarily affects children aged 5 to 15 years, is characterized by episodes of perpetual-motion head nodding that makes eating and drinking difficult. It is often accompanied by seizurelike activities such as nonresponsive staring spells and convulsions that can lead to injury or death.
Although its etiology and pathophysiology remain unknown, nodding syndrome has been linked to current infection with the nematode Onchocerca volvulus, which causes river blindness (onchocerciasis).
CDC recommendations include reinforcing mass ivermectin therapy to treat onchocerciasis and the antiepileptic management of seizures, as well as enhanced surveillance to enable identification of epidemiologic patterns. No recoveries have been reported among children and adolescents with nodding syndrome.
The report was published in the January 27 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Investigation and Results
In May 2011, a team of CDC investigators responded to a request for assistance from the Sudanese Ministry of Health regarding a recent increase and geographic clustering of nodding syndrome cases.
After ascertaining that the clinical syndrome was the same as that observed in other East African countries, 38 case patients (mean age, 11.1 years; range, 7 - 16 years) were matched by age and location to 38 control patients (mean age, 10.6 years; range, 6 - 17 years).
All participants were recruited from clusters in the rural village of Witto (13 pairs) and the semiurban town of Maridi (25 pairs) in South Sudan's state of Equatoria.
Overall, the prevalence of current onchocerciasis, as diagnosed by skin snip, was significantly higher among case patients than control patients (76.3% vs 47.4%; matched odds ratio [mOR], 3.2; P = .02).
However, the increase was location-specific and driven by Maridi participants (88.0% vs 44.0%; mOR, 9.3; P = .001); no significant association with river blindness was found in Witto (53.8% vs 53.8%; mOR, 1.0; P = n/a).
Other Causes?
The cause of nodding syndrome and its mode of transmission remain unknown. Preliminary analyses of the collected data show no association with other risk factors, including exposure to munitions, parents' occupations, and demographic characteristics.
Additional analyses will explore the potential role of malnutrition, pending laboratory test results for certain vitamins (eg, A, B6, and B12). The presence of O volvulus antibodies, heavy metals, and genetic markers are also being evaluated.
According to the authors, enhanced surveillance is needed to identify new cases as they occur, their location, and patient age at onset. Further collaborative investigations may also help to identify the cause of nodding syndrome, as well as preventive measures and treatments.
Morb Mortal Wkly Rep.Full text http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/757813

Who's behind that outbreak? Sometimes, CDC won't say #BIRDFLLU #H5N1

2012-01-31T21:43:00.001-05:00

Salmonella strain that sickened 109 people, including a man who died, was initially identified only as "strain X" by the CDC.

By JoNel Aleccia

When government health officials wrapped up a three-month investigation of a salmonella Enteritidis outbreak that sickened 68 people in 10 states, the final report on Jan. 19 included nearly every detail -- except the name of the place that sold the food.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has refused to identify the source, other than as “Restaurant Chain A,” a Mexican-style fast-food chain.

That’s the second time in a little more than a year that the agency has masked the source of foodborne illness at a similar chain. In August 2010, a final CDC report found that 155 people in 21 states were sickened by two rare strains of salmonella traced to an anonymous Mexican-style fast-food chain eventually identified as Taco Bell... http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/31/10274541-whos-behind-that-outbreak-sometimes-cdc-wont-say

Sri Lanka-Puzzling death of chicken #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-31T21:35:00.003-05:00

Waruna Padmasiri

The Department of Livestock and Animal Husbandry has investigated the death of a large number of chickens at a farm in the Bingiriya area in the Kurunegala district. It has been found that one of the dead chickens had bird flu symptoms. However it was not confirmed that the death was caused by bird flu.

A special discussion was held at the Ministry of Health under Additional Secretary of Health P Mahipala yesterday afternoon.

Two teams of specialist doctors from the Contagious Disease Research division are scheduled to visit the Bingiriya and nearby areas today. As a precautionary step, staff at Bingiriya, Chilaw and Hettipola hospitals are being briefed about containing the spread and treatment of the disease, in accordance with the World Health Organisation guidelines.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/02/01/news12.asp

Experimental Ebola Vaccine #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-31T21:33:00.000-05:00

Experimental Ebola Vaccine

Tracy Hampton, PhD

Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text.

A research team led by scientists at Arizona State University in Tempe has engineered a candidate vaccine that protects mice against Ebola hemorrhagic fever (Phoolcharoen W et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011;108[51]:20695-20700). This vaccine, which includes the Ebola viral surface glycoprotein fused to a monoclonal antibody that recognizes the glycoprotein, was injected into mice along with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (PIC), a chemical that activates a biochemical cascade involved in innate immunity.

Scientists have engineered an experimental vaccine that helped protect mice against the effects of infection with Ebola virus.

(Photo credit: Fredrick A. Murphy/CDC)

More than 80% of mice pretreated with the therapy survived after receiving a high dose of Ebola virus, while all mice given the immune complex without PIC died. Surviving animals showed a mixed T helper 1 and T helper 2 immune response, suggesting that this type of response may be important for protection.

[Full Text of this Article] http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/307/5/446.2.extract

Egypt: Isolate the 13 cases of suspected bird flu Dakahlia

2012-01-31T20:06:00.001-05:00

2/1/2012 1:28:00 AM

Dakahlia Rana Jumaili

The city of Mansoura during the month of January suspicion in approximately 13 cases infected with bird flu, and detained in Mansoura Chest Hospital, two cases are''Radi Zaher''25 years''and Dekerness to reconcile 25 years of''dead''Asas Samanoud ' 'and thus within the hospital in 13 cases of suspected bird flu patients have been isolated in an isolation ward at the hospital during the month of January.

Is still ongoing tests and analysis of the 13 cases, while the hospital administration confirmed that it will address the Ministry of Health for a health campaign in villages and centers for the work periodically checks to avoid the spread of the disease.

Indo: Bengkulu underfunded Controlling bird flu #H5N1

2012-01-31T18:31:00.001-05:00

Bengkulu (ANTARA News) - Tim penanggulngan bird flu in poultry in the province of Bengkulu in 2012 was minimal, making it difficult to conduct a maximum anticipation of the deadly disease.

"We are in year 2012 only have the funds to eight times the activity, a decrease from the previous year reached 16 days of activities per month," said Coordinator of Avian Influenza Disease Control (PPFB) Bengkulu Province, Emran Kuswadi Monday.

He explained, so far it only rely on aid from the United Nations FAO, but from 2012, the assistance of FAO only until March 2012.

"In addition to the allotted time is limited, the amount of aid is also reduced, whereas in 2011 the operational assistance provided to ration 16 days per month, is now reduced to eight days each month.

FAO deliberately reducing grants, with the hope that more local governments play an active role to tackle bird flu attack in their respective regions.

"It is unfortunate that both 2011 and 2012, the Regional Representatives Council (DPRD) Provincial and district / city nothing is agreed to fund bird flu in the Budget Revenue and Expenditure (budget) each," he said.

The team noted PPFB Bengkulu Province in 2011, the positive poultry bird flu virus infected as many as 143 birds.

"Areas that are found positive poultry bird flu virus, among others, the city of Bengkulu, District Kepahiang, Lebong, Rejang Lebong, Seluma, Bengkulu Bengkulu North and Central," he said.

He explained that the citizens need to increase awareness of Bengkulu province in January 2012 because of the bird flu virus began attacking dozens of poultry that is in Tangerang Banten province and two people died after direct contact with avian bird flu positive.

"From 2005 until January 2012, a total of 162 Indonesian people died from bird flu virus, the mortality rate is the largest in Southeast Asia," he said.

Indonesia: W. Sulawesi: Hygiene underestimate disease accumulate

2012-01-31T18:28:00.001-05:00

February 1, 2012
Majene, West Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - The District Health Office Majene, West Sulawesi, assess most of the citizens in that area has not been too concerned with hygiene problems that often cause disease. Head of Health Office of Majene, Evawaty in Majene, Tuesday, claiming that the number of cases of disease reported in all government health facilities in the village or district level, most of the diseases listed comes to hygiene."Nearly 50 percent of the ailments that we handle in all health centers and Puskesdes (Village Health Center) relating to hygiene problems, including problems of diarrhea, vomiting, skin diseases, as well as several other diseases, "he said. He said this during the public still need to receive intensive socialization to be able to understand and get used to living in a clean environment to be able to avoid various diseases. The disease is caused by a lack of attention to hygiene is not too severe, but if this is allowed to drag on it will cause a considerable impact. "Basically disease caused not too bad and easy to overcome. But if occurs repeatedly and in a long time then it will result in a big enough, "explains Evawaty. In various forums, it makes the problem of health office hygiene as the main discussion so that bad habits are slowly be abandoned and replaced with a pattern of healthy and clean. "We also have expressed this to the village and district officials to keep remind residents to keep the environment clean and hygienic living, so get used all kinds of diseases can be avoided, "he said. (AAT/Y006)

Stalk-specific pH1N1 antibodies may have snuffed out seasonal H1N1 flu

2012-01-31T18:25:00.000-05:00

CIDRAP:

Jan 31, 2012

Stalk-specific pH1N1 antibodies may have snuffed out seasonal H1N1 flu
Infection with 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza (pH1N1) boosted antibodies specific to the hemagglutinin (HA) stalk rather than its head, a phenomenon that may have contributed to the disappearance of seasonal H1N1 influenza strains circulating at the time, US researchers reported in a study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The team created chimeric hemagglutinin (cHA) proteins and viruses expressing those chimeric proteins that allowed them to detect stalk-specific antibodies in preparations that also included head-specific antibodies. (The HA of flu viruses is shaped like a mushroom, with a head and a stalk.) They found relatively high titers of stalk-specific immunoglobulin G antibodies in the blood of pH1N1-infected patients compared with those who weren't infected. By using cHA engineered with heads of viruses not seen in humans, the researchers showed the antibodies were reacting with the stalk and not the head. They also showed that the antibodies reduced virus replication. They write, "We believe that the sudden boost in antistalk titer that occurred with pH1N1 virus infection may have generated herd immunity against the seasonal virus, ultimately resulting in its disappearance."
Jan 30 Proc Natl Acad Sci abstract

US panel defends call to censor #birdflu studies #H5N1

2012-01-31T16:52:00.003-05:00

By Julie Steenhuysen
updated 1 hour 25 minutes ago

CHICAGO — A potentially deadlier form of the bird flu virus poses one of the gravest known threats to humans and justifies an unprecedented call to censor the research that produced it, a top U.S. biosecurity official said on Tuesday.

The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) set off a furious debate in the scientific and public health communities in December when it asked the journals Nature and Science to censor two studies on new strains of the H5N1 virus that may make it more easily transmissable in people.
"The potential of this pathogen, in theory, exceeds anything else I can imagine," Paul Keim, acting chair of the NSABB, told Reuters in an e-mail.

Keim explained his personal decision to support censorship in this case in a commentary published on Tuesday in mBio, the journal of the American Society for Microbiology. The panel also published an explanatory piece in Nature and Science.
-snip-
"A pandemic by such a pathogen could reasonably be concluded to cause such devastation that it should be prevented at all costs."

[continued - click on title for full story]

The NSABB speaks on influenza H5N1

2012-01-31T16:46:00.001-05:00

by Vincent Racaniello Ph.D
31 JANUARY 2012

The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) has published “Adaptations of Avian Flu Virus Are a Cause for Concern”, an explanation of their recommendations with respect to influenza H5N1 research (versions at Science and Nature). It starts with the statement that advances in technology now allow manipulation of microbial genomes in ways that could be misused, leading to global harm. They define dual-use research as “research that could be used for good or bad purposes”.

The authors begin their discussion of influenza H5N1 with the usual incorrect statement about the lethality of the virus:

[click on title for complete story]

Panel explains decision to limit publication of bird flu research

2012-01-31T16:43:00.001-05:00

1/31/12:
Excerpt:

The experts on the panel wrote that while the H5N1 situation is unprecedented, scientists have been concerned for years about the potential for deliberate misuse of biological research to cause harm -- especially research into dangerous microbial pathogens like the avian flu. But, they added, "Until now, these efforts have suffered from a lack of specificity and a paucity of concrete examples.... We are now confronted by a potent, real-world example."

Because H5N1 was able to be transmitted easily between mammals and retained its deadliness, "we could face an epidemic of substantial proportions," they noted. Before this work, no one was sure if such a highly-transmissible strain could develop. Now they know it can -- and thus the panel decided that the risks of publishing detailed results outweigh the benefits.

The goal now will be for scientists, government and others to forge a way forward, the authors wrote. "Now that this information is known, society can take steps globally to prepare for when nature might generate such a virus spontaneously," they said.

"The life sciences have reached a crossroads," they wrote, much like the one physicists faced as they researched nuclear weapons and biologists faced in the 1970s when recombinant DNA technologies came into use.

[click on title for full article]

Egypt: Book a housewife, on suspicion of #bird flu Menoufia #H5N1

2012-01-31T15:45:00.000-05:00

1/30/12

Detained by the Directorate of Health Affairs Menoufia names of Mr. Mohamed Al-Saadawi (30 years housewife) from the village center Henwan Shebin within Shebin Fever Hospital on suspicion of being infected with bird flu symptoms and disease-free.

Dr. Ayman Abdel Moneim, Under the Ministry of Health Menoufia, it was a sample of blood taken and sent to labs central Ministry of Health for analysis.

The Directorate of Veterinary Medicine announced that the cause of injury for the victim of exposure to dead birds were cleared her house and took samples of her contacts at home and take preventive measures adopted in this regard.

Saudi Arabia/Riyadh: Balghunaim undertakes to compensate the producers in the event of death due to poultry diseases #H5N1 #avian influenza

2012-01-31T15:27:00.002-05:00

Riyadh - Admitted to the Minister of Agriculture Dr. Fahad Balghunaim, the failure of Poultry Association and the small number of veterinarians, and at the same time assured the poultry farmers that the ministry will replace all of its poultry are executed in the event of discovery of disease as in the case of avian influenza, Rift Valley fever earlier.

And obtained the «life» to the interventions of poultry farmers, during their meeting with the Minister of Agriculture mid-January (January) the past, which uncovered the illegal drugs entering, and investors fear in the poultry sector of the Declaration on diseases that affect chicken flocks for fear of execution. According to the farmers who attended the meeting, they called for the establishment of a central laboratory for the diagnosis of diseases, and provide information on diseases, including working to develop a map of the spread of diseases in the Kingdom is helping to develop a policy to combat these diseases and control of access to various drugs and vaccines.

The farmers that there are poultry farms are still selling live chickens, which are being slaughtered outside slaughterhouses, and that «there are drugs illegal intervention of the Kingdom and indiscriminate use of medicines and vaccines that cause the spread of diseases», but that the minister stressed «the application of a strict policy in importing vaccines».

The poultry farmers of «life» that the minister will also be establishing a factory for vaccines in the UK this year, and will begin production this year as well ».

Farmers also criticized the slow movement of the Preventive Security in the ministry in dealing with communications sick of farms, citing that they are in many visits to the farm at one time. He said these people (who refused to reveal their names) that the Minister of Agriculture approved the low number of veterinarians, and that the Ministry is currently increasing in number, pointing out that «some farmers are averse to the announcement of the disease is not executed until the herd and lose all that they have».

They added that the minister had assured them that «the ministry will ensure fair compensation for each of the flock which to be executed, as happened in the case of influenza, Rift Valley fever previously», pointing out that farmers complained of the lack of proper sauce that causes the loss of them, especially that available in the market is weak immunity.

They pointed out that the minister acknowledged the failure of the Poultry Association, and that he must think of a better way to manage the affairs of its members and to deal with the challenges they face, and discuss the establishment of a new entity for each poultry producers, representing the Ministry of Agriculture. They pointed out that the minister described the efficiency of poultry projects as low and are working on and filed a request for cooperation from investors because ignoring it will be attached to heavy losses for all. He also called for the establishment of some poultry farmers training center for high-veterinarians, and another meeting soon to follow what was discussed during the meeting.

In a related development, a number of poultry producers in the Kingdom of the poultry projects suffer in addition to chronic diseases and administrative problems of rising feed prices is very large, and not decline despite the increase in subsidy input feed, low world prices, in addition to the imposition of factory prices monopoly, as The price of feed tons after 1200 SR reduction, while the price per ton of feed in the silos to 800 riyals, pointing out that feed accounts for 80 per cent of the total operating costs.

They said that what the specialize on the lack of biosecurity preventive poultry projects is a personal calendar is not based on fact, not in line with the efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture since the first case of bird flu efforts are still ongoing to contain the emergence of any disease, as approved and the Ministry of Agriculture penalties of up to project closure contrary to instructions for each of the moderators of the Preventive Security of the Ministry of Agriculture in every region of the Kingdom. The producers of poultry, most of the diseases that have come from President chicks, not farms, they asked the Ministry of Agriculture and the need to tighten control over the suppliers of chicks and sources of supply of mothers.

They warned that the continuation of these problems without finding appropriate solutions to urgent and it will lead to the accumulation of losses for producers and stopped their projects, which lead to serious consequences on the availability of poultry products in local markets.

Egypt: Rise in cases of suspected bird flu Dakahlia to 13

2012-01-31T15:12:00.002-05:00

January 31, 2012
Detained in Mansoura Chest Hospital two cases of suspected bird flu, injuries, and placed in an isolation room and take the scanners from the throat to be analyzed in central laboratories of the Ministry of Health.

The medical source was the detention of "Radi. Q. G" 25 from the village of Demclt Center Dekerness and ". C. T." 25 years "and that he was placed in an isolation room and took samples of Almkhatin to them for analysis.

The source added that it is currently 13 cases of hospital detention, on suspicion of having bird flu.

Egypt: Appearance of three foci positive for bird flu Menoufia

2012-01-31T15:08:00.001-05:00

31-1-2012
Announced that the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, Menoufia for the emergence of three hot new, positive for bird flu homes by Mohamed Rizq Abdel-Aal and Ahmed Rawash and Mohamed Ibrahim Hawash from the village of Manial Jweideh Bohmon, samples were taken from the birds and sent to central laboratories have been received as a result of the sample positive.

The Major General Mohamed Ezzat open the door assistant secretary general, to maintain that these foci were detected by field tests conducted by the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine and found to be breeding domestic birds have been culled infected and vaccinated birds nearby to prevent the spread of the disease.

Indonesia: Another Warning: 20 RS Hospitals on Alert #H5N1 #Birdflu

2012-01-31T14:36:00.004-05:00

Tack this warning on with the others posted on 1/29, here

1/31/12
SEMARANG (JT-News) - Central Java (Java) to prepare 20 hospitals (RS) to treat patients of bird flu (H5N1), start of infrastructure, human resources (HR), until the preparedness of handling by the team.
"In Java there are 20 hospitals assigned the Ministry of Health to address the incidence of bird flu," said Chief Medical Officer of Central Java Anung Sugihantono, after simulating the handling of bird flu in Semarang Kariadi RSUP, Tuesday (31 / 1)
He mentioned, 20th RS, namely RSUP Kariadi Semarang, Semarang Tugurejo Hospital, Navan Soekarjo Margono Hospital, Hospital Dr. Moewardi Solo, Kendal Hospital, Hospital District Kraton Pekalongan, and hospitals Kardinah Tegal.
Then, Banyumas Hospital, Hospital Tidar Magelang, Ghost Hospital, Hospital Pati, Grobogan Hospital, Hospital Slawi, Purworejo Hospital, Hospital Boyolali, Wonogiri Hospital, Semarang City Hospital, Hospital Cilacap, Quezon City Hospital, and Hospital Jepara.
According to him, setting the 20th referral hospital for cases of bird flu that's been done since 2006, but must continue to be "refreshed" the form of readiness, though have not found cases of bird flu.
"The last case of bird flu in Central Java in 2010 and then in the Immigration Office, in 2011 alhamdulillah not found. This year we hope there are no cases of bird flu, but we continue to prepare the anticipation, "he said.
Associated with bird flu, he explains, derived from the avian virus was indeed possible appear and spread in 35 districts / cities in Central Java, in light of the poultry population in all regions in Central Java.
Because of that, he said, the institute set up the anticipation and preparedness in case of bird flu cases emerged in Central Java, particularly readiness referral hospitals are designated as bird flu cases dealing with patients who contracted the virus.
"For hospitals, we need to check how the facilities and infrastructure, the observation room, a separate treatment room (isolation), to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the team who deal with patients," he said.
Form of readiness handling bird flu patients, he said, one of which was done by simulation as is done RSUP Kariadi Semarang to demonstrate coordination and handling mechanisms.
"We also check the readiness of 19 designated another hospital, including the relevant local government reminds anticipation of this outbreak. This is also done so that the handling is not concentrated in one hospital, "he said.
In addition, he said, it also continues to disseminate a variety of steps to determine the early spread of bird flu, such as poultry deaths wary if there is suddenly in large quantities.
"Including also the case when there are incidents of people suffering from flu symptoms accompanied the demise of the incidence of poultry in large quantities within the relatively near future. Source of infection must be known for preventive measures, "said Anung. (Ant/JT-1)

Indo/W. Java: 3 Chickens Die: 1 Tests Positive; 2 Test Negative

2012-01-31T14:21:00.003-05:00

This comes as no surprise to us here at Pandemic Information News.
Village: Tagagapu, District Padalarang

Map: Click on image

Three Chicken Dead Together, One Positive Bird Flu
31/01/2012
The three birds in the village of Tagogapu, District Padalarang, District Padalarang died suddenly at the same location at the same time. One of them tested positive for avian flu virus (avian influenza type H5N1). Chicken livestock owners reported the incident to officers Avian Influenza Rapid Response Team (PDSR) DVO West Bandung last week. All three birds were eventually destroyed because it was feared the spread of bird flu virus.

"Although two other chicken bird flu negative, but we destroy all and its location was sterilized. This is done to prevent the spread of the virus, " said Head of Ranch West Bandung regency, Adiyoto in Batujajar, Tuesday (01.31.12).

According Adiyoto, the handling of bird flu infected poultry is done by giving disinfectant around poultry cages. A number of positive poultry bird flu should be immediately destroyed and buried to a depth of not less than 50 centimeters.

Every year, bird flu cases always occur in West Bandung regency. Animal Husbandry Department reported that throughout 2011 there were 239 cases of poultry die from bird flu that occurred in District Padalarang and Cipatat. However, the virus spread to eight other districts in the vicinity.

Indonesia: Chicken No Longer Have Symptoms

2012-01-31T14:13:00.002-05:00

Bird Flu Found in Brebes

Head of Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health DVO Brebes, Jhoni Murahman
Excerpt:
According Jhoni, the certainty of the existence of bird flu in the region associated with rapid test results against a number of chickens that died suddenly on Sunday, January 29 last, each of which occurred in the Village Terlangu and Kemaron, Brebes, and Kutamendala and Purwodadi in District Tonjong numbering in the hundreds the tail.

Jhoni claimed characteristics of chicken deaths caused by viruses that may infect humans is different from the initial current was found in a few years ago. "Now the chickens that died from bird flu is no longer blue, but looked fresh," said Jhoni.

According to him, this condition is caused by the merging of the H5N1 virus has become endemic in Brebes, so that under certain conditions can be fatal without leaving such characteristics are found early.

-snip-

Indo: Warring Against Bird Flu by CA Nidom #H5N1 #birdflu

2012-01-31T04:47:00.002-05:00

Author: CA Nidom Chairman AIRC-Airlangga University, Surabaya
January 31, 2012

Bird flu in Indonesia asked the victim again. Beginning in 2012, uncle and nephew who live at home infected. This first cluster of cases in Indonesia this year. Until January 24, 2012, victim of bird flu in Indonesia reached 184 people and 152 died (32 percent and 44 percent of victims of the world), the highest in the world, followed by Egypt and Vietnam. In Thailand and Turkey, stopping human cases since 2007. Of the 33 provinces in Indonesia, 32 are endemic areas of bird flu in poultry and other animals.

Control measures have not been visible progress, let alone educating the public, was like eight years ago. In fact, human cases will be exhausted if the case in animals as well stop. There is no synergy between the authorities. After disbanding the National Commission on Bird Flu, people waiting for Disease Control National Zoonoses gait is expected to play more, no longer as "a cowboy without a gun". The interaction of host and viral Since 1997, the agent / bird flu virus interacts specifically with the host (the host). When this virus infects chickens, morbidity and mortality is very high, can be 100 percent. In ducks, high morbidity, but mortality rate is low. In other avian species are sporadic. In other animals, pigs, cats, dogs and other mammals, the pattern of transmission has not been clearly known. When the virus jumps to humans, the number of cases is very low compared to the population, but mortality (case fatality rate / CFR) is very high, 60-80 percent, depending on the handling of patients.

Lately the pattern of interaction of host (human) with virus-specific look and need to be observed by all parties. Especially the last three cases in Bali, Jakarta and Tangerang. Cases in Bali, the end of 2011, the victim of three people: two children and mothers who live at home. When her children were hospitalized, the mother was still healthy. Mother ill and died several days after her two children died. Preliminary information, the mother is not infected with bird flu, but ultimately positive.

From the field, it is difficult to find a relationship with a factor of transmission from animals. In Jakarta, the nephew died after his uncle died and also lived at home. Nephew was declared not infected with bird flu, but then tested positive. No H5N1 virus found in pigeons in their home. The last case, in Tangerang, has announced infected with pandemic flu virus (H1N1-p), but the action in the RS Tangerang like handling victims of bird flu. Based on family information, the victim did not contact with ducks in the house. Fatwa autopsy Based on the study of victims in other countries, the H5N1 virus not only infects the respiratory tract, but also the whole organ. The victim died of bird flu not only because of the very rapid cytokine storm damage respiratory tissue, but also infection in multiple organs (multiorgan failure). Something similar appears on the animal. Actually human bird flu virus from Indonesia at least produce cytokines compared to other countries of bird flu virus and H1N1 virus-p. However, because the victim showed the opposite picture, autopsy of each victim's needs. Autopsy and analysis of virus in organs will help get the information the course of disease (pathogenesis) that are essential to prevent further casualties. It is not easy to do this because there are social factors, culture, and religion. We need a fatwa or religious regulation so victims of bird flu or other contagious diseases and can turn off the autopsied. The autopsy and the assessment requires hospitals and specialized laboratories. As a country with the highest casualties, the government must set up this facility so soon be able to cope with bird flu.

We could follow the example of Turkey, who since 2007 no human casualties, by addressing the patient to the maximum. liveliness highly dependent Handling victims sufferers. During this flu in Indonesia is considered a disease that is not harmful. Therefore, the readiness of medical personnel need to anticipate the bird flu disease, and final readiness referral hospitals. If this circuit is missed, the case will not be listed as bird flu. Thus, the amount so far only a small portion and an iceberg phenomenon.

Steps that can be done is bird flu vaccination in people at risk, especially those living in the triangle of bird flu, namely Jakarta, West Java, and Jakarta. Another option, sell the antiviral drugs flu-free (osiltamivir) at the drugstore, since the drug is only effective 48 hours after infection. In order for the early diagnosis of right, takes a quick test (rapid test) is available at the clinic. Symptoms of bird flu similar to other flu, often confused with other diseases, like dengue fever or typhoid. While confirmation by lab test (PCR) takes time.

Coalition virus influenza virus, including bird flu and H1N1-p, has the same structure: 8 genes are mutually separated. This virus mutates very easily, either in the gene (drift) and between genes (shift). Mutation drift is usually triggered by extreme conditions, such as weather changes, that is not appropriate vaccinations, and host factors. The vaccine can not cause the virus to jump right into another host, particularly a human, so be careful using bird flu vaccines in animals. Moreover, the current world flu pandemic struck by a new virus, H1N1-p, which is so rapidly spreading. In fact, bird flu has not been successfully controlled. So, this time in Indonesia spread of seasonal influenza viruses (H3N2, H1N1), H1N1-p, and bird flu (H5N1) animals and humans. We "let" them to live freely in Indonesia, a coalition (recombination) antarjenis flu virus, swap genes with one another, giving rise to various characters of the virus. Not surprisingly, the world concerned with Indonesia. We do not other countries willing to take advantage of Indonesia bird flu virus, but we also do not do anything. We need to get to know, how the character of the bird flu virus from patients with past and how the possibility of transmission between humans. Although some experts argue the bird flu virus can not be transmitted between humans, simulations with various models of the virus in lab-enabled high-level security (at least BSL-3) need to be carried out. The researchers at-zoonotic Avian Influenza Research Center, University Press (AIRC-Unair) have examined the patterns of influenza virus in the field and in laboratories. In 2006, carried a mutation "artificial" in the H5N1 virus from poultry in Indonesia without a coalition. It turned out that the H5N1 avian virus H3N2 is more virulent allies. During this time the experts think H5N1 avian virus will adapt to mammals, including humans, if there is a mutation in the PB2 protein amino acids, numbered 627 and 701. However, the experts were surprised the structure of p-H1N1 virus is able to adapt without the mutation 627.

Could there be a similar mutation in bird flu that infected animals or humans? AIRC-Unair joint team of Tokyo University-p track the H1N1 virus and the H5N1 virus in animals in 2011. Of the 1607 samples of healthy chickens found eight positive chickens carrying the virus H5N1. Healthy chickens positive for bird flu but are located in Riau, Central Java, East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan and South Kalimantan. The overall structure of the virus that was isolated in 2011 closer to the duck virus from Yogyakarta, 2007. Chicken H5N1 virus in Indonesia is very varied. This effect on the success of the vaccine used. Ministry of Agriculture has set a master seed vaccine to be used from 2012. From serosurvei antibodies (immune substances) Indonesian children aged 10-11 years against the H1N1 virus-p, 66.9 percent had antibodies without any history of illness. This means that Indonesian children are naturally infected with H1N1 virus-p with no symptoms of illness and most capable of causing antibody. This is different from the rest of children in Japan, 75.6 percent had antibodies to influenza symptoms clear. Transmission antarmamalia Is really the bird flu virus is not transmitted between humans? If the bird flu virus stand alone without a coalition, an opinion can be justified. However, if there is a coalition (shift mutation), transmission antarmamalia (humans) could occur. More recently two influenza research centers, a group of University of Wisconsin (USA) and Erasmus Medical Center (Netherlands), mengoalisikan H5N1 bird flu virus with the H1N1 virus- p. The result is similar: the H5N1 bird flu virus potentially infectious antarmamalia coalition in ferrets. It is very important for Indonesia to confront the pandemic, given our region an ideal place of the coalition. All strains are available, while structuring the environment of animals and humans remains unclear.

Jharkhand-Young chickens are cut out of the mysterious death #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-30T18:27:00.000-05:00

Updated on: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:00 AM (IST)
Jagannathpur: Novamundi block Kudmsada Merel Pandu village resident died after vomiting blood and was three times. The event Monday morning is around 6 pm. Merel tell pale morning suffering from an unknown illness was to cut poultry meat. Suddenly, her health worsened. Family members when he watered the buff three times vomiting blood and died of a wink.
However, it has been reported around the village including the Kudmsada chicken - chicken and other animals suffer from a few days dead are unknown. Pandu was the death of bird flu fears are rural.
http://www.jagran.com/jharkhand/west-singhbhum-8834756.html

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Indonesia: Bogor Residents Burn Poultry & Cages, Medical Office distributes Masks

2012-01-30T11:47:00.003-05:00

January 30, 2012
Video Included at site
Bogor:
Dozens of residents Tanah Sareal, the city of Bogor, West Java, Monday (30 / 1), destroyed by burning poultry cages and in the field. This action was done to prevent the spread of bird flu outbreak suspected of killing several birds in the area them.

Culling is carried out since last Saturday. Until now, the number of chickens that have been culled to 250 tails.

Residents were forced to resort to this annihilation despite City Government does not provide compensation to the owners of poultry.

In the meantime, the local Medical Officer of the new masks distributed to residents as an effort to prevent bird flu virus ., the city of Bogor, West Java, Monday (30 / 1), destroyed by burning poultry cages and in the field. This action was done to prevent the spread of bird flu outbreak suspected of killing several birds in the area them. Culling is carried out since last Saturday.

Until now, the number of chickens that have been culled to 250 tails.
Residents were forced to resort to this annihilation despite City Government does not provide compensation to the owners of poultry.

In the meantime, the local Medical Officer of the new masks distributed to residents as an effort to prevent bird flu virus .

Indonesia: Bogor Residents Line Up @ Health Ctr for Avian Flu Treatment

2012-01-30T06:28:00.005-05:00

Bogor. Makes my head spin. This summary will be put on the right side-bar, under Maps & Summaries, for future reference. Earlier we posted a commentary here. From that commentary, I say:

Today, the officials in Bogor have come out and said the two individuals only have the common cold, and that they developed the symptoms before the chickens died...my problem is, my accounting of the one and only person they spoke of with this outbreak in Bogor...never went to the hospital. So who prey tell are they speaking of in the article below???

Now we get some answers. On Sunday, they finally spoke of one person. Posted here:
excerpt:

The bird flu virus that caused the death of dozens of chickens in the village of Kayumanis, Village Cibadak, Tanah Sareal, City Bogor, alleged to have been transmitted to humans. Ipan Sopian, a local resident, fell ill after consuming his dead chicken. Chickens belonging Ipan including one of dozens of chickens that tested positive for bird flu by the Department of Agriculture Bogor City. "In the afternoon I was still fresh chicken and want to eat, suddenly the morning was dead. Because unfortunately, I cook just for eating. After that even my sick, "said Ipan, Sunday (29 / 1).

When the check into the local health center, Ipan diagnosed with bird flu. He was allowed to go home after being given the drug.

On Sunday, another article spoke of two people. Located here:

January 29, 2012
Excerpt:

Their concern intensified in the area because there are two people who suffer from the flu. Although Dwi Susanto, Surveillance oficial District team (DSO ) of Bogor City Health Office, said that both patients showed no signs of exposure to bird flu, it still does not make people be quiet.

Today, Monday 1/30, we bring you this:

Gratiskan Bogor Health Center Avian Influenza Treatment
Monday, January 30, 2012 | 15:06
"We want to spread the virus optimal effort is not about humans. Every resident in RW 01 is coming for treatment at our health center gratiskan costs."

Cinnamon Health Center eliminate the cost of treatment in order to anticipate the spread of avian influenza virus (H5N1) among humans. In the region, precisely in Kampung Kayu Manis RT03/RW 01, Village Cibadak, District Land Sareal found dozens of chickens died suddenly.

"We want to spread the virus optimal effort is not about humans. Every resident in RW 01 is coming for treatment at our health center gratiskan bill," said Chief Public Health Center Dr. Dini Lesmana Cinnamon in Bogor, today.

Even so, he explained, until now it has not found the residents contracted the H5N1 virus pascapenemuan chickens died suddenly in the region.

"We have conducted an examination of all residents in the RT 03. Among the routine blood tests, which check the levels of LAD, leukocyte, platelet and Widal, last Saturday," he said.

From the examination, there were five residents whose condition is sick. "The five-person only got the flu and common cold. From the levels of platelets and lukositnya still normal," said Dini.

Related to one of the residents are informed of contracting H5N1, called Ipan, Early ensure that he has the flu and common cold.

"From leukositnya normal. Now his condition is improving," said Dini.

In anticipation of the spread of disease among residents, in addition to providing a free inspection, Dini said it is runtin conduct an examination of the citizens.

"We've Intruksikan cadres as well as residents when there are residents who complained of fever and flu to report. We will be directly handled. And, if the results of blood tests there are symptoms, we will immediately report to the health office to be addressed," said Dini.

Early appealed to citizens to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to wash their hands clean life after activity.

As reported earlier, on Friday (27 / 1) as many as 27 chickens owned by residents in Kampung Kayu Manis, RT 03/RW 01 died suddenly. Almost every day of chickens died suddenly kept going so far recorded was 42 individuals.

Meanwhile, based on the results of the local Agriculture Department to one of the samples of dead chickens citizens, through the "rapid tests" of the chicken tested positive for H5N1.

Bhubaneswar Death of the Crows in many areas of the capital #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-30T06:21:00.001-05:00

Updated on: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:31 PM
Bhubaneswar: A few days after the capital of peace in the region again reported dead of the ravens on the possible bird flu has increased people's anxiety. In some areas of Khurda district in the last days of an outbreak that was killing thousands of birds. Pigeons and ravens in several areas including the capital, the group was found dead the grave. Pike of the capital city area have been found dead two days 2-2 crows. After getting information from local people expert team has visited. Team members and is regarded by animal doctor Radhamohan Dha that was the last time of the killing of ravens of his blood sample was sent to investigate. Word not found in these samples were Bhutanu of flu. Then it was that word in the capital is not at risk of flu. Now the killing of ravens had confirmed that their sample is sent to investigate. http://www.jagran.com/odisha/bhubaneshwar-8830954.html

Pneumonia bug evolves to evade vaccine: study #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-29T19:33:00.003-05:00

(AFP) – 5 hours ago

PARIS, France — Bugs that cause childhood pneumonia and meningitis have evolved to evade vaccines by swapping bits of their genome with other bacteria, according to a study published Sunday.

The findings, published in Nature Genetics, show how quickly these life-threatening pathogens can disguise themselves with borrowed genetic decoys, and how hard it is for medicine to keep up.

Diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae are thought to kill over a million young children around the world each year.

Vaccines that protect against these so-called pneumoccoccal infections are designed to recognise a material on the outer surface of a bacterium's cell called polysaccharide.

Each of over 90 kinds, or "serotypes", of these bacteria have a different polysaccharide coating.

In 2000, a vaccine that targeted seven serotypes proved highly effective when introduced in the United States. The same formula -- which also prevented transmission from children to adults -- was adopted in Britain.

Over time, however, the vaccine worked less well, so researchers led by Rory Bowden at the University of Oxford set out to discover why.

Combining cutting-edge genetic analysis with epidemiology, which examines how disease spreads, they found that the deadly pathogens escaped detection by swapping genes with other, slightly different, bacteria.

Remarkably, the exchanged genetic material came from precisely that part of the genome responsible for making the cell's coating -- the area targeted by the vaccine.

The bacteria, in other words, had kept their virulence intact but changed their outward appearance.

"Imagine that each strain of the pneumoccoccus bacteria is a class of schoolchildren all wearing the school uniform," explained Bowden.

"If a boy steals from the corner shop, a policeman -- the vaccine -- can easily identify which school he belongs to by his uniform."

But if the boy swaps his sweater with a friend from another school, Bowden continued, the policeman will no longer know where to look and the thief, like the bacteria, will escape.

The researchers identified several such "recombined" serotypes resistant to the vaccine, and one in particular that had spread across the United States from east to west over several years.

They also observed -- for the first time outside a laboratory -- that the bugs were able to swap several parts of their respective genomes at once.

"This is of particular concern, as recombination involving multiple fragments of DNA allows rapid and simultaneous exchange of key regions of the genome within the bug, potentially allowing it to quickly develop antibiotic resistance," the researchers said.

In both the United States and Britain, the original vaccine has now been replaced with a new one that targets 13 rather than seven of the telltale serotypes.

But the scientists caution that the bacteria will continue to morph into new forms.

"The current vaccine strategy ... is extremely effective," co-author Bernard Beall, a scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, said in a statement.

"However, our observations indicate that the organism will continue to adapt to this strategy with some measurable success."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hNLvoSqeZxm3-x13iSTQNWoeN_Yw?docId=CNG.67cbfef4d909156f171eab37379d833d.341

Indonesia: Yogya provide 200 thousand bird flu vaccine

2012-01-29T19:03:00.002-05:00

I typed up a Yogyakarta Commentary this morning. It can be located here. It's also located on the right side-bar under Maps & Summaries.

January 30, 2012
Yogyakarta (ANTARA News) - Department of Agricultural Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) this year to provide about 200,000 poultry vaccine to anticipate the spread of H5N1 virus or bird flu. "Vaccines need to be prepared for extreme weather is happening lately," said Head Agriculture (standardized) Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) Nanang Kelvin in Yogyakarta, on Monday. According to him, weather extremes, from heat to rain causing high humidity. Humidity can also trigger the development of the H5N1 virus. "Although there has been no reported cases of H5N1, vigilance remains encouraged. If there are symptoms such as H5N1, as much as possible and directly controlled its spread is stopped or reduced mobility," he said.

He said there is or there is no bird flu cases , officers Participatory Disease Surveillance Response (PDSR) or power monitors H5N1 developments should be ready any time to detect and monitor in the field. "Thus, if the true case of H5N1, will be known quickly and dealt with appropriately," said Nanang.

According to him, the officer PDSR will do counseling and " biosecurity "by seeking to maintain the cleanliness of cage birds. Although no cases of bird flu, DIY remain vigilant against H5N1. "We call on the community if it finds H5N1 symptoms such as sudden dead poultry to immediately burn or bury the animal," he said.

He said the city government and district governments in DIY has already moved to take the same precautions against H5N1 since a week ago. "They also have taken the H5N1 vaccine to vaccinate poultry in certain places that there are birds that have never been vaccinated," said Nanang.

Worried about Bird Flu, Chicken Grill Residents Pets #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-29T18:11:00.001-05:00

Video
Metrotvnews.com, New York: Citizens Cibadak Village, District Land Sareal, Bogor, West Java, on Sunday (29 / 1), burning pet chickens. They worry that bird flu-infected chicken flocks.

Residents claimed they were restless after chickens died one by one since Saturday.Culling of poultry made residents, though related offices already conduct the examination by taking blood samples of dead poultry.

Citizens expect the government to break the chain of bird flu virus, so there are no reports of ill from contracting the virus.

DNI) Parties of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Bogor City urged people to get used to leading a healthy lifestyle, by washing hands after contact with poultry. (DNI) http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=id&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://www.metrotvnews.com/read/newsvideo/2012/01/30/144318/Khawatir-Flu-Burung-Warga-Bakar-Ayam-Peliharaan&usg=ALkJrhgLfSWWCjWadfj95iHkNOr10vtiUQ

Bird flu scare spreads to Ganjam 42 birds of different species dead from H5N1? #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-29T18:05:00.000-05:00

Bird flu scare spreads to Ganjam as 16 crows found dead

29-Jan-2012 09:56:33 Berhampur (Odisha): With the death of 16 crows at Mudulipalli village in Odisha's Ganjam district in the span of two hours, triggering avian influenza scare in the area today.

"We have found 16 dead crows in the village, samples of two were preserved to be sent for testing," Chief District Veterinary Officer (Ganjam), A K Swain said.

Unconfirmed reports, however, put the crow death toll to 20 during the period.
With the 16 crow deaths, a total of 42 birds of different species were found to be dead in the district.
Veterinary officials had earlier detected dead crows, pigeons, kite and pelican in different parts of the district.
Besides the samples of the dead crows, the samples of 353 poultry were also sent for testing, CDVO said.

The CDVO, however, asserted the poultry sector in the district was so far unaffected with the spread.

http://www.odishatoday.com/viewnews.php?news_id=2502

Indonesia: Warnings Everywhere!

2012-01-29T17:36:00.011-05:00

In Riau (Rokan Hilir) Chief Medical Officer Dr Saleh HM Junaidi Kes."There has been no case of bird flu, if there is we must know and come down to check," he said." http://tinyurl.com/6n2b6az

In Bogor [Tanah Sareal] ...In fact, Mayor Diani Budiarto has instructed related agencies to seriously deal with the possible emergence of bird flu cases in the city of Bogor....Mayor Bogor directly instructed to intensify the spread of the vaccine.

East Java [Banyuwangi]: Head of Animal Health at the Department of Animal Husbandry Banyuwangi, Bambang Sugianto, the RRI, Sunday (29 / 1), explains, it not only has prepared thousands of bird flu vaccines, but have also been done with the precaution of spraying the cleaning chicken coops with disinfectant .

"For this year, in order antispasi emergence of bird flu, Animal Husbandry Department has prepared 62,500 doses of bird flu to Banyuwangi. We will also conduct unified action, do vaccinations, disfinfeksi chicken coop in Banyuwangi," said Bambang Sugianto.

West Java [Sukabumi]: Head of Sukabumi, Asep Sugianto: In addition, the other is how to anticipate intensified poultry cages with disinfectant spray or biosecurity. "We were watching birds coming into Sukabumi," he said. He added that the company or large livestock in the district Sukabumi is now free from bird flu infection. "But somehow we continue to tighten oversight of the spread of bird flu, especially in endemic areas," he added. http://tinyurl.com/7bvslph

Bali: Kadis Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Bangli Ir. AA Ngurah Samba, Sunday (29 / 1) yesterday said the anticipatory steps continue to be done society and government. The government, he continued, vigorous information dissemination in order to be spraying with disinvektan. The drug has also been distributed to the public. http://tinyurl.com/8y85vk3

East Kalimantan [Samarinda]: Citizens of Samarinda, East Kalimantan, was asked to be alert to cases of bird flu or H5N1.
As stated by Head of Department of Fisheries and Livestock of Samarinda, Samsul Bachri.
Described the bird flu is a dangerous disease because it can kill all poultry, spread rapidly to other farms and can attack humans that can cause illness or death.
Samsul appealed to the public, especially poultry keepers more salts to give extra attention in maintaining the cleanliness of the cage and the surrounding environment as well as by spraying disinfectant into poultry cages and surrounding areas twice a week. http://tinyurl.com/876z85o

'There's No Swine Flu in Indonesia'

2012-01-29T17:26:00.001-05:00

Saturday, January 28, 2012 15:51 pm

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Swine Flu certainly not the case in Indonesia. Cases referred to patients who contracted swine flu in Tangerang is still classified in the category of influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, said Minister of Health, Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih, asserted "Not exactly so-called swine flu because the virus is a coalition between the new flu virus in birds, pigs, and man, "said Minister, on Friday (27 / 1) last evening. Naming an circulated in the community calls for not less precise with respect to consumption or contact with pigs.Report the number of the last case in October 2009 and recorded 440 thousand cases in the world. In early 2010, the virus implicated in 214 countries. Director General of WHO declared pandemic post or already passed. Until August 6, 2010, there were 18,449 people worldwide die from this disease. "Since then the disease is considered to be variants of normal influenza. But this type of virus in Indonesia is the most malignant. We do not yet know the cause, "said Minister of Health. Head of Research and Development Kemenkes, Trihono sure if the malignancy of the H1N1 virus makes the drug manufacturers from various countries to test their products against the virus from Indonesia. So, it was always making or tissue culture to develop viruses that can be further investigated. "If an outbreak occurs we can extend the dose or add a variant of the drug," he said.

Indonesia: Bogor - One Man Allegedly Infected with Bird Flu

2012-01-29T17:19:00.003-05:00

Previously we posted a Bogor Commentary. I will add this information to it.

Sunday, January 29, 2012 19:22 pm
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - The bird flu virus that caused the death of dozens of chickens in the village of Kayumanis, Village Cibadak, Tanah Sareal, City Bogor, alleged to have been transmitted to humans. Ipan Sopian, a local resident, fell ill after consuming his dead chicken. Chickens belonging Ipan including one of dozens of chickens that tested positive for bird flu by the Department of Agriculture Bogor City. "In the afternoon I was still fresh chicken and want to eat, suddenly the morning was dead. Because unfortunately, I cook just for eating. After that even my sick, "said Ipan, Sunday (29 / 1).

When the check into the local health center, Ipan diagnosed with bird flu. He was allowed to go home after being given the drug. "He said bird flu. But now it is little better after a given drug," said Ipan which has now been business as usual. the local Health Department can not be confirmed bird flu related virus transmission to humans of this. When contacted, Section Chief of Infectious Disease Prevention Bogor City Health Office, Ratna Diah, did not give an answer.

Indonesia: Bali Alert #H5N1 #Birdflu

2012-01-29T15:48:00.001-05:00

Bird Flu Alert Bangli
January 30, 2012
Bangli (Bali Post)-monsoon season, which continues flushed, and re outbreak of bird flu in some parts of Bali, making Bangli return should be aware of the circulation of the virus. Livestock traffic in and out of Bangli, and the anticipation of continued spraying disinvektan encouraged. Kadis Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Bangli Ir. AA Ngurah Samba, Sunday (29 / 1) yesterday said the anticipatory steps continue to be done society and government. ''Do not let a virus that could make the region Bangli Extraordinary Events (KLB) and scowled some people lives back there,''he said.
The government, he continued, vigorous information dissemination in order to be spraying with disinvektan. The drug has also been distributed to the public. So that could be directly taken to the village head. For the hamlet with dense poultry populations, most should be alert to this. It also will enable the re-post supervision.Although not every day, through the post and out of traffic that cattle could be monitored. "I hope so, medical control can be minimized from the worst," he said. (Kmb17)

This is the 100 referral hospitals in Indonesia Bird Flu Prevention

2012-01-29T15:47:00.000-05:00

29 Januari 2012 - 19:23 WIB
Inilah 100 RS Rujukan Penanggulangan Flu Burung di Indonesia
Diposting oleh : Mic hael
Kategori: Kesehatan - Dibaca: 53206 kali
swaooo.com -- Berdasarkan Keputusan Menteri Kesehatan Nomor 414/Menkes/SK/IV/2007 tanggal 10 April 2007, telah ditetapkan 100 rumah sakit rujukan penanggulangan Flu Burung, terdapat di 31 Provinsi di Indonesia. Di wilayah Pulau Sumatera, terdapat 29 RS rujukan Flu Burung, yaitu: RSU Dr. Zainoel Abidin dan RSU Cut Meutia Lhokseumawe, Provinsi Nangroe Aceh Darussalam; RSU H. Adam Malik Medan, RSU Kabanjahe, RSU Pematang Siantar, RSU Tarutung, RSU Padang Sidempuan, Provinsi Sumatera Utara; RSU Dr. M. Jamil Padang, RSU Dr. Achmad mochtar, provinsi Sumatera Barat; RSU Arifin Ahmad Pekanbaru, RSU Kab. Karimun, RSU Tanjung Pinang, RSU Puri Husada, RSU Dumai, Provinsi Riau; RS Otorita Batam, Provinsi Kepulauan Riau; RSU Raden Mattaher, Provinsi Jambi; RSU DR. M. Hoesin Palembang, RSU Lubuk Linggau, RSU Kayu agung, RSD Kab. Lahat, Provinsi Sumatera Selatan; RSU Tanjung Pandan, RSU Pangkal Pinang, Provinsi Bangka Belitung; RsU Dr. M. Yunus, RSU Arga Makmur, RSU Manna, Provinsi Bengkulu; RSU Abdul Moeloek, RSU Kalianda, RSU Mayjen HM Ryacudu, RSU Ahmad Yani, Provinsi Lampung.

Di wilayah Pulau Jawa, terdapat 32 RS rujukan flu burung, yaitu: RSPI Dr. Sulianti Saroso, RSU Persahabatan, dan RSPA Gatot Subroto, Provinsi DKI Jakarta; RSU Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung, RSU Dr. Slamet Garut, RSU Gunung Jati Cirebon, RSTP Dr. H.A. Rotinsulu Bandung, RSU R. Syamsudin Sukabumi, RSU Indramayu, RSU Subang, Provinsi Jawa Barat; RSU Serang, RSU Tanggerang, Provinsi Banten; RSU Dr. Kariadi Semarang, RSU Dr. H. Soewondo, RSU Dr. Moewardi, RSU Banyumas, RSU Kudus, RSU Dr. H RM Soeselo W. Slawi, RSU Pekalongan, RSU Tidar Magelang, RSU Prof. Dr. Margono Soekarjo Purwokerto, RSU Dr. Suraji Tirtonegoro, Provinsi Jawa Tengah; RSU Dr. Soetomo, RSU Dr. Saiful Anwar, RSU Dr. Soebandi, RS Dr. R Koesma Tuban, RS Dr S Djatikoesoemo, RS Pare, RS Blambangan Banyuwangi, RS Dr Soedono, Provinsi Jawa Timur; RSU Dr. Sardjito dan RSU Panembahan Senopati Bantul, Provinsi DI Yogyakarta;

Selanjutnya, 9 RS rujukan flu burung terdapat di kawasan Bali dan Nusa Tenggara, yaitu: RSU Sanglah Denpasar, RSU Tabanan, RSU Sanjiwani Gianyar, provinsi Bali; RSU Mataram, RSU Raba Kab. Bima, RSU Dr. R Sudjono, RSU Praya, Provinsi NTB; RSU Prof. Dr. WZ Johanes dan RSU Dr TC Hillers, Provinsi NTT.

Di wilayah Pulau Kalimantan, terdapat 13 RS rujukan flu burung, yaitu: RSU Dr. Sudarso Pontianak, RSU Dr. Abdul Aziz Singkawang, RSU Sintang, provinsi Kalimantan Barat; RSU Dr. Doris Sylvanus Palangkaraya, RSU Dr. Murjani Sampit, Provinsi Kalimantan Tengah; RSU Ulin, RSU H Boejasin Pelaihari, Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan; RSU Tarakan, RSU Dr. Kanujoso Djatiwibowo Balikpapan, RSU H A Wahab Sjaranie Samarinda, RSU Kota Bontang, RSU Panglima Sebaya, RSU Tanjung Selor, Provinsi Kalimantan Timur.

Di wilayah Pulau Sulawesi, terdapat 16 RS rujukan flu burung, yaitu: RSU Prof. DR. RD Kandou, RSU Dr. Sam Ratulangi, Provinsi Sulawesi Utara, RSU Undata Palu, RSU Luwuk, RS Mokopido Toli-toli, RSU Kolonedale, Provinsi Sulawesi Tengah; RSU Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar, RSU Andi Makkasau Pare-pare, RSU Lakipadada Tana Toraja, RS Islam Faisal Makassar, RS Akademis jaury, RSU Sinjai, Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan; RSU Kendari, Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara; RSU Dr. M. Haulussy Ambon, Provinsi Maluku; RSU Chasan Basoeri Ternate, Provinsi Maluku Utara; dan RSU Prof. Dr. H. Aloei Saboe, Provinsi Gorontalo.

Selanjutnya, terdapat 1 RS rujukan flu Burung di wilayah Papua, yaitu RSU Jayapura.

Saat ini, terdapat 10 RS yang sudah dilengkapi ruang isolasi bertekanan negatif. Pemilihan 10 rumah sakit ini dengan mempertimbangkan endemisitas daerah tersebut terhadap kasus Flu Burung. Saat ini, sudah siap 2 rumah sakit, yaitu RSU Tangerang dan RSUP Persahabatan. (Jk)

H5N1: Flu transmission work is urgent

2012-01-29T07:57:00.001-05:00

Yoshihiro Kawaoka

Nature (2012)

doi:10.1038/nature10884

Published online 25 January 2012

Yoshihiro Kawaoka explains that research on transmissible avian flu viruses needs to continue if pandemics are to be prevented.

Highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza viruses first proved lethal in humans in 1997 in Hong Kong. Since 2003, 578 confirmed infections have resulted in 340 deaths (go.nature.com/epb7ts). Now widespread in parts of southeast Asia and the Middle East, H5N1 viruses have killed or led to the culling of hundreds of millions of birds.

To date, H5N1 viruses have not been transmitted between humans. Some experts have argued that it is impossible. But given the potential consequences of a global outbreak, it is crucial to know whether these viruses can ever become transmissible. Work by my group (accepted by Nature) and an independent study (accepted by Science) led by Ron Fouchier of the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, suggest that H5N1 viruses have the potential to spread between mammals. As the risks of such research and its publication are debated by the community, I argue that we should pursue transmission studies of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses with urgency.

To determine whether H5N1 viruses could be transmitted between humans, my team generated viruses that combined the H5 haemagglutinin (HA) gene with the remaining genes from a pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Avian H5N1 and human pandemic 2009 viruses readily exchange genes in experimental settings, and those from a human virus may facilitate replication in mammals. Indeed, we identified a mutant H5 HA/2009 virus that spread between infected and uninfected ferrets (used as models to study the transmission of influenza in mammals) in separate cages via respiratory droplets in the air. Thus viruses possessing an H5 HA protein can transmit between mammals.

Our results also show that not all transmissible H5 HA-possessing viruses are lethal. In ferrets, our mutant H5 HA/2009 virus was no more pathogenic than the pandemic 2009 virus — it did not kill any of the infected animals. And, importantly, current vaccines and antiviral compounds are effective against it.

NIBSC/SPL

H5N1 avian influenza virus particles.

Fouchier and his team also generated a transmissible H5 HA-possessing virus — meaning that two independent studies have demonstrated the potential for transmissibility of H5 HA-possessing viruses between ferrets. Their mutant H5 HA virus, generated in the genetic background of an H5N1 virus, did kill infected ferrets.

Some people have argued that the risks of such studies — misuse and accidental release, for example — outweigh the benefits. I counter that H5N1 viruses circulating in nature already pose a threat, because influenza viruses mutate constantly and can cause pandemics with great losses of life. Within the past century, 'Spanish' influenza, which stemmed from a virus of avian origin, killed between 20 million and 50 million people. Because H5N1 mutations that confer transmissibility in mammals may emerge in nature, I believe that it would be irresponsible not to study the underlying mechanisms.

The new work has implications for pandemic preparedness. There is an urgent need to expand development, production and distribution of vaccines against H5 viruses, and to stockpile antiviral compounds. Both studies identify specific mutations in HA that confer transmissibility in ferrets to H5 HA-possessing viruses. A subset of these mutations has been detected in H5N1 viruses circulating in certain countries. It is therefore imperative that these viruses are monitored closely so that eradication efforts and countermeasures (such as vaccine-strain selection) can be focused on them, should they acquire transmissibility.

Consequently, I believe that the benefits of these studies — the knowledge that H5 HA-possessing viruses pose a risk and the ability to monitor them and develop countermeasures — outweigh the risks. High biosafety and security standards can be met. Our experiments were carried out in a high-containment facility by a small group of highly trained individuals who operate under strict procedures to prevent the accidental release of viruses.

However, the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) has recommended that details of both studies (including the mutations that confer transmissibility) should be restricted, and released only to select individuals on a 'need-to-know' basis. I acknowledge the advisory role of the NSABB, but I do not concur with its decision.

The primary justification for the NSABB's recommendation is that publication of our data “could enable replication of the experiments by those who would seek to do harm” (go.nature.com/nywkdy). But redacting our papers will not eliminate that possibility — there is already enough information publicly available to allow someone to make a transmissible H5 HA-possessing virus.

The mechanism that the US government proposes for releasing data would also be unwieldy. Thousands of applications to access the research are likely to be filed, and potential background checks would create a huge administrative burden. We cannot afford to lose time if we are to combat emerging pandemic threats. Even if an efficient process can be established, it would be difficult to enforce continued confidentiality in the scientific community.

By contrast, wide data dissemination will attract researchers from other areas to contribute to the field. This is crucial, because new ideas are needed to answer some of the most urgent questions. For example, the specific mutations that we identified suggest that influenza transmission is more complex than anticipated and involves not only the receptor-binding properties of HA, but other biological and physical properties.

The redaction of our manuscript, intended to contain risk, will make it harder for legitimate scientists to get this information while failing to provide a barrier to those who would do harm. To find better solutions to dual-use concerns, the international community should convene to discuss how to minimize risk while supporting scientific discovery. Flu investigators (including me) have agreed to a 60-day moratorium on avian flu transmission research (go.nature.com/ttivj5) because of the current controversy. But our work remains urgent — we cannot give up.

Indonesia: Yogyakarta Commentary #H5N1 #Birdflu

2012-01-29T05:56:00.004-05:00

This commentary will be located on our right side-bar under Maps & Summaries.

1/29/12
On January 27th, we reported that some breeders pet poultry in Bantul, Yogyakarta had died. Article found here:
excerpt:

While in the district of Bantul, Yogyakarta, breeders pet birds died suddenly reported to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry Bantul regency. Reports to the Office comes from the various districts.

Furthermore, on January 28th, we report that 3 (of the 12) chickens owned by a family have died. 3 family members are ill. They live in Pugeran. Article can be found here:

three chickens in Pugeran, District Mergangsan died suddenly during three consecutive days. Of the 12 chickens owned, now live nine tails that do not die suddenly. In addition to the chicken's death, three members of the family owners of chickens also fell ill.

On January 28th, we report that for the past 3 months, there were about 60 free range chickens that died suddenly in Sanden and Srandakan. The Head of Department of Agriculture & Forestry Bantul, can remember how many...but they continue to monitor the condition of the chicken farms in three villages of two districts.

Since the last three months, there were already about 60 free-range chicken that died suddenly in the subdistrict of Sanden and Srandakan.

"But I forget how many numbers are in Sanden yesterday," said Head of Department of Agriculture and Forestry (Dispertahut) Bantul, Edy Suhariyanta.

Currently, Dispertahut still continue to monitor the condition of chicken farms in three villages of two districts. Three villages were Murtigading and Gadingsari, Sanden and Village Poncosari, Srandakan.
http://tinyurl.com/6q6nywe

Indo - S. Sulawesi - Tekalar - Dozens of Birds Die With No Sym's.

2012-01-29T05:44:00.003-05:00

29/01/2012
Dozens of chickens died suddenly in Takalar
Dozens of birds in cages as well as those owned by neighborhood residents wandering Ciniayo, Village Candrego, Takalar regency, South Sulawesi, on Saturday (28 / 1) afternoon suddenly drop dead. Chicken deaths which amounted to 70 tail is quite worrying residents. The reason, dozens of dead chickens that have characteristics similar to the avian H5N1 virus or bird flu virus. This assumption is confirmed by tests carried out Takalar Health Department who found no signs of purplish-blue cock's comb and the presence of bleeding under the skin as well as saliva when chickens die out.Although not yet certain whether these birds infected with bird flu virus, health department officials directly to the destruction by fire and buried en masse.

Indo: Bogor - Two Patients That Suffer From Flu

2012-01-29T05:33:00.002-05:00

The Worrying about Avian Flu

January 29, 2012

Excerpt:
With existence of this case and the wider community residents worried of course made, let alone the H5N1 virus known as the deadly virus that could spread rapidly. Their concern intensified in the area because there are two people who suffer from the flu. Although Dwi Susanto, Surveillance oficial District team (DSO ) of Bogor City Health Office, said that both patients showed no signs of exposure to bird flu, it still does not make people be quiet. Moreover, two previously existing residents from Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, died from the virus. Not to mention now there is a suspected bird flu patients are being treated in hospitals dr Murjani, Sampit, Central Kalimantan, which had known contact with poultry that died suddenly.

Must be Sustainable quick handling and anticipation efforts had to be done, given the bird flu has symptoms similar to flu usual, but the disease is also difficult to detect.

To prevent the spread of bird flu virus more widespread, the city of Bogor Agriculture Department, it has been spraying disinfectant around the chicken coop owned by citizens followed vaccination. Bogor City Health Office had already done the socialization of the bird flu prevention residents with a variety of efforts such as distributing pamphlets and brochures about the treatment and prevention of bird flu.

Indo: Bogor - Bird Flu Case: Vice City Government Apply Immediately Prevention

2012-01-29T05:22:00.001-05:00

Saturday, 28 January 2012 23:00

Bogorplus.com - The bird flu virus that attacks the citizens of Cinnamon, Cibadak Village, District Land Sareal, Bogor attention Vice Governor of West Java, Dede Yusuf.

Dede Yusuf asked the City Government (City Government) Bogor through the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture should immediately provide prevention against the spread of the deadly virus.

"Do not let stand and Bogor City Government through the offices concerned shall immediately provide more leverage," he told bogorplus.com , while attending a basketball tournament in GOR Padjajaran on Saturday (01.28.12).

According to Dede, Bogor City Government shall be responsible for the safety of its citizens, if it proves an H5N1 outbreak, it will turn off. This should be a very important concern.

"Office related, issues have to be selective for the benefit of the H5N1 virus. If there is no realization, then there must be decisive action Bogor City Government," he said.

By: Wawan Supriatna

Indo Update from Directorate General of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health Ministry of Agriculture

2012-01-29T05:07:00.001-05:00

The development situation of AI in poultry in Indonesia As of January 26, 2012
January 26, 2012

The development situation of AI in poultry in Indonesia

As of January 26, 2012

A. The National AI Situation

1. Since the outbreak of AI in poultry in Indonesia declared in January 2004, the case gradually decreased every year ie in 2011 as many as in 1411, or about 122 cases per month or four cases per day across Indonesia. The amount is lower than the previous year 1502 cases (th.2010) and 2293 cases (th 2009).

2. Provinces with the highest to the lowest order of cases in poultry in 2011 were: West Sumatra, South Sulawesi, Riau, Lampung, Central Java, West Java, Bali, Jambi, Gorontalo, Yogyakarta, East Java, Bali, Bengkulu, West Nusa Tenggara, East Kalimantan, Sumatra, West Sulawesi, Aceh, Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, Babylon, West Kalimantan, South Sumatra, Southeast Sulawesi, Central Kalimantan, NTT, Riau Islands, South Kalimantan and Jakarta lowest. No cases occurred in Maluku, Papua, West Papua.Province, which until now is still a free AI North Maluku.

3. The purpose of control AI in poultry are (1) prevent the occurrence of AI (AI) from birds to humans and prevent the occurrence of severe influenza pandemic with global implications. (2) Preventing the spread of AI among poultry poultry farmers to increase income.

4. 8 Strategy control and eradication of AI is (1) Biosecurity (2) Depopulation (3) Surveillance (4) Vaccinations (5) Traffic Restrictions Poultry (6) Restructuring Poultry (7) Public Awareness (8) Enforcement of regulations and SOPs.

B. The case of AI in Poultry Situation Year 2012 (1 s / d January 26, 2012)

1. Number of cases: 15 in 31 villages.

2. Number of District / City contracting: 19, namely Cilacap, Sragen, Brebes, Lamongan, Banyuwangi, Penajam North Paser, Samarinda, Manila, Muaro Jambi, Sidrap, Minahasa, Bontang, North Bolmong, Bolamangondow, Gorontalo City, Brebes, City of Tegal, the City of West K., Barito east.

3. Number of Provinces of contracting: 9, namely Central Java, East Java, Riau, Jambi, East Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, Gorontalo and North Sulawesi.

C. The development of AI in Poultry Situation in Jakarta

In connection with the case of the victims died due to AI's PD (23) and U.S. (5) in the Great Sunter - North Jakarta, so we report this with action steps to control Avian Influenza (AI) in poultry has been, is and will be as follows:

1. Based on the identification of risk factors for transmission of avian influenza that:

a. Local / residential neighborhood of AI patients are less hygienic, some residents of surrounding communities still maintain the yard al chicken fowl, wild duck and pigeon racing. PD victim has a history of contact with his racing pigeons.

b. The day before (Saturday) there is a tail of a dead chicken's neighbor the victim with a radius of about 50 meters. chicken carcass was immediately buried by the owner. So when Tim came not obtain samples from dead birds.

2. Surveillance tracking cases of AI in poultry in the vicinity of the victim that the results of laboratory examination of 53 specimens from poultry samples and 31 samples from environmental specimens negative results against H5N1 AI virus.

3. Sweeping / policing culling of poultry and poultry cages that do not have the certification by the Department of Animal Husbandry Jakarta (DKI Jakarta Governor Decree No. 15 Year 2007 on the Control of maintenance and distribution of poultry)

4. Gotong citizens together to perform cleaning and disinfection in poultry cages and neighborhoods as well as certified in the Shelter and Poultry Cutting.

5. Socialization of public concern about the Clean and Healthy Behavior (PHBs), among others: If contact with poultry should wear masks, wash hands with soap, poultry report sick / dead to the officers of the local farming.

6. Encourages the acceleration of the implementation of relocation Shelter and Cuts Poultry in Jakarta (Jakarta Local Regulation No. 4 Year 2007 on Restructuring Poultry)

Picking up the dead bird fever provoke male bird Cry #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-28T19:59:00.001-05:00

Sai Kung Country Park, Lai Chi Chong a male camp fever after handling dead bird, wear protective clothing required by the ambulance to hospital tests, fortunately not infected with bird flu confirmed.

under the shadow of the bird flu, the Sai Kung Country Park lychee Zhuangfa Sheng male infected Cry. Work at Lai Chi Chong a 30-year-old male staff member, the day before yesterday morning, has dealt with the dead bird 10 am, then began to feel unwell yesterday morning to more symptoms of fever, male fear of bird flu, call the police for help.
Lai Chi Chong work permit is not infected

After receiving the report, the authorities much tension, due to remote location, so the wheel load to be dispatched police to wear full protective clothing with the ambulance crew to reach the Lai Chi Chong, the male set to Ma Liu Shui pier, and then by ambulance to the Sha Tin Wai Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment. The stay in hospital for observation, initially believed infected with bird flu is not male, may be discharged to go home at noon. http://hk.news.yahoo.com/%E7%94%B7%E5%B7%A5%E6%92%BF%E9%9B%80%E5%B1%8D%E7%99%BC%E7%87%92-%E6%83%B9%E7%A6%BD%E6%B5%81%E9%A9%9A%E9%AD%82-211403881.html

Egypt set to launch anti-bird flu campaign #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-28T17:13:00.001-05:00

Government’s nationwide campaign, whose details are still sketchy, seeks to curb spread of H5N1 avian influenza.

2012-01-27

CAIRO - A nationwide campaign to stop the spread of H5N1 avian influenza in Egypt is to be launched by the government in a few weeks, say officials, but details are still sketchy.

The new plan, which will involve coordination between the Health Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry and poultry producers, requires close monitoring and various bio-safety measures.

“These measures are just a small part of a more general plan to curb the spread of the virus in our country,” Saber Abdel Aziz, a senior official from the state-run General Organization for Veterinary Services, told IRIN. “We will also offer incentives to poultry growers to look for signs of illness in their animals, report sick ones, and practice bio-security.”

H5N1 has infected 159 and killed 55 people in Egypt since 2006.

The most recent fatalities occurred on 19 January 2012 - a two-year-old girl from Cairo, and a 31-year-old man from Fayoum Governorate in the Nile Delta. Epidemiological investigations indicated they had both been exposed to backyard poultry.

Abdel Aziz and his colleagues at the General Organization for Veterinary Services say they will work hard to prevent this from happening again by applying bio-security prevention measures.

“Taking commonsense precautions to prevent the disease from coming onto a farm is a cornerstone of keeping the poultry healthy,” he said. “But apart from these commonsense precautions, we will give training to poultry farm workers, make basic infection control, and promote the use of personal protective equipment.”

Aziz said, however, that funding for the plan was still being negotiated with the Finance Ministry.

The latest two avian flu deaths, along with a Health Ministry announcement that 2011 saw the highest number of H5N1 infections ever, has created anxiety across the country. The ministry said 40 people had contracted the virus in 2011, up from 23 in 2010. More shocking still, 16 of the 40 who contracted the virus last year died.

Ineffective government?

Amr Qandeel, head of preventive medicine at the Health Ministry, attributed the rise in virus infections to a weakening supervisory role of the government.

Exactly a year has passed since the start of the Egyptian uprising. During this time there have been three different health ministers; widespread strikes and political unrest; and the police have been either in a degree of disarray or preoccupied with containing demonstrations: Tackling H5N1 and enforcing bio-safety measures has inevitably, therefore, not been a top government priority.

In 2010, the government took measures to curb bird flu infections, including banning inter-governorate poultry movements and acting against poultry breeders who did not abide by the declared safety measures. But independent health experts like Saeed Aun say more needs to be done.

Egyptians, particularly in poor districts and the countryside, rear chickens and other animals at home. Aun describes this home breeding of birds as “risky”. Unlicensed poultry farms - numbering around 40,000 - are also a challenge.

“These are places the government does not reach,” Aun said. “This means that any talk about preventive measures will be futile as long as this very large number of farms is not part of the process.”

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=50293

Lab-grown super flu a boon, not threat

2012-01-28T17:08:00.001-05:00

Sanchita Sharma, Hindustan Times
January 28, 2012

Think of Dr Frankenstein’s worst nightmare in the making, and then multiply it by a few millions. That’s the unstoppable killing machine scientists in the US and the Netherlands have created by developing a highly transmissible super-strain of the H5N1 bird flu virus that can infect millions in minutes. Popularly referred to as the “armageddon virus”, this lab-made strain of bird flu has been called “probably one of the most dangerous viruses you can make” by its creators because of its ability to spreads easily between humans and kill faster than all other flu viruses known in recent human history.

The research shows that H5N1 is just five mutations in two genes away from turning into a highly-infectious killer swarm. The new mutated virus is expected to improve genetic surveillance of H5N1strains in birds and animals for virus mutations as an early warning alert to a potential human pandemic. Since the research focuses on what it takes to convert bird flu which can kill more than half of those infected but does not spread easily into a highly contagious virus, the knowledge is also expected to help in vaccine and drug development.

Yet critics argue that the public health benefits of such a findings are little compared to the threat of a pandemic should virus escape the lab, whether accidentally or intentionally. That bio-terror is a big concern is clear from the red flag raised by the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, which prompted the US government last month to ask the international journals Science and Nature to publish only the broad conclusions of the two studies and not give the scientific details to ensure the work was not copied and used by terrorists in search of a biological weapon.
The journals and the authors agreed to do that, in turn requesting the US government and the World Health Organisation to ensure the data reached all public-health officials who could put it to practical use to track emerging pandemics and develop counter-measures in the form drugs and vaccines. But it’s easier said than done.
Health systems — especially in resource-restrained countries such as India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Egypt, where the virus now exists in the wild throughout the year — do not have the infrastructure needed to track and kill the virus. At best, the surveillance and vaccination of infected animals is patchy. In most of these countries, it is also largely focused on detecting and controlling outbreaks, with few viral samples being collected and sequenced, which needs to be done real-time to identify a mutation quickly enough to stop a pandemic. The UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation estimates that even if the governments are willing, with current resources, it would take at least a decade to stamp out the virus from these countries.
Some, however, point out that similar fears — raised six years ago when another team of scientists recreated the Spanish flu virus that killed up to 50 million in 1918 — proved groundless. And the threat of the H5N1 bird flu virus turning into a pandemic that killed hundreds of millions in 2005 and the H1N1 swine flu virus in 2009 proved groundless.

The reality, as usual, is in between.
Of the 573 people that have caught H5N1 from animals so far worldwide, 336 have died. That’s more than half, which makes it more lethal than most human viruses. The only thing that got in the way of more deaths was the viruses’s inability to spread easily from person to person, an armour that has now been shattered in the lab. So criticising the new findings is plain stupid. The lab grown super-flu virus indicates the worse that lies ahead and challenges us to do the best we can to contain it. http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Wellness/Lab-grown-super-flu-a-boon-not-threat/Article1-803505.aspx

Indonesia: Bogor Update #H5N1 #Birdflu

2012-01-28T16:31:00.003-05:00

On January 27, we reported a suspect out of Bogor, here:

Again, A Citizens Infected by Avian Influenza
Ipan Sukarman flu symptoms after eating the chicken that died suddenly.

Ipan Sukarman, 50, said, pet chickens died suddenly. . Not just his cock, his neighbor's chickens died suddenly. This incident, he said, had been going on since a week ago. "Though the afternoon was still fresh and willing to eat," said Ipan, Friday, January 27, 2012.

He further said, a sick chicken and then cooked and eaten. Apparently, based on examination of the health center, he was suffering from avian flu. Although already know infected with bird flu virus, Ipan remain active.

Another update on Bogor was posted here

Dozens of residents in Kampung chicken pet Cinnamon, precisely in the RT 03/01, Kelurahan Cibadak, Kecamatan Tanah Sareal, Kota Bogor, West Java, died suddenly raises awareness of the emergence of bird flu in the region.

Today, the officials in Bogor have come out and said the two individuals only have the common cold, and that they developed the symptoms before the chickens died...my problem is, my accounting of the one and only person they spoke of with this outbreak in Bogor...never went to the hospital. So who prey tell are they speaking of in the article below???
Here is my information:

January 27th
Bogor
Name: Ipan Sukarman (50)
From: Village Kayumanis, Village Cibadak, District Tanah Sareal, City Bogor,
Adm: No
Notes: 1 week ago, Pet chickens died. Neighbors chickens died also. confirmed. Ipan went to health ctr, said he had avian flu, on tamiflu, keeping active. He is home.

Residents are not sure Bogor Health Office Infected
Saturday, January 28, 2012 | 21:33

Two people contracted the flu, since before the sudden death of chickens.

Health Department City of Bogor, West Java, make sure there are no residents in Kampung Kayu Manis RT 03/RW 01, Village Cibadak, Village Land Sareal, who contracted the bird flu (H5N1).

Previously, dozens of chickens died suddenly in the region. "We've been checking and data collection, until now there is no residents who contracted the virus," said Dwi Susanto, Surveillance oficial District team (DSO) of Bogor City Health Office, today.

Dwi said that, although there are two people who are currently ill. After the examination, both patients showed no signs of exposure to bird flu. Both were declared common cold.

According to Dwi, two people are sick long. Before, he continued, events suddenly dead poultry in the village.

"From the history of his illness, they had no contact with poultry. So we make sure to both not infected with bird flu, they are only exposed to ordinary flu," said Dwi.

continued (click on title)

Indo: C. Kalimantan - WO (42) & Wife Moved From Isol. Rm. for Psychological Impact Reasons

2012-01-28T05:53:00.002-05:00

Bird Flu Patients Susfect Moved to Designated
January 28, 2012

Kotawaringin EAST - BN: PATIENT susfect bird flu WG with his wife B to be moved from room siolasi Hospital Dr Murjani Sampit into a special room at the same hospital yesterday. Saki house parties reasonably could affect the psychological impact perkemba on the move with his health so that ...

Presented Hospital Director Dr. Ratna Yuniarti Murjani Sampit when giving a press conference along with six doctors who are members of the medical team handling bird flu.

"Let me not seem confined and psychological influence is concerned then we agreed to reduce the degree of isolation. Until now I had no complaints from patients from the psychological side, "said Rachael.
WG then removed from the isolation room into a special room that not just anyone is allowed in and out. Until now Rachael insisting it can not ensure a positive or not before there are results of examinations of samples in the laboratory in Jakarta.

The development of the condition of WG patients on day 3 in the Hospital Dr Murjani Sampit is getting better. During workarounds WG and his wife B is given medication tamiflu by the medical team. "The patient's clinical condition has improved and does not qualify as suspect bird flu. But he still does not allow us to go home, until there results stating examination is negative or vice versa, "said Rachael.

In the case of bird flu, the hospital formed a team of six doctors who filled such a specialist in internal medicine, radiology, and pathology. It also assisted 14 people nurse who always turns over three shifts each day.

Meanwhile, Team Leader of bird flu dr Murjani Sampit Hospital, Mulyadi adding it continues to monitor the progress of the patient's condition. He said the risk of death from bird flu patients was low. Only the risk of transmission is high. (AR/B-6)

Indo: Yogyakarta: 3 Chickens Die, Family Falls ill, Birds Test Neg. #H5N1 #Birdflu

2012-01-28T05:41:00.001-05:00

January 28, 2012

Yogyakarta [SPFM], three chickens in Pugeran, District Mergangsan died suddenly during three consecutive days. Of the 12 chickens owned, now live nine tails that do not die suddenly. In addition to the chicken's death, three members of the family owners of chickens also fell ill.

District Surveillance Officer (DSO) Rubangi Yogyakarta City Health Office revealed his side and a quick action team consisting of direct relevant agencies move quickly to take samples of dead birds. After investigation, according to Rubangi, the result is still negative. The chickens are not exposed to H5N1 or bird flu.

Indonesia: Influenza A is not fierce as Bird Flu #H5N1

2012-01-28T05:31:00.001-05:00

This article speaks of RO (18) who was confirmed after death with H1N1 pdm09. Treyfish also wrote a commentary on it, located here.

January 28, 2012
JAKARTA - MICOM: Impact damage caused by influenza A H1N1 virus infection pdm09 different from the H5N1 virus causing bird flu. Influenza A H1N1 has now positioned as the only variant of influenza illness is mild and can heal itself.

It was stated Health Minister (Menkes) Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih R-related deaths, 18, a resident of Tangerang, Banten, tested positive after suffering from Influenza A H1N1. Previously, because show clinical symptoms similar to bird flu symptoms, the deceased was given the status of suspect (unexpected) bird flu.

"Influenza A H1N1 pdm09 is one form of influenza. The impact is very light and can heal itself, "said Minister of Health in a press release on Friday (27 / 1) evening.

The same thing also spoken Head of Research and Development of the Ministry of Health (Research and Development) Trihono. However, he added, though mild as seasonal flu (seasonal) used, in the middle has a low immunity due to other disease problems and the elderly, the disease can also cause serious impacts.

R-related deaths and is known to have influenza A H1N1 pdm09, Trihono said the exact cause of death is unknown in question. What is clear, he said, the possibility of the deceased had other diseases that exacerbate the problems of health of the body concerned.

Pdm09 Influenza A H1N1 formerly known as swine flu (swine flu) for allegedly spreading from pigs. But mention the name of swine flu finally rectified by the World Health Organization, WHO, because naming is considered inappropriate.

scared to death of crows #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-27T22:04:00.000-05:00

Rural scared to death of crows
Updated on: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:01 PM (IST)

Krun, Deoghar: block headquarters across Kauo these days have continued to die. During a week of half a dozen crows have died. The event traumatized the country. The people here have expressed fears of an outbreak. Sart Palojori and deaths of crows in the district. No such incident had taken place earlier in the block. The people are very scared of crows is sudden death. The villagers gave information to General Officer. Rookery dead at the scene to be examined by the doctor. He said that the crow is not a symptom of an illness. Crows death is natural. http://www.jagran.com/jharkhand/deoghar-8820264.html

‘R-Day pigeons suffer from disease’ #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

Although its a common strain, wildlife experts are wary of the disease spreading to other animals and are taking no chances

Despite great efforts to nurse the birds back to health, two more of the diseased pigeons, that were released during Republic Day celebrations at the Manekshaw grounds, died within 24 hours of being rescued. Sick pigeons take shine off Republic Day march-past

Ten birds were rescued by wildlife volunteers from the BBMP’s forest cell after they had flopped to the ground. The birds, purchased from Russell Market at a substantial discount, were unhealthy and were unable to fly. Experts say the birds suffer from a strain of avian influenza and are taking every precaution to ensure the virus does not spread.

“Our volunteers are in shock as we lost two more pigeons out of the 10 rescued on Thursday,” Sharath R Babu, honorary wildlife warden, Bangalore Urban said. “It seems most them are suffering from a strain of avian influenza. It’s a disease which afflicts birds kept at Russell Market. The strains of flu differ greatly and while this is a common strain among pigeons from Russell Market, we are not taking any chances as it could spread.”

Said Rajesh M, a wildlife expert, “The flu can spread to other animals. For example if a dog eats an infected bird, the dog too could get infected. So the birds will be buried with lime and salt to ensure the virus does not spread.”

While some birds flew away, at least 20 of the pigeons released during the celebrations just flopped to the ground where they struggled to fly. VVIPs, including the chief minister and the governor were witness to the fiasco. Some of the birds had broken wings, while others had turned blind.

“The flu causes the birds to become weak,” an expert said. “Because of the weakness they don’t have the energy to fly. Infected birds also gradually turn blind and if left untreated, they die.”

BBMP wildlife volunteers say that sending these birds for a flu test would not be necessary as the strain is common. But ensuring the survival of the infected birds is a hard task.

“We are doing all we possibly can to ensure the survival of the rest of the birds, but the chances of their survival are grim,” Sharath said.

Meanwhile, S Harish, the deputy mayor, who played a vital role in getting the birds rescued, is moving to end the practice of releasing birds at official functions.

“We want to put an end this practice,” Harish said. “The incident is an embarrassment for us. We don’t want it repeated. So I will talk to the commissioner and ensure the practice of releasing pigeons is banned henceforth.” http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/10/2012012820120128044529294cd021cf7/%E2%80%98RDay-pigeons-suffer-from-disease%E2%80%99.html

Negative results, 2 Duguaan Suspected Bird Flu Patients Discharged #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-27T21:19:00.000-05:00

Manado, 27 January 2012.
Since no proven infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus, two people with suspected bird flu patients who were treated in public hospitals in prof Kandou Manado finally sent home.
Patients with suspected bird flu sent home the first of ali Pua district from residents 80 years bintauna Bolaang Mongondow east. . Patients with suspected bird flu ali Pua repatriated after the results of laboratory examinations of blood samples with suspected victims of bird flu has been out, and declared negative.

Meanwhile, another patient is a 4-year poly Randi is still cared for in
Isolation room with suspected bird flu. Although the result is negative, and had no fever anymore, but randy is still in the care of up to 2 days ahead for the observation period, before being sent home and return it to the family.

Two patients with suspected bird flu, go to the hospital in Manado Kandou prof
Thursday and Friday last week, after they were cared for in local health centers. Although H5N1 virus has not been proven but hundreds of birds and chickens owned by residents in
. Kanonang and bintauna been in musnakan by local governments to avoid the spread of bird flu virus. Shak-mndo. Shak-mndo.
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=id&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://makassartv.co.id/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D6819:hasil-negatif-2-pasien-duguaan-suspek-flu-burung-dipulangkan%26catid%3D34:berita-daerah%26Itemid%3D58&usg=ALkJrhh6o97BKl2iEle17ml9vlvYeY_-Bg

Agartala-Culling begins in ICAR complex #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-27T20:25:00.003-05:00

Culling begins in ICAR complex

By Our Correspondent
Agartala, 27/01/2012
Culling of poultry started in the vicinity of Lembucherra ICAR complex today after Bird flu has reappeared. Following reports of deaths of poultry birds in the area, blood samples were collected and examined and H5 strain of avian influenza virus was found. More than 2,500 ducks and birds would be culled today in the area.
As many as 16 rapid response teams were formed to cull the ducks and birds in the area. Sources said, BSF was alerted so that no poultry could enter into Indian Territory. The movement of poultry has been restricted from the vicinity of Lembucherra ICAR complex. There is panic among the locals following the detection of Bird Flu in the area. The culling that started will continue for several days, sources said. http://www.tripuratoday.com/ttday/NDetails.aspx?ID=3374

Indonesia Bird Flu Virus More Malignant #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-27T20:23:00.002-05:00

Saturday, January 28, 2012 | 7:45

[JAKARTA] To date, avian influenza virus (H5N1) in Indonesia is still considered more virulent than the virus in another country. This is evident from the number of morbidity and mortality are still high due to Avian Influenza in Indonesia.
"In Egypt for example, only 40% mortality in Indonesia but even more than 80%. Until now not known what causes the virus in Indonesia is more virulent, so this year we will do some research about this, "said Trihono, Head of Research and Development Ministry of Health (Kemkes) in regular media briefing in Jakarta, Friday (27 / 1).
Malignancy in Indonesia Bird Flu virus has gained the international recognition, so many countries have taken it for their interests, among them to make vaccines. Since 2005 Indonesia has always put up a virus to the World Health Organization (WHO) but there is no agreement to share benefits from the virus.
Until later in the meeting of the World Health Assembly (WHA) to 64 in Geneva in May 2011 and, internationally acknowledged and agreed benefits for Indonesia. There are several alternative benefits obtained Indonesia if other countries take the virus, for example do not have to pay patent fees if Indonesia wants to produce vaccines.
"Indonesia has a strong position since the WHA 2011. Because of such recognition, now this virus into Indonesia could be shared internationally through the internet. If they sent the virus then there is a Standard Material Transfer Agreement, whatever there called our advantage, "he said again.
However, presumably because this virus malignancy many AI positive patients who eventually died had been given the drug despite bird flu, namely oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu). Also alleged to have occurred viral resistance to the drug oseltamivir, but to prove a new Kemkes will conduct research this year.
In a previous meeting, Health Minister Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih suspected drug oseltamivir resistance has occurred, because patients still die even if given the drug.
"The possibility of resistance may occur and not Menkes suspected this, so we asked to do research," he said.
In some countries had reported cases of resistance, but until now there is no definitive conclusions, and in Indonesia too so that Tamiflu remains the drug of choice. Even if resistance will occur can be anticipated by increasing the dose or find a replacement. Resistance occurs due to many factors, among patients not taking medication regularly.
However, to anticipate the spread of this virus, Kemkes perform integrated surveillance, by taking samples from each patient of influenza in health centers and hospitals later conducted the examination in the laboratory to ascertain whether the common cold / seasonal flu or bird flu. Suspicion leads to Flu Bird flu if the patient is in contact with dead birds.
Because the results of a new flu after laboratory tests are known, then Kemkes appealed to the public to remain alert to any type of influenza. Director General of Disease Control and Environmental Health (P2PL) Kemkes, Prof Tjandra Yoga Aditama, say, influenza is generally mild and can be cured by itself, except in those with low immunity or any other health problems.
As for tips to prevent flu, which cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, do not direct contact when they have flu-like shaking hands or hugging. Get plenty of rest at home, wash hands with soap, eating nutritious food, get used to living a clean healthy behaviors and health problems immediately consult with a health worker. http://www.suarapembaruan.com/home/virus-flu-burung-indonesia-lebih-ganas/16565#Scene_1

Execution of 4 thousand chickens infected with bird flu Menoufia #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-27T19:15:00.000-05:00

Execution of 4 thousand chickens infected with bird flu Menoufia

Friday, January 27, 2012 - 17:07

The Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, Menoufia 4 thousand chickens to death following the onset of the center of a new, positive for bird flu poultry farm in the village of Kafr Nfrh of the center pool of the seven, the king of Badawy Ibrahim, a sample was taken from the birds and sent to central laboratories and as a result of the sample were positive.

The Major General Mohamed Ezzat open the door Secretary-General to maintain the focus that these were discovered through field tests carried out by the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, and indicate that they were breeding domestic birds infected and vaccinated birds nearby to prevent the spread of the disease. http://www3.youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=588138&SecID=296&IssueID=0

More Research on Virus Mutations Published #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-27T18:24:00.004-05:00

With a two-month moratorium still in place on research studies that make the H5N1 virus more transmissible in mammals, a Michigan State University grad student and professor showed how easily a new virus can evolve dangerous traits.

Jan 27, 2012

Graduate student Justin Meyer and Richard Lenski, Hannah Distinguished Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Michigan State University, have published a new paper in the journal Science that adds to the current debate about research that might be useful to terrorists. Their study shows how a new virus can quickly evolve dangerous new traits -– in this case, a new way to attack host cells that took only four mutations for a virus called "Lambda."
MSU and the National Science Foundation posted news releases about their study Jan. 26, and NSF also linked to a video in which Meyer explains their research....
http://ohsonline.com/articles/2012/01/27/more-research-on-virus-mutations-published.aspx?admgarea=news

Hau Giang: current bird flu outbreak #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-27T18:16:00.000-05:00

11:59 PM Friday, January 27, 2012 -
Department of Animal Health in Hau Giang Province, said bird flu has appeared in 922 chickens of the family of Yang Ming University Village 4, Vinh Vien Commune, Long My District (Hau Giang).
Chicken diseases symptoms from 17:12 occurs and mortality. Examination of the Region VII office of Animal Health to identify all the samples were positive for influenza A-H5N1 virus.
http://www.tinmoi.vn/hau-giang-xuat-hien-o-dich-cum-gia-cam-01735708.html

Latest study finds that viruses may evolve more quickly than previously thought #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-27T18:12:00.002-05:00

Friday, January 27, 2012

It seems viruses may be better at adapting to their host environments than previously thought.

A new study released Friday by the Michigan State University finds that viruses may be evolving and adapting more quickly than initially thought.
Scientists leading the study announced they have for the first time evidence of how the virus called “Lambda” evolved to find a new way to attack host cells, an innovation that took four mutations to accomplish.

It is the first time that the researchers have described a way through which viruses evolved a novel way to infect people, which could reveal better means of protecting against some of the world’s most notorious viruses. Researchers said that they studied a virus which is known as a lambda. It infects the gut bacterium Escherichia coli.

Michigan State University scientists described how viruses evolved a new way of infecting cells in little more than two weeks, far sooner than initially thought. In a series of experiments, the bacteria-infecting viruses repeatedly acquired the ability to attack their host bacteria through a different “doorway,” or receptor on the bacteria’s cellular membrane, according to Justin Meyer, the lead researcher and a graduate student...

“We were surprised at first to see Lambda evolve this new function, this ability to attack and enter the cell through a new receptor – and it happened so fast,” the Michigan State University graduate student said in a statement. “But when we re-ran the evolution experiment, we saw the same thing happen over and over.”

...Even though bird flu is a mere five mutations away from becoming transmissible between humans, it is highly unlikely the virus could naturally obtain all of the beneficial mutations all at once. However, it might evolve sequentially, gaining benefits one-by-one, if conditions are favorable at each step, say researchers...

http://www.thestatecolumn.com/science/latest-study-finds-that-viruses-may-evolve-more-quickly-than-previously-thought/

Saudis lift ban on Turkish poultry #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-27T17:35:00.003-05:00

Saudis lift ban on Turkish poultry

MERSİN - Anatolia News Agency

Saudi Arabia, which had restricted the importation of Turkish poultry following the bird flu epidemic in 2005, has lifted the ban, paving the way for Turkish poultry exporters to access the Saudi market.
“Saudi Arabia imports 500,000 tons of poultry annually and is one of the world’s leading poultry importers. We now intend to provide about 150,000 to 200,000 tons of this,” said Ali Can Yamanyılmaz, the head of the Mediterranean Water Products and Animal Products Exporters Union.

Yamanyılmaz said that by expanding to the Saudi market, the sector would increase its export figure. http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/saudis-lift-ban-on-turkish-poultry.aspx?pageID=238&nID=12455&NewsCatID=344

Over 2,000 birds have been culled in Agartala #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

2012-01-27T17:33:00.001-05:00

A Health Department official culls a bird at a poultry farm near Agartala, after bird flu virus was detected, in the Lembucherra area. Over 2,000 birds have been culled in Agartala after H5 strain of avian influenza virus was found. Photo: AP http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2837412.ece