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

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

Undo edits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 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

 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

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

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

Deshmukh reviews bird flu situation

  | Jan 28, 2012, 01.04AM IST
GONDIA: In view of the increasing number of deaths of crows in Gondia district, guardian minister Anil Deshmukh reviewed the situation of bird flu epidemic in the district, particularly in Tiroda and Sadak Arjuni tehsils during his visit to Gondia on Thursday.
There were reports of increasing number of deaths of crows in these two tehsils in the last fortnight. So Deshmukh called for a meeting of the officers of heath and veterinary department. He then asked the officers to see that the situation does not deteriorate by ensuring that the birds are scientifically disposed off so that the disease does not spread.
The district health officer Dr BK Meshram said that a sufficient stock of tamiflu medicine and masks will be ensured in the district. Officials attending the meeting included the collector and CEO of zilla parishad Dr Yeswant Gedam, additional collector Kamlesh Sonale, RDC NKP Rao, SDO Anant Walaskar, deputy commissioner of animal husbandry Dr Uttam Narnawre, civil surgeon Dr Milind Sonwane, medical officer Dr CR Tembhurne, district epidemics officer Dr Pravin Padwe, medical officer of Sadak Arjuni tehsil Dr Suwarna Hubekar and medical officer of Tiroda tehsil Dr Madhav Kotangale.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Deshmukh-reviews-bird-flu-situation/articleshow/11655755.cms

Indonesia: Bogor Bird Flu Alert #H5N1

Previous article, to be found here:
excerpt:

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

Friday, January 27, 2012 22:45 pm
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.

According to Aris, one of the residents, the incidence of pet chickens citizens who die suddenly, it has been since a week ago. Including pet chickens.

"Two of my chickens died suddenly. Previously there's no problem, my chickens fresh-fresh. I said to another, it turns out chicken peliharan other residents also have died. Including my brother's. Chicken I died on Friday last," Aris said on Friday (27/11).

The number of pet chickens in the village's residents who died as much as 27 tails. "This morning already there from the Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Bogor City here, and immediately carried out spraying and burning of the cage," said Aris.

Head of Public Health and Veterinary (Kesmavet) standardized Drh Bogor City. Mukti Arif, said of the saliva samples of dead chickens which positive exposure to the virus examined.

"What we check, courtesy of Mrs Karin. Of the four ownership there are four who died. Today there are dying to see certainty. From the tail of a dead one, positive. But for sure it can not be from each animal, we must look at the other , "says Arif.

He says, should be increased anticipation. "We increase the anticipation. This could be anywhere. Carcass we burn. I also urge the public to eggs, cage, all burned. All that is in contact with dead chickens in a positive," he explained. (DD/OL-2)

Vietnam-Thailand cooperative medical Tracking Diseases #H5N1 #birdflu

Vietnam and Thailand have signed a cooperation agreement in the safety program for public health, according to Thai News Agency TNA. The agreement was Health Minister Thailand, Mr. Wittaya Buranasiri, and the same shall Vietnam, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, signed at the Ministry of Health Thailand in Bangkok on 26 / 1. Accordingly, the two ASEAN member countries will work together research, knowledge exchange, and monitoring outbreaks of new diseases, including avian flu and SARS, ie acute respiratory syndrome severe.

Study Finds Virus to Be Fast Learner on Infecting

NY Times

By CARL ZIMMER

Published: January 26, 2012

Viruses regularly evolve new ways of making people sick, but scientists usually do not become aware of these new strategies until years or centuries after they have evolved. In a new study published on Thursday in the journal Science, however, a team of scientists at Michigan State University describes how viruses evolved a new way of infecting cells in little more than two weeks.

[click on title for complete article]

Observation of North Sulawesi Health Office Location month Spread of Bird Flu

1/27/12

Manado, 27 / 1 (Reuters)-North Sulawesi Provincial Health Office will observe the location of the spread of bird flu in the village of Kanonang, District Kawangkoan, Minahasa regency, during one month.

"We will observe approximately one month. Indeed, there are currently no new cases appeared there after the discovery of poultry that died suddenly last week, "said Head of Controlling Health Issues Public Health (Health Office) of North Sulawesi (Sulawesi), Dr. Jemmy Lampus in Manado, on Friday.

He said the circumstances of the boy of three years and 12 years who allegedly hit by bird flu virus (H5N1) continues to improve his condition, although not able to get special treatment in the hospital Prof. Kandouw in Manado.

"Their condition continued to improve. We strongly suspect they are not included in the suspected bird flu at the time of the incident even though they had experienced a fever, "he said.

Despite not getting the results of examination of blood samples from Jakarta, but Lampus ensure that both victims blood samples were negative.

"In humans we can say the result is negative. Since our initial observation until now the second condition improved and the child does not have characteristics such as people infected with bird flu virus, "he said.

However for the case of bird flu in poultry, although not thoroughly Lampus to date relevant technical agencies continue to do isolation as far as one kilometer from the site when he first discovered the existence of poultry that died suddenly.

"If the birds we have not confirmed whether there have been free of bird flu. Indeed, there is currently no new cases of bird flu in poultry, "he said.

Friday (20 / 1), Kanonang poultry in the village, Minahasa regency, North Sulawesi Province died suddenly. Department of Agriculture and Livestock of North Sulawesi province immediately conduct mass culling of poultry existing residents in a radius of one kilometer from the location of the discovery of dead birds.

Two boys who suffered from a fever brought directly to the clinic and then referred to the Hospital Prof. Kandouw, Malalayang, Manado City.

The second kid then asks to go home but get the strict supervision of North Sulawesi Health Office .*** 3 ***

Indonesia: Patient Susp. Birdflu WO (42) Central Kallimantan Update #H5N1 #Birdflu

Conditions Improved Patient Suspect Bird Flu

1/27/12

Sampit, Central Kalimantan, 27 / 1 (Reuters) - The condition of the patient suspect bird flu WO (42) who underwent treatment at the Regional General Hospital (Hospital) Dr Murjani Sampit, East Kotawaringin (Kotim), Central Kalimantan, gradually improved.

"The results of clinical examination and laboratory all in good condition and the infection rate has dropped," said Director of Hospital Dr Murjani Sampit, Ratna Yuniarti in Sampit, Friday.

Treatment WO suspect bird flu patients in hospitals dr Murjani Sampit to date has already entered the third day and the general condition of the patient is stable.

Although the patient's condition has improved in question with his wife who accompanied WO during his stay in hospital are still not allowed to go home and stay inside the isolation room.

The observations do not lead to the bird flu and did not lead to a suspect criteria, but remain concerned will be given out free surveillance and banned from the isolation room.

"They've given us drug tamiflu and in still under the supervision of medical team, for that they have our permission to go home because in the laboratory examination of samples from Jakarta was still not yet received the results," he said.

So they do not seem confined to the hospital plans to reduce the degree of isolation, the goal that the patient does not stress confined in isolation.

Patient suspect bird flu WO with his wife planned to be transferred to a special room so I can somewhat freely.

During the examination of blood samples is still unknown patient should not be visited, although from the family unless the team of doctors treating patients.

Hospital party dr Murjani Sampit deploy six doctors and 14 nurses to provide patient care suspect bird flu.

The six physicians who treat patients suspect bird flu are dr Deny Radiology, Dr. Heru Dento internal medicine, Dr. Benjamin, Head of Service. Doctor Geri Pathology, Dr. Mulyadi Disease in.