In an exclusive interview with MediaGlobal’s Nosh Nalavala, the United Nations System Influenza Coordinator, Dr. David Nabarro calls for a global strategy to combat avian influenza and highlights the role of the United Nations. Read more … (MediaGlobal) Continue reading
Category Archives: Zoonotic Diseases
Bird flu and other diseases transmitted from animals to humans
After H1N1, researchers warn of a potential new superbug
When the 2009 H1N1 flu virus emerged last April, it triggered the first new pandemic in more than 40 years, producing endless headlines and panic. But, now, some 10 months into the pandemic, the public’s fear has subsided. H1N1 turned out to be relatively weak, and action by global and national health officials has helped … Continue reading
Nigeria: swine flu not from pigs, says expert
The media has been accused of sowing confusion among members of the public and in the process causing loss among farmers over the true origin of what it describes as swine flu. The chief veterinary officer in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, Dr. Joseph Nyager, told THISDAY, that the so-called swine flu … Continue reading
Africa / Animal Diseases / Animal Health / Livestock / RVF / Southern Africa / Tanzania / UK / Zoonotic Diseases
Southern African centre to monitor infectious diseases affecting humans and animals
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) announced that “deadly diseases including plague, Ebola and Rift Valley Fever are being targeted as part of a new multi-million pound international partnership involving African researchers and the RVC as part of the London International Development Centre (LIDC). The Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance (SACIDS) links medical and … Continue reading
Global animal health initiative: The way forward
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has commissioned Civic Consulting to conduct a study on the Cost of National Prevention Systems for Animal Diseases and Zoonoses in developing and transition countries. The aims of the study are twofold: (a) estimating the “peace time” costs of veterinary services allowing early detection and rapid response to … Continue reading
Veterinarians at high risk for viral, bacterial infections from animals
The recent H1N1 influenza epidemic has raised many questions about how animal viruses move to human populations. One potential route is through veterinarians, who, according to a new report by University of Iowa College of Public Health researchers, are at markedly increased risk of infection with zoonotic pathogens — the viruses and bacteria that can … Continue reading
Experts highlight lack of swine flu diagnostics
Many developing countries have “extremely limited capacity” to diagnose diseases such as swine flu and are likely to remain this way for decades, according to a public health expert specialising in pandemic preparedness. There has been substantial investment in developing countries to support animal and human health surveillance, says Richard Coker, professor of public health … Continue reading
Birds of a feather: Commercial producers play chicken with avian flu
In the late 1980s thousands of chickens died from a cancer caused by a virus known as avian leukosis virus J because they were all descended from a few roosters susceptible to the disease. This is just one example of how a lack of genetic diversity can imperil livestock and agriculture. Similar instances abound from … Continue reading
ILRI Clippings 