Monday, February 18, 2013

Lambing season left blighted as deadly Schmallenberg virus

Farmers fear livestock crisis after thousands of animals killed by Schmallenberg disease

tens of thousands of lambs have been stillborn or deformed throughout Britain as a result of the deadly Schmallenberg virus, with the industry bracing itself for what could be a blighted lambing season.

In infected flocks the rate of lamb loss has been between 25 and 30 per cent on average, according to the National Farmers Union livestock chief, who has lost 40 per cent of the lambs from his early breeding flock to the emerging virus. Schmallenberg has been reported on more than 1,200 farms across the country, but there are fears the disease is being under-reported and that the Government is not taking the threat seriously enough.

Although there are hopes that many later-lambing ewes, which make up the majority of the national flock, have escaped infection, farmers warn that losses on a similar rate throughout the lambing season would plunge the sheep-farming industry into “crisis”.

“Farmers need a good lambing season to avert a crisis,” Robin Milton, the NFU’s Uplands chairman who keeps 7

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/lambing-season-left-blighted-as-deadly-schmallenberg-virus-8500345.html

Wild diet off menu as SARS bat link recalled

Winnie Chong and Mary Ann Benitez
Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Stop eating wild animals. That is the call from an infectious diseases expert who recalled that the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak was linked to bats.

"We should remember the lessons of history and be alert to avoid tragedies from happening again," University of Hong Kong microbiology professor Ho Pak-leung said.

Twelve people, including three from the same family in Britain, have so far been confirmed with a SARS-like novel coronavirus since the new strain emerged in April in the Middle East. Five of those have died, three in Saudi Arabia and the rest in Jordan.

Chair of virology at HKU's School of Public Health Malik Peiris told The Standard the new coronavirus is similar to viruses found in bats in Africa and Europe. Peiris was on the team that first gene-sequenced the SARS coronavirus when it emerged in 2003.

Another animal species that could have passed the new virus to humans from bats remains elusive, Peiris said.

SARS also originated from bats and passed on to civet cats before infecting humans in Guangdong sometime in late 2002.

But it was not until March 11, 2003 - when an outbreak of what was then called "atypical pneumonia" affected 23 of medical staff at the Prince of Wales Hospital - that Hong Kong realized it may be facing a new emerging infection.

Ho said: "Eating wild animals will indirectly help the virus transmit to humans."

Adding that it has become common over the past two decades for viruses to be passed on from animals to humans, as bird flu and SARS were, Ho called for extra emphasis on personal hygiene by one and all.

The SARS epidemic killed 299 people in the territory, among 774 worldwide.

One of the survivors, a woman named Ng, said she has been reluctant to go back to her old home at Amoy Gardens, Ngau Tau Kok.

The estate was quarantined after at least 300 residents were infected and that is where she contracted the deadly disease.

Even after being released from hospital, Ng suffered breathing difficulties, bone degeneration and muscular atrophy and cut herself off from all social life for three year.

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=4&art_id=131180&sid=39007074&con_type=1&d_str=20130219&fc=1

KATHMANDU

..According to Directorate of Animal Health (DoAH), H5N1 virus has been spreading rapidly in poultry farms in the Valley and adjoining districts. Four outbreaks of bird-flu were recorded in the Valley this week alone, forcing officials to cull over 12,000 chickens. In the last one-and-half months, seven outbreaks have been recorded in Kathmandu alone. Rapid response teams destroyed thousands of chickens in Dhading, Nuwakot, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur districts during the period. Narayan Hari Khatri, first vice president of Nepal Poultry Federation, echoed BC and said poultry traders were facing difficulty in meeting the demand due to drop in production by around 35 percent. “We even mulled over importing chicken. But as that would make imported chicken dearer by Rs 30-40 per kg compared to local market, we decided to go for price rise instead,” said Khatri. Poultry traders in the Valley source chicken from Dhading, Kavre, Nuwakot and Chitwan districts as well as local farms. As outbreaks have been recorded in these districts, traders are facing difficulty in meeting demand. Besides, the Bird Flu Control Order 2007 prohibits farmers from rearing chicken for three months in farms where bird-flu have been confirmed. “Farmers have to suffer huge loss due to bird-flu outbreaks. This is why around 25-30 percent of farmers have switched to other professions,” added Khatri.

Published on 2013-02-18 22:12:24

Tamiflu Use In Meat And Poultry Could Be Increasing Antibiotic Resistance In Humans

Tamiflu used in animal feed could be increasing antibiotic resistance in people. A new US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) study revealed that 29.9 million pounds of antibiotics were sold in America for meat and poultry production.

The amount of Tamiflu and other antibiotics used in meat and poultry production was four times the amount sold to sick humans, Time reports. Under current law, livestock producers are not required to report which animals are treated with the drugs, how they use the drugs, or which drugs are used.

Tetracyclines and penicillins for animal use have increased for the second year in a row, the Huffington Post notes. In 2011, 38 percent of all penicillin sales were for animals. In the same year, a total of 98 percent of all tetracycline sales were for animals and livestock.

In 2012, the FDA attempted to create new guidelines regarding pharmaceutical labeling of antibiotics for livestock. Such labeling would note that antibiotics like Tamiflu would only be used on sick livestock. With the FDA guidelines proposal, there is still a catch – the process would be entirely voluntary, Food Safety News notes.

In China, is it reportedly a common practice for chicken farmers to use Tamiflu on poultry to prevent contraction of the H5N1 virus. A National Academy of Sciences study maintains that China is using drugs on chickens to prevent illness but also to enhance growth.

Michigan state University microbiologist James Tiedje noted that manure from pig farms in China showed antibiotic residues. During the study, Tiedje also found that more than 100 different resistance genes with levels 2oo times higher than in manure from pigs who had not consumed antibiotics. While the study detailed the problems in China, the microbiologist feels the matter is a worldwide problem. Similar results have also been reportedly documented in Europe.

[Image Via: Shutterstock.com]

Experts: New SARS-like virus could show up in U.S.

(CNN) -- Infectious disease experts say they wouldn't be surprised if a new virus that's sickened 12 people and killed five shows up in the United States.

The first cases of the novel coronavirus, which is in the same family as SARS and the common cold, were found to have occurred in an Amman, Jordan, hospital in April, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People have also become infected in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. On Saturday, the World Health Organization announced a new case in the United Kingdom.

"I wouldn't be shocked if it came here," said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

Dr. Susan Gerber, a medical epidemiologist in the CDC's Division of Viral Diseases, agreed.

"It could happen," she said. "That's why the CDC is working closely with the World Health Organization and other international partners."

The CDC has advised doctors to ask patients with certain symptoms about their recent travels. Symptoms of infection with the novel coronavirus include an acute respiratory infection, fever and a cough.

The new virus, which the WHO is calling NCoV, or novel coronavirus, has a range of effects. One patient in the United Kingdom had only mild symptoms, but others have suffered pneumonia and kidney failure.

"Once it gets you, it's a very serious infection," Schaffner said.

Fortunately, he added, the virus is "very difficult to acquire."

New SARS-like virus posts medical mystery

So far most of the people who've caught the virus have been in the Middle East. It's suspected that, like SARS, the virus originated in animals. A study published in November found that genetically, the new coronavirus was most closely related to viruses found in bats.

In all but two cases, the virus has not spread from person to person. And in most cases, patients have not infected family members. Health care workers taking care of infected patients have also not become ill.

"There is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission where you see a chain of many cases going person to person to person," Gerber said.

"People shouldn't freak out," she added. "There's no evidence that this virus is easily spread, say, across a room."

By William Hudson and Elizabeth Cohen, CNN

February 18, 2013 -- Updated 1750 GMT (0150 HKT)However, human-to-human transmission is not impossible. Two family members in the United Kingdom contracted the virus without traveling to the Mideast. These patients live with a third family member who recently traveled to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan,according to the WHO.

One is a "UK resident and a relative of the case announced on 11 February 2013," the WHO reported last week. The second suspected person-to-person transmission is from the same family. That person did not travel outside the UK and "is recovering from a mild respiratory illness and is currently well," the WHO said Saturday.

"In these cases, human-to-human transmission does seem likely," Gerber said. http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/18/health/coronavirus/index.html?eref=edition&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

China bans New York poultry

AQSIQ: poultry ban the entry of the State of New York

2013-02-18 15:31

　In view of the state of New York, occurrence of low pathogenic H5 subtype of avian influenza, the Chinese State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday announced prohibits direct or indirect input of poultry and poultry products from the United States, New York, since the announcement of the date of shipment of poultry and related products from the United States in New York, all shall be returned or destroyed.

　　On January 10, the occurrence of low pathogenic H5 subtype avian influenza in the state of New York. To prevent the disease from entering China, the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said, stopped issuing from New York, United States imports of poultry and poultry products, animal and plant quarantine permit. Prohibits the mailing or the travelers carrying poultry and poultry products from the United States, once discovered, should be returned or destroyed.

　　In addition, via our or our stay international sailing ships, aircraft and trains and other means of transport, such as found in poultry and poultry products from the United States, all be sealed. The traffic staff autotrophic own use poultry must be loaded intact in the cages, waste, swill all harmless treatment under the supervision of the entry-exit inspection and quarantine agencies shall not be abandoned. http://finance.huanqiu.com/china/2013-02/3651861.html

The new coronavirus is not SARS

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Philippines Corona virus alert raised

The Department of Health is on the lookout for cases of the new Coronavirus strain in the Philippines. DOH spokesperson Dr. Eric Tayag says the virus has symptoms similar to flu, colds, and cough.

But what sets it apart is that an infected person would have difficulty breathing. - Top Story, ANC, February 18, 2013

Health authorities detected H7N3 virus in 12 farms producing Mexican chicken and egg

AFTER KILLING THOUSANDS OF BIRDS

Reuters File

Mexican authorities said they have 12 farms Bachoco poultry company in which detected H7N3 avian influenza virus, "highly pathogenic", equal to that last year forced to sacrifice 22 million egg-producing hens.

"We have located five more affected farms, which have 12 production units with the virus," said the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) in a press release on Sunday.

Last Friday the poultry farmer had reported Bachoco would total 486,000 slaughtered birds from five farms Mexican state Guanajuato (center).

The Sagarpa noted that ten of the affected farms are from hens that lay eggs for broiler production and two poultry producing eggs for human consumption.

The National Health Service confirmed that it is "an Avian Influenza AH7N3 virus highly pathogenic", equal to what was presented last year in the states of Jalisco (West) and Aguascalientes (north) and forced to sacrifice 22 million egg producing hens.

Agriculture Secretary "made the notification regarding the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)," the statement added.

The document noted that the population of the virus farms totaling nearly one million birds, yet studies the number of chickens that could be sacrificed.

Bird flu is an infectious viral disease that affects birds, but has enough potential to infect humans, pigs and domestic cat.

http://www.ntn24.com/noticias/autoridades-sanitarias-79804

SARS-like virus in the U.K. raises alert

Another confirmed case of SARS-like virus in the U.K. raises alert

Mon, 2013-02-18 07:44 AM

By: Mark Rockwell

Coronavirus

As a third member of a family in England was diagnosed with a new SARS-like virus, world health officials are concerned the disease could have developed a better ability to jump from person-to-person.

The “novel coronavirus” began raising alarm flags among health organizations worldwide last fall, as several patientswho had recently traveled in the Middle East landed at hospitals in the U.K. and Denmark.

As of 16 February 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it had been informed by its members of a total of 12 confirmed cases of human infection by the novel coronavirus, or NCoV, including five deaths.

The newly-infected patient in the U.K. apparently has a milder form of the infection and is doing well, according to the WHO.

In recent months, the novel coronavirus was identified in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan and other countries around the Arabian Peninsula. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), updating its Web page information on the new virus on Feb. 17, said the risk to travelers was thought to be low. It said, however, that health organizations around the world are increasing monitoring of respiratory illnesses and collaborating to learn more about the new coronavirus and the disease in humans.

The WHO said on Feb. 16 that U. K. health authorities had informed it of another confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus. The case is the third confirmed in the U.K. in February, said the WHO, and is in the same family cluster as two other recently-confirmed cases.

The new case, according to the WHO, raises the question of whether the infection has developed the ability to more easily jump from person-to-person. “The latest confirmed case does not have recent travel history outside the U.K. The case is recovering from mild respiratory illness and is currently well.”

Since the newly-confirmed case has no recent travel history, the WHO said it indicated that the infection was acquired in the U.K. “Although this new case offers further indications of person-to-person transmission, no sustained person-to-person transmission has been identified,” it said.

It said the U.K.’s Health Protection Agency (HPA) is currently following up on all close contacts who may have been exposed to the recently-confirmed cases.

Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encouraged all member states to continue surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections and to carefully review any unusual patterns. It advised testing for the new coronavirus in patients with unexplained pneumonias, or in patients with unexplained severe, progressive or complicated respiratory illness not responding to treatment. The organization said it is “closely monitoring” the situation.

The CDC recommended that travelers to countries on the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries monitor their health and see a doctor right away if symptoms like coughing, breathing difficulties, and fever develop. Countries on and near the Arabian Peninsula are Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestinian territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen. http://www.gsnmagazine.com/node/28556?c=disaster_preparedness_emergency_response

Vietnam on alert as bird flu claims lives in neighbor countries

As bird flu claims lives in China, Cambodia, Vietnamese health authorities asked its sub-divisions to urgently implement counter-measures against transmission of the virus to human.

Especially, districts in border crossings were ordered to enhance medical check-up to tourists and rush holidaymakers who suffer high fever and breathing problem to hospitals for quarantine as well as disinfect the infected area.

Related agencies, medical facilities and staff should work around the clock to look after these patients.

Dr. Tran Thanh Duong, deputy head of the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health, said illegal sales and transport of poultry and water-fowl still occured through border gates.

However, most human infections have been linked to close contact with sick birds and there has been no record of transmission from human to human.

Medical experts advised people not to consume chicken with unclear origin and go to medical facilities immediately when they experience high fever, cough, sore throat and breathing problem to have check-up soon to discover the disease.

Cambodia is experiencing the worst outbreak of the virus since the beginning of the year. The virus has claimed the lives of four people and one patients in critical condition while China recorded one death and one in critical condition, according to World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO also gave a warning about a new virus that is similar to SARS as Health Protection Agency, an independent body that protects the health and well-being of the population in the UK, confirmed a third case of novel corona virus infection in a family cluster, following the confirmed diagnosis of two cases announced earlier last week. http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Health/2013/2/104182/

Suspected new case of H5N1 in Kampong Cham province

: Last Updated on 18 February 2013; By Mom Kunthear and Justine Drennan

A Kampong Cham province man suspected to have avian influenza will become the year’s eighth verified case if ongoing tests at the Institut Pasteur’s laboratory confirm him positive, health officials said yesterday.

The man was admitted to the Kampong Cham provincial hospital with respiratory problems after eating two ducks that had died in his village, where several poultry recently had died, said Ly Sovann, deputy director of the Communicable Disease Control Department.

Seang Nath, director of the health centre in Mesor Chrey, the patient’s home commune, said he quickly had sent the patient to the provincial referral hospital after learning that he had developed symptoms consistent with H5N1 on February 6. Despite government education efforts, “some villagers are still eating poultry that are sick or died,” he said. http://www.phnompenhpost.com/2013021861418/National/suspected-new-case-of-h5n1-in-kampong-cham-province.html

Philippines—DOH orders all hospitals to report suspected SARS-like virus cases

DOH orders all hospitals to report suspected SARS-like virus cases

5:21 pm | Monday, February 18th, 2013

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health on Monday directed all hospitals across the country to report suspected cases of the new coronavirus virus using a standard report form available at the National Epidemiology Center amid an increase in the number of incidents abroad.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona also advised that samples collected from patients showing signs of the novel coronavirus or NcoV may be sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City for confirmatory testing.

Ona gave such directive on the heels of a call from the World Health Organization for its member states to be vigilant and to immediately report cases of the new virus.

At least 12 respiratory cases, including five deaths, have so far been reported from several countries like the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan. The WHO also urged health authorities to correctly report it as new coronavirus and not describe such cases as “SARS-like” to avoid confusion.

Ona on Monday said the new coronavirus may be spread through person-to-person contact although it remains “not to be highly contagious” based on the few cases that have so far been reported.

Frequent hand-washing, observance of cough etiquette and social distancing may help prevent the spread of the new virus and similar illnesses, he said.

The government has not imposed travel restrictions to and from the affected countries but the Bureau of Quarantine will continue its routine screening of incoming passengers regardless of country of origin in airports and seaports for signs of illness that may require temporary isolation. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/360701/doh-orders-all-hospitals-to-report-suspected-sars-like-virus-cases

'Coronavirus belongs to same family as Sars'

Monday, 18 February, 2013, 4:23pm

The new Sars-like virus probably originated from an infected bat and was passed to humans via other animals, a veteran Hong Kong virologist said on Monday.

Dr Ho Pak-leung president of the University of Hong Kong’s Centre of Infection, said the novel coronavirus belongs to the same family as the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus that killed 299 people in Hong Kong, and others worldwide, in 2003.

Ho, speaking on a radio programme, said he believed the novel coronavirus had the same origin as the Sars virus and that their transmission routes to humans were similar.

He said the viruses probably first passed to a wild animal and then on to humans. In the case of the Sars, the virus was passed to humans from palm civets – a wild animal consumed by mainland diners as a delicacy.

Last week, two new infections of the novel coronavirus were reported in Britain, bringing the total number of cases worldwide to 12 since the virus was reported last April. Of the 12 people infected with novel coronavirus, five have died.

Judging from the development of the virus, evidence of its human-to-human transmission had been limited, Ho said.

“If the virus was easily transmissible from human to human, we would have had far more many infections than we do now,” he said.

But both the novel coronavirus and the Sars virus caused similar serious symptoms to people, such as severe pneumonia, fever and breathing difficulty, Ho said.

He said most patients infected with novel coronavirus, as with Sars, would require intensive care and some would eventually die as there was no specific drug to combat it and doctors could only used the anti-viral drug Ribavirin and steroids to treat patients. http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1153125/coronavirus-just-deadly-sars-says-doctor

Bird flu outbreak in Kampong Cham

PUBLISHED: 18-FEB-13 06:13PM CHAM (The Cambodia Herald) – Outbreaks of bird flu in Stueng Trong and Prey Chor districts have killed 385 heads of poultry, officials said Monday.

The officials said experts were advising local residents after positive tests on three ducks.

Cambodia reported last week that a sixth person had died from bird flu since January.

Health Minister Man Bunheng has said that bird flu remains a "serious threat to Cambodians especially young children." http://www.thecambodiaherald.com/cambodia/detail/1?page=15&title=cambodia&token=YzE2OGYzZGViNjI&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=cenkh

Hong Kong at this stage would not be enhanced The alert level

Government officials of Hong Kong temporarily not required to upgrade the the new coronavirus alert level

February 18, 2013 11:48:22

BEIJING, Feb. 16 - According to the Hong Kong China News Agency reported that Secretary of the Food and Health Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Ko Wing-man, 17, said the past week found three cases of novel coronavirus, the virus human to human transmission risk, but Hong Kong temporarily without of alert level.

　　Ko Wing-man, also warned that Hong Kong has entered a peak period of influenza, called on the public to pay attention to personal hygiene, avoid contact with wild animals, after a trip discomfort should see a doctor as soon as possible...

http://news.66wz.com/system/2013/02/18/103541174.shtml

February 18, 2013 (Epoch Times reporter Li Daen Roundup) Ko Wing-man, the Hong Kong Food and Health Bureau said that the signs of human to human transmission of the new coronavirus, will be in close contact with the British health authorities, but in Hong Kong at this stage would not be enhanced The alert level...'

http://www.epochtimes.com/gb/13/2/18/n3803176.htm

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Vietnam Guard against influenza A/H5N1 and new viruses like SARS

Guard against influenza A/H5N1 and new viruses like SARS

Monday, 18.02.2013, 08:12 (GMT +7)

(SGGP). - Before the risk of avian influenza H5N1 can penetrate, spread into Vietnam that some countries in the region have recorded cases and deaths from A/H5N1 flu, the Health Ministry has proposed the provinces and cities across the country quickly, proactively implementing measures to prevent the transmission of influenza A/H5N1 infection from birds to humans.

In which the local borders to enhance the activities of international quarantine, early detection of cases show signs of high fever and respiratory infection, quarantine, treatment to reduce infection A/H5N1 flu. Promptly notify the preventive medicine centers to investigate and handle any outbreak. The health care plan 24/24, the team responses to the epidemic, mobile emergency team of the hospital ready to receive patients infected with bird flu.

Dr. Tran Thanh Duong, Deputy Director Department of Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, said the current A/H5N1 flu is still ongoing complex in Cambodia, including local Vietnamese border, leading to the risk of A/H5N1 flu invasion great imported into Vietnam. Roads spread of avian influenza may occur through trade, movement of poultry, waterfowl across the border, along with the source of infection from wild birds moving between the two countries.

But so far, the incidence and mortality due to influenza A/H5N1 virus largely by direct or indirect contact with infected poultry and not recorded infection from person to person. To avoid influenza A/H5N1, people absolutely do not eat, transportation, trade, slaughter of unknown origin, not quarantined birds from Cambodia to Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Dr. Nguyen Hong Ha, Deputy Director of the Central Tropical Disease Hospital warns people, especially those who live near or in areas with avian influenza should be noted when the body has symptoms sudden high fever, dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath ... need to go to the health facility immediately examined and treated for early detection of influenza A/H5N1.

A/H5N1 flu patients if detected early and treated promptly restore good health.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), since early 2013, influenza A/H5N1 broke out in Cambodia with 5 people, including four deaths. In Guizhou province, China has also recorded two cases of influenza A/H5N1 infection in humans, including a fatal case and another in critical condition.

Along with notification of avian influenza, WHO has also warned the member countries should be wary of the risk of spread of a new virus can cause death, similar to the virus that causes acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

WHO's warning came after the British Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed an additional case of viral infection in the country and this is the 3rd member of a British family infected with the new virus causes inflammation acute respiratory and renal failure mentioned above. To date, there are 12 identified cases of the new virus, in which five people died.

http://www.sggp.org.vn/ytesuckhoe/2013/2/311587/

Extend virus alert to visitors from UK, urges doctor

Kelly Ip and Mary Ann Benitez
Monday, February 18, 2013

The alert over a mysterious SARS-like virus should be extended to travelers from Britain, an infectious diseases doctor says.
This follows the third case of the novel coronavirus in Britain this month, involving a second family member of a 60-year- old man who became sick and infected his son. It brings to 12 the number of cases confirmed globally, with five deaths.
The age and gender of the latest case were not disclosed by the Health Protection Agency in Britain. The older man had been to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and fell ill on his return home.
His son has an underlying medical condition. Both are in intensive care in British hospitals. The third family member had mild respiratory symptoms and did not require hospital treatment.
"The confirmation in this case with no recent travel history indicates that infection was acquired in the UK," the World Health Organization said.
Thomas So Man-kit, president of the Hong Kong Society for Infectious Diseases, said the Centre for Health Protection should consider expanding the alert from the Arabian Peninsula - where five deaths were recorded in Saudi Arabia and Jordan - to include Britain.
"The latest alert criteria was issued to doctors on January 21, based on the global situation at that time," So said.
"The CHP should consider the latest situation and expand the alert criteria."

US-based disease genetics expert Henry Niman said there are serious concerns that cases are being missed because patients are screened using upper respiratory tract samples when the WHO recommends testing of samples collected from the lower respiratory tract.
"These concerns have been increased by the report suggesting the export of the novel coronavirus by a UK resident who developed symptoms while performing Umrah [the pilgrimage to Mecca] in Saudi Arabia," Niman said.
He said there was also a family cluster of four in Riyadh.
"This mild case [in the UK], coupled with the human-to-human transmission within the family, has raised concerns that the number of cases in Saudi Arabia is significantly higher than the five confirmed and one probable case."
A Department of Health spokesman said it will continue the existing border control measures in accordance with the WHO's latest case definition.
He said travelers suspected to have acquired the novel coronavirus will be referred to hospitals for further assessment. http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=4&art_id=131112&sid=39000336&con_type=1&d_str=20130218&fc=10

Kuwait-WE HAVE TAKEN ALL MEASURES REGARDING THE VIRUS-LIKE 'SARS'

HEAVY: WE HAVE TAKEN ALL MEASURES

REGARDING THE VIRUS-LIKE 'SARS'

In regard to WHO warnings about the spread of disease 'SARS' minister stressed that the measures are known by both «SARS or bird flu or swine, there are precautions we made and performs well, stressing that all things are going well.

And trip planned to Germany minister said «that stage will witness agreements to increase the area hospitals that treat them in Germany, where there are laws limit the number of hospitals, but this can not treat patients in all hospitals there, and the efforts of workers there we were able to do Convention for treatment in nine hospitals there and Snoukaha during the visit, which is good for the Ministry of Health and we will try to work agreements to bring doctors to treat patients within the country as well.

And we are heading to Britain to sign a health insurance for Kuwaiti students in the United Kingdom.,, http://www.alqabas.com.kw/node/740809

Portugal triggers surveillance for NCoV

Portugal triggers deadly respiratory virus surveillance

17-02-2013 15:26

This is the virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Directorate General of Health admits that the risk is small, because the virus is not spread, ie, it is not known whether it will arrive in Portugal or will involve preventive measures.

Portugal triggered surveillance mechanisms recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), as part of a potentially fatal virus diagnosed in 12 people worldwide. This is the virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Directorate General of Health admits that the risk is small, because the virus is not spread, ie, it is not known whether it will arrive in Portugal or will involve preventive measures. The virus was detected last year in the Middle East, and cases have arisen in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Pakistan. WHO announced however that the UK reported a new case of infection, which makes up to three people with these viruses registered in the country during this month are all familiar. Among the 12 cases confirmed by WHO, there are records of five dead. Experts Britons admit that this new virus could be transmitted between humans. http://rr.sapo.pt/informacao_detalhe.aspx?fid=1&did=97039

WHO to check novel virus locations outside UK

Sunday, February 17, 2013

MANILA - The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a directive on Sunday for all health officials to find out if the novel coronavirus (NCoV) is spreading in countries aside from the United Kingdom (UK), where early cases have been reported.

It also advised countries to continue their surveillance efforts for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).

“Testing for the new coronavirus should be considered in patients with unexplained pneumonias, or in patients with unexplained severe, progressive or complicated respiratory illness not responding to treatment,” said the WHO.

The WHO added that new cases and clusters of the NCoV should be reported promptly to health authorities and them.

“Any clusters of SARI or SARI in healthcare workers should be thoroughly investigated, regardless of where in the world they occur,” it said.

Last Wednesday, the UK government confirmed its first human to human transmission of the SARS-like virus.
The patient is believed to have caught the infection from a close family relative, who had travelled to the Middle East.

However, the WHO said it is not advising its member-states to issue a travel advisory since the confirmed victims in UK have no recent travel outside the country.

“WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied,” said the WHO.

As of Saturday, the World Health Organization has recorded 12 cases of human infection with NCoV, including five deaths. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/02/17/who-check-novel-virus-locations-outside-uk-268660

China bans New York Poultry

The joint announcement of the two departments to prevent the United States avian flu into China

Published :2013 -02-17 22:32:10 edited: Shares urban network

AQSIQ website on February 17 the two departments of the message, the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the Ministry of Agriculture on the 17th joint announcement, required to prevent the low pathogenic avian influenza in the state of New York into China.

The announcement that the January 10, 2013, the occurrence of low pathogenic H5 subtype avian influenza in the state of New York. To prevent the disease from entering China, will be prohibited as of the date of this announcement to enter poultry and related products, directly or indirectly, from the State of New York.Related products has been found that the will should be returned or destroyed.

According to China Securities reports of listed companies, the people and shares prebiotic shares, Eagles farming, Sunner Development poultry enterprises is expected to directly benefit Hualan Tiantan Biological sublimation Beik, Zhejiang Medicine The production of avian influenza vaccine enterprise is also worthy of attention. http://finance.gucheng.com/201302/2306298.shtml

The two departments: Prevention of low pathogenic avian influenza in New York was introduced to China

BEIJING, February 17, the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine today the AQSIQ published on its official website, the announcement of the Ministry of Agriculture on the prevention of the low pathogenic avian influenza in the State of New York, was introduced to China. The bulletin pointed out that the ban on direct or indirect input of poultry and poultry products from the United States, New York, stopped issuing from New York, United States imports of poultry and poultry products, animal and plant quarantine permit.

　　The announcement that poultry and poultry products shipped from the date of this announcement from the State of New York, should be returned or destroyed. Prohibits the mailing or the travelers carrying poultry and poultry products from the United States, once discovered, should be returned or destroyed.

　　The bulletin pointed out via China or stay in China for the international sailing ships, aircraft and trains and other means of transport, such as found in poultry and poultry products from the United States shall be sealed up processing. The traffic staff autotrophic own use poultry must be loaded intact in the cages, waste, swill all harmless treatment under the supervision of the entry-exit inspection and quarantine agencies shall not be abandoned. Illegal immigrants intercepted by the customs, border control and other departments of poultry and poultry products from the United States, shall be destroyed under the supervision of entry-exit inspection and quarantine authorities.

　　The announcement stressed that a contravention of the above provisions, by the entry-exit inspection and quarantine agencies in accordance with Law of the People's Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine Law and its implementing regulations relevant regulations. Entry-exit inspection and quarantine authorities, at all levels of animal disease prevention and control institutions, animal health supervision institutions respectively in accordance with the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine Act and the relevant provisions of the Animal Epidemic Prevention Law of the People's Republic of China", in close coordination to do quarantine and epidemic prevention and supervision work. http://gb.cri.cn/27824/2013/02/17/3245s4021863.htm

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