From Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary, who as always posts excellent article and review, excerpt :
" Although they are only rarely detected, there is evidence to suggest that humans may be infected by avian influenza viruses more often than commonly suspected.
Every year billions of people around the world experience flu-like symptoms that can stem from any of hundreds of different viruses.
Of those, only the tiniest fraction are tested to see what pathogen caused the illness.
While most people are aware of the several hundred H5N1 `bird flu’ infections detected over the past decade, we’ve also seen a smaller number of human infections caused by a variety of avian and swine origin flu viruses."
Showing posts with label Avian Flu Diary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Avian Flu Diary. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Indonesian MOH Announces Bird Flu Fatality
From Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary, along with his excellent comments, excerpt please go to his site for all the links :
" Ten days ago we learned of the death of a 23 year-old man living in north Jakarta from the H5N1 virus, presumably contracted from pigeons he was raising (see Bird Flu Suspect Dies In Indonesia).
At the time, there were media reports that this man’s sibling (ASR, age 5) was also ill and hospitalized, but it was reported on January 9th that he/she tested negative for the H5N1 virus.
We know that testing for the H5N1 virus has always been difficult, particularly once a patient is placed on antivirals, and we’ve seen some cases where patients tested negative repeatedly up until their demise, and bird flu infection was only established post-mortem.
Which is why many observers of the bird flu situation in Indonesia take negative test results with a grain of salt.
Today, via a statement released from the Indonesian Ministry of Health (h/t Gert van der Hoek on FluTrackers), we now learn that a 5 year old girl from the same neighborhood (with exposure to pigeons) has died after testing positive for the virus on January 13th."
" Ten days ago we learned of the death of a 23 year-old man living in north Jakarta from the H5N1 virus, presumably contracted from pigeons he was raising (see Bird Flu Suspect Dies In Indonesia).
At the time, there were media reports that this man’s sibling (ASR, age 5) was also ill and hospitalized, but it was reported on January 9th that he/she tested negative for the H5N1 virus.
We know that testing for the H5N1 virus has always been difficult, particularly once a patient is placed on antivirals, and we’ve seen some cases where patients tested negative repeatedly up until their demise, and bird flu infection was only established post-mortem.
Which is why many observers of the bird flu situation in Indonesia take negative test results with a grain of salt.
Today, via a statement released from the Indonesian Ministry of Health (h/t Gert van der Hoek on FluTrackers), we now learn that a 5 year old girl from the same neighborhood (with exposure to pigeons) has died after testing positive for the virus on January 13th."
Monday, October 17, 2011
Bali: Bird Flu Suspect Flees Hospital
From Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary, whom has this story which sounds alarming nevertheless, please visit his site for all the links :
" We’ve a story today in the Bali Post that, quite frankly, is reminiscent of some of the chaotic bird flu reports we saw coming out of Indonesia during the years 2006 and 2007.
The mother of the two children who died last week (see Bird Flu Claims Two Lives On Bali) has apparently now fallen ill (diagnosis unknown, but bird flu is suspected), and has fled the hospital where she was being examined."
" We’ve a story today in the Bali Post that, quite frankly, is reminiscent of some of the chaotic bird flu reports we saw coming out of Indonesia during the years 2006 and 2007.
The mother of the two children who died last week (see Bird Flu Claims Two Lives On Bali) has apparently now fallen ill (diagnosis unknown, but bird flu is suspected), and has fled the hospital where she was being examined."
Thursday, September 15, 2011
CDC Update On Recent Novel Swine Flu Cases
From Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary, excerpt, please go to his site for the full story and links :
" Off and on for several years, and most recently over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen sporadic reports of novel swine flu infections in humans around the United States (separate and apart from the 2009 H1N1 virus).
The number detected since 2005 is very small; only 25.
But in recent weeks 4 cases resulting from a reassorted H3N2 swine virus (with a gene borrowed from the 2009 H1N1) have shown up in Indiana (1) and Pennsylvania (3) prompting an epidemiological investigation.
Off and on for several years, and most recently over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen sporadic reports of novel swine flu infections in humans around the United States (separate and apart from the 2009 H1N1 virus).
The number detected since 2005 is very small; only 25.
But in recent weeks 4 cases resulting from a reassorted H3N2 swine virus (with a gene borrowed from the 2009 H1N1) have shown up in Indiana (1) and Pennsylvania (3) prompting an epidemiological investigation."
" Off and on for several years, and most recently over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen sporadic reports of novel swine flu infections in humans around the United States (separate and apart from the 2009 H1N1 virus).
The number detected since 2005 is very small; only 25.
But in recent weeks 4 cases resulting from a reassorted H3N2 swine virus (with a gene borrowed from the 2009 H1N1) have shown up in Indiana (1) and Pennsylvania (3) prompting an epidemiological investigation.
Off and on for several years, and most recently over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen sporadic reports of novel swine flu infections in humans around the United States (separate and apart from the 2009 H1N1 virus).
The number detected since 2005 is very small; only 25.
But in recent weeks 4 cases resulting from a reassorted H3N2 swine virus (with a gene borrowed from the 2009 H1N1) have shown up in Indiana (1) and Pennsylvania (3) prompting an epidemiological investigation."
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
US : Pennsylvania Reports 2 More Novel Flu Cases
Today's must read from Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary, excerpt (please go to his site for all the links) :
" In a press release this afternoon the Pennsylvania Health Department has announced the detection of two more novel swine flu infections among recent visitors to a county fair held in the southwestern part of the state.
This comes on the heels of the announcement on Friday in the CDC’s MMWR of two novel flu infections from a reassortant swine H3N2 virus that contained a gene segment from the H1N1 swine flu virus.
In that announcement we were told of one case in Pennsylvania and another case in Indiana, both of whom had recovered. All of the cases so far have involved children.
Today’s development will no doubt inspire intense state and federal epidemiological investigations to see if this new strain of flu has acquired the ability to spread efficiently from human to human."
" In a press release this afternoon the Pennsylvania Health Department has announced the detection of two more novel swine flu infections among recent visitors to a county fair held in the southwestern part of the state.
This comes on the heels of the announcement on Friday in the CDC’s MMWR of two novel flu infections from a reassortant swine H3N2 virus that contained a gene segment from the H1N1 swine flu virus.
In that announcement we were told of one case in Pennsylvania and another case in Indiana, both of whom had recovered. All of the cases so far have involved children.
Today’s development will no doubt inspire intense state and federal epidemiological investigations to see if this new strain of flu has acquired the ability to spread efficiently from human to human."
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
WHO: Egypt Reports New Bird Flu Case
A big hat tip to Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary for this report, please go to this site for all the links :
" Traditionally, reports of H5N1 infections generally decline during the summer months, pick up over the fall and winter, and peak in the Spring. This year has been running true-to-form, with only a handful of human cases reported over the past couple of months.
Egypt, which has seen the highest number of cases this year, today reported their 32nd case of 2011 to the World Health Organization.
In this case, the patient was a 6 year-old girl from Behira governorate who fell ill on July 12th, but recovered and was discharged from the hospital on the 30th."
" Traditionally, reports of H5N1 infections generally decline during the summer months, pick up over the fall and winter, and peak in the Spring. This year has been running true-to-form, with only a handful of human cases reported over the past couple of months.
Egypt, which has seen the highest number of cases this year, today reported their 32nd case of 2011 to the World Health Organization.
In this case, the patient was a 6 year-old girl from Behira governorate who fell ill on July 12th, but recovered and was discharged from the hospital on the 30th."
Friday, April 29, 2011
Hint: Don’t Order The `Possum On the Half Shell’
Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary has posted a very interesting article on armadillos. Excerpt but please go to his site for all the links and the full story :
" Armadillo and road kill jokes abound in the south (Why did the chicken cross the road? . . . To prove to the armadillo it can be done). But apparently some people actually do indulge in that cliché of a southern delicacy – known in finer rural dining establishments as `possum on the half shell’.
I’ll not bother to debate the culinary merits of armadillo stew, since I’m fully aware that tastes (of people, and presumably armadillos) vary. A lesson learned after I once futilely tried to explain `grits’ to friend from the UK while she countered with vividly told tales of `the haggis’.
Neither of us gained much ground with the other."
" Armadillo and road kill jokes abound in the south (Why did the chicken cross the road? . . . To prove to the armadillo it can be done). But apparently some people actually do indulge in that cliché of a southern delicacy – known in finer rural dining establishments as `possum on the half shell’.
I’ll not bother to debate the culinary merits of armadillo stew, since I’m fully aware that tastes (of people, and presumably armadillos) vary. A lesson learned after I once futilely tried to explain `grits’ to friend from the UK while she countered with vividly told tales of `the haggis’.
Neither of us gained much ground with the other."
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Avian Flu Diary : WHO - Three Bird Flu Updates
Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary is the man to go to when you need an indept look at the current issues which plague mankind. This time he has his eyes set on the latest Avian Influenza updates from WHO, here's the excerpt but go to his site for the full story and links :
" The World Health Organization has released updates on human H5N1 infections from three countries this morning. Some of these are cases we’ve heard about earlier, but are only now being confirmed.
First stop, Bangladesh which appears to confirm a case I wrote about on March 16th(see Bangladesh: 2nd Bird Flu Case In Two Days)."
" The World Health Organization has released updates on human H5N1 infections from three countries this morning. Some of these are cases we’ve heard about earlier, but are only now being confirmed.
First stop, Bangladesh which appears to confirm a case I wrote about on March 16th(see Bangladesh: 2nd Bird Flu Case In Two Days)."
Friday, March 11, 2011
Estimated Tsunami Arrival Times
When it comes to disaster preparedness no one beats Mike Coston. Here's from his website at Avian Flu Diary with regards to the Japan Earthquake, excerpt, go to his site, he has all the bases covered :
" NOAA has produced a map of possible arrival times for the Tsunami believed to be moving across the Pacific as a result of the Honshu earthquake.
Reports out of Japan indicate that up to an 11 meter (33 ft) tsunami may have struck the coastline. Damage is reportedly extensive."
" NOAA has produced a map of possible arrival times for the Tsunami believed to be moving across the Pacific as a result of the Honshu earthquake.
Reports out of Japan indicate that up to an 11 meter (33 ft) tsunami may have struck the coastline. Damage is reportedly extensive."
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Indonesian Toddler Suspected Bird Flu
Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary has this story with regards to another bird flu suspect in Indonesia, go to the site for all the links :
" We’ve another media report of a suspected H5N1 infection in Indonesia, this time of a 19 month old toddler from Padang, West Sumatra.
Indefatigable newshound Dutchy has started this thread on FluTrackers, with this machine translation of a news report from Kompas."
" We’ve another media report of a suspected H5N1 infection in Indonesia, this time of a 19 month old toddler from Padang, West Sumatra.
Indefatigable newshound Dutchy has started this thread on FluTrackers, with this machine translation of a news report from Kompas."
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Japan: Bird Flu Investigation At Poultry Farm
From Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary with this story (please go directly to his site for all the links) :
" Earlier today Makoto on FluTrackers started a thread about reports of bird flu being detected at a poultry farm near the city of Yasugi in Japan’s Shimane Prefecture.
You can view those reports here.
The latest information came from a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)."
" Earlier today Makoto on FluTrackers started a thread about reports of bird flu being detected at a poultry farm near the city of Yasugi in Japan’s Shimane Prefecture.
You can view those reports here.
The latest information came from a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)."
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Canada : CFIA Statement On Manitoba’s Avian Flu Outbreak
Thanks to Mike at Avian Flu Diary for this, please go to the site for all the links :
" The CFAI (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) has released the follow statement on the detection of bird flu on a Manitoba turkey farm.
As opposed to the earlier news story out of Winnipeg, no mention of the strain is made in this release.
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 24, 2010) - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of an avian influenza virus in a commercial poultry operation in the Rural Municipality of Rockwood, Manitoba.
Further testing is underway to determine the precise subtype and pathogenicity of the virus. Pathogenicity refers to the severity of the illness caused in birds. Clinical assessment and laboratory analysis to date suggests this is likely a low pathogenic virus.
Avian influenza viruses do not pose risks to food safety when poultry and poultry products are properly handled and cooked. Avian influenza rarely affects humans, unless they are of specific types and there has been close contact with infected birds."
" The CFAI (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) has released the follow statement on the detection of bird flu on a Manitoba turkey farm.
As opposed to the earlier news story out of Winnipeg, no mention of the strain is made in this release.
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 24, 2010) - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of an avian influenza virus in a commercial poultry operation in the Rural Municipality of Rockwood, Manitoba.
Further testing is underway to determine the precise subtype and pathogenicity of the virus. Pathogenicity refers to the severity of the illness caused in birds. Clinical assessment and laboratory analysis to date suggests this is likely a low pathogenic virus.
Avian influenza viruses do not pose risks to food safety when poultry and poultry products are properly handled and cooked. Avian influenza rarely affects humans, unless they are of specific types and there has been close contact with infected birds."
Thursday, November 11, 2010
WHO : Influenza update - 8 November 2010
From WHO, the latest influenza update. Thanks to Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary for this.
" Influenza - Update 120
8 November 2010 - Summary:
Worldwide, overall influenza activity remained low, except in parts of the tropics, most notably in Southeast Asia, and to a lesser extent in the tropical areas of the Americas. After late winter and springtime influenza epidemics in several countries of the temperate southern hemisphere, influenza activity has returned to near or below baseline in most places. Notably, however, a recent post-season rise in cases has been noted across parts of southern Africa associated with localized outbreaks of influenza H1N1 (2009) virus. Seasonal influenza A(H3N2) viruses continued to be the predominant circulating type or subtype of influenza viruses worldwide, however, in addition, in many countries there has been co-circulation of seasonal influenza B viruses and to a lesser extent, influenza H1N1 (2009) viruses. The latter has been recently predominant in a limited number of countries, including in India.
Countries in the temperate zone of the Southern Hemisphere
In Chile, an unusually late winter and springtime influenza epidemic, characterized by predominance of circulating seasonal influenza A (H3N2) viruses, and to a lesser extent seasonal influenza B and H1N1 (2009) viruses, appears to have largely subsided. A similarly timed influenza epidemic was also observed in Paraguay and Uruguay. In Argentina, however, little winter and springtime influenza activity was observed during 2010, with influenza B viruses accounting for the majority of sporadic influenza virus detections.
In South Africa, the 2010 winter influenza season, characterized by a predominance of seasonal influenza B viruses, and to lesser seasonal A(H3N2) viruses, had largely concluded by the end of September 2010 but was followed by a mild resurgence of influenza activity (with a similar distribution of influenza viruses) during October 2010. In neighboring Namibia, there have been reports of school and community outbreaks of influenza H1N1 (2009) during October 2010."
" Influenza - Update 120
8 November 2010 - Summary:
Worldwide, overall influenza activity remained low, except in parts of the tropics, most notably in Southeast Asia, and to a lesser extent in the tropical areas of the Americas. After late winter and springtime influenza epidemics in several countries of the temperate southern hemisphere, influenza activity has returned to near or below baseline in most places. Notably, however, a recent post-season rise in cases has been noted across parts of southern Africa associated with localized outbreaks of influenza H1N1 (2009) virus. Seasonal influenza A(H3N2) viruses continued to be the predominant circulating type or subtype of influenza viruses worldwide, however, in addition, in many countries there has been co-circulation of seasonal influenza B viruses and to a lesser extent, influenza H1N1 (2009) viruses. The latter has been recently predominant in a limited number of countries, including in India.
Countries in the temperate zone of the Southern Hemisphere
In Chile, an unusually late winter and springtime influenza epidemic, characterized by predominance of circulating seasonal influenza A (H3N2) viruses, and to a lesser extent seasonal influenza B and H1N1 (2009) viruses, appears to have largely subsided. A similarly timed influenza epidemic was also observed in Paraguay and Uruguay. In Argentina, however, little winter and springtime influenza activity was observed during 2010, with influenza B viruses accounting for the majority of sporadic influenza virus detections.
In South Africa, the 2010 winter influenza season, characterized by a predominance of seasonal influenza B viruses, and to lesser seasonal A(H3N2) viruses, had largely concluded by the end of September 2010 but was followed by a mild resurgence of influenza activity (with a similar distribution of influenza viruses) during October 2010. In neighboring Namibia, there have been reports of school and community outbreaks of influenza H1N1 (2009) during October 2010."
Monday, October 11, 2010
Indonesian Officials: Sulawesi Bird Flu Outbreak `Under Control’
From Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary, excerpt :
" Two weeks after we first began to receive reports of large poultry die offs from the H5N1 virus in South Sulawesi, government spokespersons are seeking to reassure the public by stating that very few provinces are bird-flu free, and that outbreaks such as these are fairly common.
The story appears today in the Jakarta Globe, a large English Language newspaper out of the Indonesian Capital.
Avian Flu Outbreak Won’t Fly The Coop, Government Says
With nearly 50,000 dead chickens reported in 11 areas (Makassar, Takalar, Luwu Timur, Luwu Utara, Soppeng, Pinrang, Parepare, Sidrap, Barru, Bulukumba and Bone) of Sulawesi – it isn’t exactly clear what is meant by `under control’."
" Two weeks after we first began to receive reports of large poultry die offs from the H5N1 virus in South Sulawesi, government spokespersons are seeking to reassure the public by stating that very few provinces are bird-flu free, and that outbreaks such as these are fairly common.
The story appears today in the Jakarta Globe, a large English Language newspaper out of the Indonesian Capital.
Avian Flu Outbreak Won’t Fly The Coop, Government Says
With nearly 50,000 dead chickens reported in 11 areas (Makassar, Takalar, Luwu Timur, Luwu Utara, Soppeng, Pinrang, Parepare, Sidrap, Barru, Bulukumba and Bone) of Sulawesi – it isn’t exactly clear what is meant by `under control’."
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Indonesia: Balikpapan Teenager Negative For H5N1
From the ever reliable Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary, excerpt :
" A brief update on the two suspected H5N1 cases in Balikpapan, Indonesia from earlier this week.
Like the four other suspect cases in Sulawesi, the 15 year-old who has been in isolation for nearly a week at Kusnojoso Djatiwibowo Hospital (RSKD) has tested negative for the bird flu virus.
Another suspect case, that of a 5-year-old girl, remains open as test results are awaited."
Go to his site for the full insight.
" A brief update on the two suspected H5N1 cases in Balikpapan, Indonesia from earlier this week.
Like the four other suspect cases in Sulawesi, the 15 year-old who has been in isolation for nearly a week at Kusnojoso Djatiwibowo Hospital (RSKD) has tested negative for the bird flu virus.
Another suspect case, that of a 5-year-old girl, remains open as test results are awaited."
Go to his site for the full insight.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Spain: H5 Avian Flu In Doves
Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary, has very insightful and in dept look into issues / viruses "bugging" humanity. I turn to his blog everyday to read what he has to say and today I saw a post on his blog titled Spain : H5 Avian Flu in Doves. Here's the excerpt from that, please go to his site for all the links mentioned.
" A week ago, CopitoSP posting on FluTrackers from Madrid, Spain alerted forum members to an ongoing die off of `turkish doves’ in `Montjuïc and surrounding areas due to a disease of unknown origin’.
The original news item appeared in El Pais.com, and was titled Una enfermedad desconocida mata a cientos de tórtolas en los jardines de Montjuïc which translated works out to An unknown disease kills hundreds of pigeons in the gardens of Montjuïc.
An ongoing thread to track this event was created on FluTrackers, where you can read the full details of the story and follow up reports.
Today we have confirmation – courtesy of IronOreHopper - that HPAI H5 has been confirmed by FAO/Empres (The Global Animal Disease Information System)."
" A week ago, CopitoSP posting on FluTrackers from Madrid, Spain alerted forum members to an ongoing die off of `turkish doves’ in `Montjuïc and surrounding areas due to a disease of unknown origin’.
The original news item appeared in El Pais.com, and was titled Una enfermedad desconocida mata a cientos de tórtolas en los jardines de Montjuïc which translated works out to An unknown disease kills hundreds of pigeons in the gardens of Montjuïc.
An ongoing thread to track this event was created on FluTrackers, where you can read the full details of the story and follow up reports.
Today we have confirmation – courtesy of IronOreHopper - that HPAI H5 has been confirmed by FAO/Empres (The Global Animal Disease Information System)."
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
ICAAC: Press Conference Videos
From Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary. Here's the excerpt but please go to the source for the links and stories. Thanks Mike! :
" The 50th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) got underway in Boston on Sunday, and we are fortunate that videos of the press conferences are being webcast live and archived via uStream.
You can visit MicrobeWorld for a complete schedule and links to the embedded videos.
There are (as of this writing) 7 videos available for viewing, with 3 more expected tomorrow.
Topics include:
What Big Pharma Wants and What Small Biotech Can Offer
Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens: An Emerging Pediatric Threat
NDM-1: The New Superbugs
Hand washing Survey Results
Emerging Issues in Infectious Disease
A Role for Statins in Infectious Disease?
Community-associated MRSA: Why is it spreading so quickly?
Is the Era of Bacterial Culture Ending?
Weird Bugs, Weird Places: The Microbial Risks of Taking a Shower"
" The 50th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) got underway in Boston on Sunday, and we are fortunate that videos of the press conferences are being webcast live and archived via uStream.
You can visit MicrobeWorld for a complete schedule and links to the embedded videos.
There are (as of this writing) 7 videos available for viewing, with 3 more expected tomorrow.
Topics include:
What Big Pharma Wants and What Small Biotech Can Offer
Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens: An Emerging Pediatric Threat
NDM-1: The New Superbugs
Hand washing Survey Results
Emerging Issues in Infectious Disease
A Role for Statins in Infectious Disease?
Community-associated MRSA: Why is it spreading so quickly?
Is the Era of Bacterial Culture Ending?
Weird Bugs, Weird Places: The Microbial Risks of Taking a Shower"
Friday, September 3, 2010
Mike Coston : Not One Of The Usual Suspects
As always Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary gives us an insightful look into news happenings. This time his take on a Bird Flu article, coming out of Thailand :
" A story today out of Thailand that blames gulls, not storks, for introducing bird flu to that nation and possibly spreading it across south east Asia.
Using satellite telemetry, researchers have detailed the the complete migratory routes of the brown headed gull (Larus brunnicephalus), which summers in central Asia and winters on the tropical coast and inland lakes of southern Asia.
They’ve also detected the H5N1 virus in some small percentage of these migrating gulls, leading them to believe that it is the brown headed gull that has spread the virus to Thailand....."
please go to Mike's site for the continuation :)
" A story today out of Thailand that blames gulls, not storks, for introducing bird flu to that nation and possibly spreading it across south east Asia.
Using satellite telemetry, researchers have detailed the the complete migratory routes of the brown headed gull (Larus brunnicephalus), which summers in central Asia and winters on the tropical coast and inland lakes of southern Asia.
They’ve also detected the H5N1 virus in some small percentage of these migrating gulls, leading them to believe that it is the brown headed gull that has spread the virus to Thailand....."
please go to Mike's site for the continuation :)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Indonesia: H5N1 Infected Chickens Sold At Market
As always Mike Coston at Avian Flu Diary provides his insightful thought when covering any news coverage, this time on H5N1 in Indonesia, excerpt :
" Back in the late 1920s my grandfather kept chickens in the backyard. Every Sunday morning he’d tell my Dad (who was a young boy at the time) to go out back and grab the sickliest looking bird for their Sunday meal.
It was a pragmatic decision back then, given the lack of refrigeration. And, of course, bird flu wasn’t a concern.
But today, sickly chickens are viewed somewhat more suspiciously, at least in regions where bird flu is endemic.
At least, that’s what we expect to happen.
But a story today from ANTARA news tells us that there are exceptions to that practice. A poultry vendor in East Java, Indonesia who had 60 chickens die suddenly last week, admits he sold the fresh carcasses to a wet market."
" Back in the late 1920s my grandfather kept chickens in the backyard. Every Sunday morning he’d tell my Dad (who was a young boy at the time) to go out back and grab the sickliest looking bird for their Sunday meal.
It was a pragmatic decision back then, given the lack of refrigeration. And, of course, bird flu wasn’t a concern.
But today, sickly chickens are viewed somewhat more suspiciously, at least in regions where bird flu is endemic.
At least, that’s what we expect to happen.
But a story today from ANTARA news tells us that there are exceptions to that practice. A poultry vendor in East Java, Indonesia who had 60 chickens die suddenly last week, admits he sold the fresh carcasses to a wet market."
Friday, August 27, 2010
Egypt announces 36th bird flu death
Via Almasryalyoum. A big thanks to Mike and Crof for the link :
" Egypt announced Thursday its 36th death linked to the H5N1 virus, commonly referred to as avian or bird flu.
The 33-year-old victim, a woman from Qalyubiya, was hospitalized in Cairo Wednesday after experiencing a high fever and difficulty breathing. The Ministry of Health suspects she contracted the virus through contact with infected poultry.
The World Health Organization says Egypt ranks third globally in H5N1 documented cases. The majority of the cases in Egypt have come as the result of close contact with infected domestic poultry. Approximately five million Egyptian families depend on poultry as an important source of food and income."
" Egypt announced Thursday its 36th death linked to the H5N1 virus, commonly referred to as avian or bird flu.
The 33-year-old victim, a woman from Qalyubiya, was hospitalized in Cairo Wednesday after experiencing a high fever and difficulty breathing. The Ministry of Health suspects she contracted the virus through contact with infected poultry.
The World Health Organization says Egypt ranks third globally in H5N1 documented cases. The majority of the cases in Egypt have come as the result of close contact with infected domestic poultry. Approximately five million Egyptian families depend on poultry as an important source of food and income."
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