Bird flu stories

Major Bird Flu Developments on Tuesday

• A fourth person has died of bird flu in Indonesia
• China has a new outbreak in geese
• Germany has a suspected outbreak in wild geese and ducks
• Thai will use 1.3 million health workers and volunteers across the country againt an outbreak that has killed 13 people
• Taiwan said that birds suspected of infecting a parrot in quarantine in Britain had a clean bill of health when they left there
• Vietnam is considering banning live poultry in urban areas, and a ban on the sale of raw blood pudding made from ducks or geese
• Australia will give Vietnam $2.25 million to tackle bird flu
• Australia is said not to be ready for a human bird flu pandemic
• France has told farmers near wetlands to bring their free-range birds indoors
• The European Parliament has called for members to produce contingency plans
• Sri Lanka has banned poultry imports from affected countries

Bird flu claims 4th victim in Indonesia

A fourth person has died of bird flu in Indonesia. China has had another outbreak, in geese. The European Union is tightening restrictions on the import of live birds.

More bird flu in Russia, UN says keep focus on Asia

Russia has confirmed more bird flu cases. The U.N. said that donations to help the countries where it began are the best way to stop it, rather than potential donors waiting for it to arrive in their own countries.

Mass panic a danger if flu pandemic starts: Canada,   Countries Discuss Bird Flu Preparations,
Poorer nations need flu vaccine capability: Mexico,   Bird Flu in China Sickens 2,100 Geese

Canada is concerned that if there are widespread deaths from bird flu, there will be mass panic which would make the pandemic harder to handle. At a major two-day conference that began Monday, Canada called for countries to work together on the problem, and for technology transfer (lifting of patents).

Mexico's health minister said that only 9 industrialized countries have the ability to produce vaccine for a pandemic, and the technology should be transferred so that there is sufficient capacity to treat people in less developed countries when there is an outbreak of the disease.

Global Bird Trade Raises Bird Flu Concerns

Europe imports wild birds caught, often illicitly, from the jungles of Africa and South America. They are supposed to be quarantined before departure and when they arrive, and the parrot that died of bird flu in the UK was in quarantine. Critics say there is pressure on dealers to cut corners, making the spread of bird flu more likely, so they want the trade banned. Most birds sold in the USA are raised in captivity.

Bird Flu Could Hit U.S. Next Year,   FDA Promises to Expedite Bird-Flu Drug,
Govt worries about counterfeit flu drug

Bird flu is being spread as wild birds migrate, and birds from affected areas mingle with more birds en route. It is possible that birds that that have been in contact with the disease will cross the Bering Strait to Alaska next spring and summer and that it could then spread south next fall. Birds have already begun to be tested without any positive results, and a consortium of government agencies wants $5 million to test birds along their migratory routes in the Lower 48 states beginning next spring and for three years.

The FDA promised to speed up the process of evaluating Tamiflu from new suppliers (if Roche should come to agreement with any) or similar drugs.

U.S. officials are concerned that Tamiflu may be widely counterfeited, because of its identification as a drug that can help against avian flu. The Food and Drug Administration is working to make sure that there will be adequate supplies of effective real drugs. Self-medication with Tamiflu is not advised.

Kashmir earthquake stories

Pakistan Probes Reported Volcanic Activity,   Quake Diplomacy New for India, Pakistan,
Pakistan rallies for more aid,   US army sets up MASH for Pakistan quake victims

Villagers have reported some possible volcanic activity in the Himalayan foothills. A team has been flown to investigate, though it is unlikely. More money, helicopters and tents are still urgently required as winter approaches. Many more people could die if it does not arrive in time - and as it is so slow to arrive, many will. India and Pakistan are talking about opening their Kashmir border. A second hospital U.S. unit is on its way as the first one opened for business. More rain is forecast, adding to the misery and jeopardising helicopter flights.

Please see the following message for the remaining stories.

Sue [sysop in NewsForum, World Issues, All Animals

Even low levels of common toxins may be a danger

Even low levels of toxins such as lead, radon, tobacco smoke and by-products of drinking-water disinfection could be unsafe, and they are everywhere. Lead levels affect children's brain development, for example, and can be reduced using a carbon-based water filter.

Congress Weighs Overriding Organic Ruling

An appeal court in the USA ruled that even small amounts of non-organic ingredients such as vitamins, spices, citric acid, or carbonation did not belong in food labelled "USDA Organic". Congress was to consider whether to override the ruling. Consumers want organic to mean organic. Manufacturers want the organic premium on items which include some non-organic contents. A lot of money is involved, even though it is a small segment of the market.

New German mad cow case confirmed in Bavaria

Bavaria's sixth case of mad cow disease this year has been confirmed.

South Africa Targets 'Despicable' Hunting

South Africa plans to ban hunting which involves animals being specially bred or prepared to make it easy for tourists to kill them. Some are cross-bred to slower animals; others have no experience of being in the wild. Others are imported.

Wal-Mart Launches Environmental Drive

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to boost energy efficiency, cut down on waste and reduce greenhouse gases. The company wants Congress to raise the minimum wage as is customers are struggling.

Scientists draft blueprint to protect world oceans

A plan for a network of marine parks is to be produced by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) by 2008, with the aim of getting agreement by world governments by 2012. It would seek to prevent fish stock depletion and growing pollution. 700 scientists from 70 countries are gathered in Geelong, Australia, for the world's first conference on marine protected areas.

Nearly 60 Whales Die in Mass Stranding

Nearly 60 whales died when they beached themselves on a remote shore in southern Australia. Rescuers were trying to rescue 10 more.

Overfishing Imperils Hawaiian Ecosystem

Several species in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands have been severely depleted by excess commercial fishing, threatening the marine ecosystem according to a private study. The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council criticised it as being biased. Gov. Linda Lingle banned fishing three miles from the islands' shorelines and the NOAA plans to designate the area the country's 14th National Marine Sanctuary.

Va. Seeks Answers on Shenandoah Fish Kills

Massive fish kills on the Shenandoah River have decimated the adult smallmouth bass fishery there. State officials are investigating, but funding is needed to keep a more continuous watch.

U.S. Helps China With Nuclear Security

The U.S. government is demonstrating to the Chinese measures meant to prevent the theft of radioactive material.

BP Appoints Panel to Assess Safety Issues

Former Secretary of State James A. Baker III is to head the panel investigating safety and management oversight at BP Products North America Inc. 15 people were killed and 170 injured in an explosion and fire at the Texas City oil refinery in March.

Index of topics in this series.

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Sue [sysop in NewsForum, World Issues, All Animals forums]