Ducks May Transmit Bird Flu To Humans Raising Pandemic Fears

[seemslikeadream]

October 31, 2004

The World Health Organization is warning countries experiencing outbreaks of bird flu (H5N1) in poultry to be aware that domestic ducks may be infecting humans, as well as other poultry with the bird flu virus.

...

According to the study, healthy-looking ducks excreted large quantities of the virus that approached those excreted by diseased and very ill chickens. The findings, according to the U.N. health agency point to the possibility that domestic ducks might now be acting as a “silent” reservoir for the H5N1 virus.

Dr. Klaus Stohr, influenza coordinator for the World Health Organization warned the world is overdue for a influenza pandemic that could take the lives of millions of people, and he believes the source will likely be the H5N1 virus.

In response, the WHO has called a summit meeting of flu vaccine manufacturers and nations to speed up plans for dealing with the growing threat of a flu pandemic.

The WHO wants to ensure flu vaccines can be made available quickly, in the case of a worldwide pandemic. The current flu shot shortage in the US demonstrates the problems the world would face if hit with a influenza pandemic.

more
http://www.healthtalk.ca/bird_flu_10312004_2300.php

[Spinzonner]

1. Isn't that just ducky

[fortyfeetunder]

2. Just in time for a flu vaccine shortage

When Lynne Cheney introduced that kid wearing the Grim Reaper Costume as "Kerry's Health Care Plan" she obviously forgot this is more like the bullshit under her husband's administration.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

3. i can feel critical mass and the coming anarchy...the wheels are coming

about to fall of the planet

[shraby]

4. To keep track of the bird flu in Asia/Southeast Asia

go to google, click on news then put bird flu in the search. When it comes up, sort the articles by date (date sorter on the right top of the page.