Bird flu stories
Developing world urges access to bird flu vaccine, Â Experts warn of financial bird flu toll,
Roche to Increase Production of Tamiflu
Developing countries want improved access to bird flu vaccines and drugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) is hosting a conference for 400 health and veterinary officials from 100 countries in Geneva. The World Bank estimates that a year-long human influenza pandemic could cost up to $800 billion. 63 people have died so far.
Roche is to increase Tamiflu production to 300 million treatments per year by 2007, ten times as many as in 2004. It holds the patent until 2016. It has begun negotiations with several companies and governments to expand worldwide supply.
China culls 6 million birds in avian flu-hit region
China has culled 6 million birds in Liaoning province since the deadly H5N1 virus was found last week. No human cases of bird flu have been reported there.
Bird flu triggers concern over consumption of eggs
Some chickens have been found to have been infected by the bird flu virus without showing any symptoms, possibly because they had been improperly vaccinated. Scientists are not sure if the eggs fo these chickens would be infected, but the shell might well be contaminated. This had previously not been a concern as birds had died so soon after infection. They are not sure if all the bird flu cases in humans so far were due to handling or eating infected chickens.
Doctors Say ERs Not Ready for a Disaster
Most American hospitals say they do not have the capacity to deal with a disaster such as a major plane crash, bus crash, terrorist bombing, or new strain of influenza. The population has increased and funding decreased. New Orleans' only trauma centre was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, and the temporary facilities have left or are leaving. A bill to increase Medicare payments to emergency doctors and hospitals by 10 percent has only two sponsors, even though the hospitals would have to deal with human avian flu cases. In contrast, the administration is allocating billions to stockpile Tamiflu.
Hurricane stories
La. Legislature Meets on Katrina Recovery
Louisiana lawmakers have begun a 17-day special session where they have to make many tough choices working to help Louisiana recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Some Schools Re-Open in Fla. After Wilma
Some schools in Florida have re-opened for the first time since Hurricane Wilma damaged them. About 90% of the students turned up. The others may have been displaced.
Other stories
EU, Industries Want to End Animal Testing, Â Chemicals rules threaten EU animal testing plan
The European Commission wants to end animal testing in the long run, and is to work with industry leaders to begin cutting back. Currently about 11 million animals are used for testing each year, three times as many as 30 years ago. The European Parliament is to vote later this month on REACH, a bill aimed at strengthening controls of hazardous chemicals and replacing toxic chemicals with safer alternatives.
27 Workers Killed in China Mine Accident
27 workers were killed, 20 were trapped and 21 hospitalized after a cave-in at a gypsum mine in Xingtai in northern China Sunday. The death toll from a coal mine accident the same day was 15 with one missing.
Two tankers collide in Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo
Two tankers collided on Lake Maracaibo, one of Venezuela's major oil output and shipping centres, on Sunday. The ships were expected to be cleared by Monday morning. No details on damage and spillage were available.
Escaped Pit Bulls Attack Six in Illinois
Three pit bulls which escaped from a home and left a 10-year-old boy critically injured Sunday attacked 5 other people, including the owner. Police shot the dogs dead.
Seattle Voters to Decide on Monorail Plan
The Seattle Monorail Project is the subject of a measure on the Nov. 8 ballot and may end up being scrapped or the route shortened because of its high price tag.
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