CDC is tracking emerging, deadly bird flu in China - Story quoting : FOX 5 Atlanta

CDC is tracking emerging, deadly bird flu in China FOX Medical Team CDC is tracking emerging, deadly bird flu in China As the U.S. flu season winds down, scientists in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Atlanta flu lab are focused on finding the next pandemic flu threat. She's talking about the H7N9 bird flu, which began spreading from poultry to people in 2013, with lethal consequences. And they're watching a deadly strain of bird flu in China. "Our scientists are taking that strain from the new bird flu viruses and making a candidate vaccine virus that can be used to hand off to companies, so that the flu vaccine manufacturers can make a new vaccine against that bird flu strain." - As the U.S. flu season winds down, scientists in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Atlanta flu lab are focused on finding the next pandemic flu threat.




Bird flu restrictions will be lifted this weekend, but the poultry industry has been warned that the threat of avian influenza (AI) could become a recurring pattern. "It is essential that bird keepers maintain effective biosecurity year-round, not just when a prevention zone is in place. Scotland's chief vet, Sheila Voas said the risk of AI has not disappeared and businesses should reassess their contingency plans after the winter outbreaks. "It is a relief to see that the risk of HPAI H5N8 in Scotland has reduced, but this does not mean we should be complacent," she said. All bird keepers should consider maintaining excellent biosecurity practices like washing boots and equipment with approved disinfectant, implementing effective rodent control, minimizing unnecessary visitors and reducing their flock's contact with wild birds."The AI prevention zone required bird keepers to put enhanced biosecurity measures in place prior to letting their birds outside.

Ban on poultry gatherings will end on May 15 as bird flu risk declines, says Defra

Ban on poultry gatherings will end on May 15 as bird flu risk declines, says DefraNofolk chickens. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY ArchantA ban on poultry gatherings and auctions is set to be lifted from May 15, after Defra officials downgraded the risk level from bird flu. But the ban on poultry gatherings remained in place, in a bid to reduce the risk of infected poultry passing the virus to other birds. That restriction will end on May 15, subject to additional identity and health checks and biosecurity measures. He said: "Defra are allowing poultry auctions to reopen from the May 15 subject to additional requirements to our licence and some clarification over what is a bird gathering.


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