Avian Influenza
May 05, 2008
Swine, Avian Flu Genes in Same Virus
An unknown pathogen isolated from infected pigs at two midwestern swine production facilities in 2006 has proved to be a new strain of H2 influenza virus, similar to the one that caused the 1957 flu pandemic. First identified by a University of Minnesota veterinary diagnostician, this strain proved to have a startling new twist: It contained genes of both swine and avian influenza viruses.
Molecular studies indicate that the mystery pig pathogen is actually an H2N3 influenza virus closely related to an H2N3 strain found in mallard ducks—being seen for the first time in mammals. Both swine facilities used pond water frequented by migrating waterfowl. In the newly isolated swine H2N3, the avian H2 and N3 gene segments mixed with gene segments from common swine influenza viruses, giving it the ability to infect swine—as well as mice and ferrets. This suggests the need for continued monitoring of both swine and livestock workers for H2-subtype viruses and other influenza strains.
Juergen Richt, USDA-ARS Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, Ames, Iowa; phone (515) 663-7366.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/may08/sci0508.htm
"Science Update" was published in the May/June 2008 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.
Posted by sball at 11:23 AM | Comments (0)
May 01, 2008
3 Samples and Tests were Removed for 2008. Total is Now 226.
National Avian Influenza Surveillance Information. http://wildlifedisease.nbii.gov/ai/
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April 29, 2008
Japan Confirms H5N1 Bird Flu Strain in Swans
Reuters reports that Japan confirmed four swans found were infected with the H5N1 strain of bird flu. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUST13632
Posted by sball at 09:51 AM | Comments (0)
Bird Flu Knocking at Norway's Door
Aftenposten.no reports that approximately 2,000 chickens and ducks had to be slaughtered in Denmark a test uncovered a strain of bird influenza. http://www.aftenposten.no/english/article2397576.ece
Posted by sball at 08:35 AM | Comments (0)
Dominican Authorities Still Await Bird-Flu-Free Certification
DominicanToday.com reports the Dominican Republic is waiting to be certified as a nation free of the bird flu virus, which would allow it to resume exporting chickens and eggs. http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2008/4/29/27809/Dominican-authorities-still-await-bird-flu-free-certification
Posted by sball at 08:32 AM | Comments (0)