Veterinary Public Health (VPH) E-Bulletin Nº 17

NEWS

LATEST OUTBREAKS – VPH ASIA (China) Human Avian Influenza H7N9To date, there are a total of 108 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus in China; including 22 deaths. […] ASIA (Taiwan) Human Avian Influenza H7N9In the late afternoon of April 24, 2013, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) confirmed the first imported case of H7N9 avian influenza in a 53-year-old male Taiwanese citizen who worked in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China prior to illness onset. […] ASIA (China) Avian Influenza H5N1Over 6, 000 birds were culled at Chitra Bahadur Shrestha’s poultry farm in Bharatpur and Rambabu Thapaliya’s Mangalpur-based poultry farm. […] ASIA (India) AnthraxOne person died of anthrax and 20 others were affected in Jadidhara village of Chipakur gram panchayat under Boipariguda block in Koraput, Orissa. […] ASIA (China) Avian Influenza LPAI H7N9A new outbreak of LPAI has been reported in a pigeon from a farm in Jiangsu region. […] EUROPE (Germany) Avian Influenza LPAI H5N1Germany reports 2 new outbreaks of LPAI H5N1 among fattening turkeys in 2 different farms in Niedersachsen. […]  To view reported cases of animal diseases visit the EMPRES-I website EMPRES-i is a global animal health information system of the FAO's EMPRES programme that focuses on the user need to easily find and collect in one place all the information available for animal health and transboundary animal diseases. EMPRES-i compiles, stores and verifies animal diseases outbreaks data (including zoonoses) from numerous sources (e.g. FAO representatives, FAO reports, OIE reports, official government, European Commission, FAO reference centres and laboratories) for early warning and risk analysis. FOOD SAFETY NEWS Belarus imposes poultry ban on Netherlands April 24, 2013. Belarus has banned poultry imports from the Netherlands due to reports of avian influenza (H7N7), implementing the same restrictions on the country as those in Russia and Kazakhstan. […] Ground beef and chicken “riskiest meats”, according to CSPI report April 24, 2013. Ground beef and chicken are the “riskiest” meats and poultry products related to foodborne illness and hospitalization, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). […] Hong Kong bans import of poultry products from Lower Saxony, GermanyApril 23, 2013. Environmental Hygiene Department has banned the import of poultry and poultry products, including poultry eggs, from the state with immediate effect following the notification about an outbreak of low-pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza on two turkey farms in Lower Saxony, Germany. […] OTHER NEWS Preliminary report: Most H7N9 patients had underlying conditions, animal exposureApril 24, 2013. Chinese health professionals said in a detailed account today of H7N9 flu cases that about three fourths of patients had underlying medical conditions, and the same percentage had been exposed to animals, including chickens. […] […] WHO says new bird strain is "one of most lethal" flu virusesApril 24, 2013. The new bird flu strain H7N9 that has killed 22 people in China is "one of the most lethal" of its kind and transmits more easily to humans than another strain H5N1 that has killed hundreds since 2003, a World Health Organization (WHO) expert said on Wednesday. […] H7N9 is a virus worth worrying aboutApril 24, 2013. Two months after the first known human infections with the H7N9 virus, the question is which of the paths set by previous emerging influenza viruses will it follow? […] SARS lessons: Stay alert for emerging pathogensApril 24, 2013. The 2003 SARS outbreak was a wake-up call for the world's health authorities, experts say. It sparked better surveillance of disease, closer communication between national and international organizations, and an increasing recognition that emerging pathogens can be harmful to our health.[…] Vietnam still at risk of bird flu crisisApril 24, 2013. Vietnam had a long border line with China, making it hard for authorities to keep control over poultry smuggling and there is a high risk for the epidemic entering the country. […] Humans passing drug resistance to animals in protected Africa, study saysApril 24, 2013. A team of Virginia Tech researchers has discovered that humans are passing antibiotic resistance to wildlife, especially in protected areas where numbers of humans are limited. […] Vets and medical doctors should team up to tackle zoonoses, study suggestsApril 23, 2013. A new study at the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp analyses the impact of animal brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis (BTB) on animals and people in urban, peri-urban and rural Niger and maps risk factors for transmission of these diseases from animals to humans, indicating that closer collaboration between medical doctors and veterinarians is required. […] Researchers have deciphered the underlying mechanism of an antiviral drugApril 23, 2013. Scientists at the Bonn University Hospital have now deciphered how the molecule can actually stimulate the immune system to combat viruses. The results are now being presented in the journal of the European Molecular Biology Organization EMBO. […] WHO: No human-to-human transmission of bird fluApril 23, 2013. WHO officials reiterated during a press conference held jointly with the Chinese government officials in Shanghai that there is still no evidence for human to human transmission of H7N9. […] Big Data from Cheap PhonesApril 22, 2013. A Harvard epidemiologist is using detailed data on population movements gleaned from mobile phones to build precise new tools for fighting the spread of malaria. […] Combating H7N9: Using lessons learned from recent studies on H5N1April 21, 2013. Studies on this disease recently completed by researchers from the Asia Partnership on Emerging Infectious Diseases Research (APEIR) developed a series of messages for policy makers that are highly relevant to the current outbreak. […] FAO gathers international experts for urgent risk assessment on H7N9April 19, 2013. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized an urgent meeting on 17 and 18 April with more than 30 experts to implement an emergency risk assessment on the evolving situation of avian influenza A (H7N9) virus. […] Including Indian Team Develops Tamiflu rivalApril 19, 2013. An Indian researcher is share of a team led by a renowned Japanese scientist that has developed a new way of making the only known drug used for treating in bird and swine flu. […] H5N1 vaccine succeeds in Phase 1 clinical trialsApril 18, 2013. Positive results of a H5N1 vaccine clinical trial were recently announced at the World Vaccine Congress in Washington, D.C. […] Study of bird flu mutations improves ability to develop vaccinesApril 18, 2013. Scientists from Imperial College London found that mutations in the H5N1 bird flu virus could allow the disease to replicate more easily in the noses of mammals, according to a recent study. […] Cell phone microscope for diagnose in remote areasApril 15, 2013. An international group of scientists published a paper in which they showed how such a microscope can be used to detect worm disease in Tanzania. […] Virginia Tech study finds virus promising for prostate cancer treatmentApril 8, 2013. A study at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine has identified a chicken-killing virus as a promising treatment for prostate cancer in humans. […] ANNOUNCEMENTS Summer PHI 2013 CoursesSchool of Public Health, University of Minnesota offers a course for everyone practicing in or studying public health or fields related to public health. [...] Livestock Toolkit Training, CIRAD FranceCIRAD will be organizing (funded by French Government funds routed through the Bank) the first livestock toolkit training (in English) May 27-7 June, 2013 at Montpellier (FRANCE). Interested candidates may contact in the mail:formation-emvt-fvi@cirad.fr World Veterinary day AwardThe WVA and OIE again are offering the $1, 000 World Veterinary Day Award for the most successful celebration of the occasion by a national veterinary association working alone or in cooperation with other veterinary groups. Deadline May 1, 2013 […] Financial support award for a student to attend RITAARC is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications from students for financial support to attend the 24th annual Rabies in the Americas (RITA) meeting. Deadline July 12th 2013 […] John Gamgee Award 2013 for outstanding contributions to veterinary science and the veterinary professionIn the light of the 150 years of World Veterinary Congresses and 30 years after the last time that this award was given, the fourth John Gamgee Award will be given to the selected veterinarian in the WVA 150 Anniversary celebration during WVC 2013 in Prague, Czech Republic, 17-20 September 2013. […]

EVENTS

May 5-9, 2013. XVIth International Congress on Animal Hygiene 2013 […] May 8-11, 2013. International Conference on Diseases of Zoo and Wild Animals, Vienna, Austria […] May 20-22, 2013. American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control, Fort valet, Georgia, USA […] May 27-31, 2013. Canadian Association of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (CAVEPM) 2013 Conference at Saskatoon, Canada […] June 5-8, 2013. XVI International Symposium of the World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians Berlin, Germany […] June 20-22, 2013. 5th International Symposium on Non-Surgical Contraceptive Methods of Pet Population Control, Oregon, US […] August 14-17, 2013.  Second International Congress on Pathogens at the Human-Animal Interface (ICOPHAI):  One Health for Sustainable Development[…] August 25-29, 2013. AITVM 2013 International conference "The livestock-human-wildlife interface” Challenges in urban livestock production and extensive farming/conservation systems […] September 2-6, 2013. 13th Australasia/Oceania CVA Conference at Nadi, Fiji[…] September 10-13, 2013. 8th European Congress on Tropical Medicine and International Health […] September 17-20, 2013. World Veterinary Congress, Prague, Czech Republic[…] September 25-28, 2013. 9th African Dairy Conference and Exhibition, Harare, Zimbabwe […] September 2013. International Symposium on problems of Listeriosis, Goa, India […] December 4-6, 2013. OIE Global Conference on Veterinary Education and the Role of Veterinary Statutory Body, Foz do Iguazu, Brazil […]

PUBLICATIONS

1. AGA e-newsletter. To receive regular updates by email on all issues relating FAO's work on animal production and health, subscribe to the AGA e-newsletter. It contains information on upcoming events, publications, programme activities, articles and press releases [Click here to subscribe] 2. FAOAIDEnews 84 […] 3. EMPRES Transboundary Animal Diseases Bulletin No. 41 – 2012 […] 4. EMPRES Watch 27 […] 5. FAO Animal Production and Health Division e-newsletter 60 […] 6. ECTAD HPAI Situation update […] 7. When the Most Potent Combination of Antibiotics Selects for the Greatest Bacterial Load: The Smile-Frown Transition […] 8. From SARS to H7N9: will history repeat itself? […] 9. Specific detection by real-time reverse-transcription PCR assays of a novel avian influenza (H7N9) strain associated with human spill over infections in China […] 10. Offline: “Viruses don't need passports” […] 11. As H7N9 spreads in China, experts watch and wait […] 12. Emerging risk of H7N9 influenza in China […] 13. The Big One? Is China covering up another flu pandemic -- or getting it right this time? […] 14. Surveillance strategy for early detection of unusual infectious disease events […] 15. Prevention and control of highly pathogenic avian influenza with particular reference to H5N1 […] 16. H5N1 receptor specificity as a factor in pandemic risk […] 17. Centrality in primate–parasite networks reveals the potential for the transmission of emerging infectious diseases to humans […] 18. Intranasal vaccination with H5, H7 and H9 hemagglutinins co-localized in a virus-like particle protects ferrets from multiple avian influenza viruses […] 19. Domestic cats and dogs are susceptible to H9N2 avian influenza virus […] 20. Rats, Cities, People, and Pathogens: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of Literature Regarding the Ecology of Rat-Associated Zoonoses in Urban Centers […] 21. Ecological Surveillance for West Nile in Catalonia (Spain), Learning from a Five-Year Period of Follow-up […] 22. Receptor binding by a ferret-transmissible H5 avian influenza virus […] 23. Incidence and Trends of Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food — Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 1996–2012 […]

TRAINING

Master of Veterinary Public HealthApplications are now invited for entry into the Master of Veterinary Public Health (Emergency Animal Diseases) program in the University of Melbourne. Applications close May 1, 2013. […] PhD and Post doc positions in DITSLGerman Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture has opened a PostDoc position and 4 PhD scholarships for Kenyan applicants. Closing date: April 30, 2013. […] EpiVille, the E-learning in EpidemiologyEpiville, a learning tool developed specifically for Principles of Epidemiology (P6400), is a set of interactive web-based exercises created by faculty in the Department of Epidemiology and produced by the Center for New Media Teaching and Learning at Columbia University […] Masters, Diploma courses and Training modulesCIDRAD, France offers reaching and training in 4 masters and 1 ESC and 14 modules at Campus International Baillarguet, Montpellier, France. Most of the courses are in French. […] Master in Veterinary Public Health (Emergency Animal Diseases)Applications are now open for entry into the University of Melbourne’s MVPH (EAD) program. This degree aims to prepare veterinarians, animal scientists and animal health workers so that they can contribute effectively in emergency animal disease responses, both in Australia and internationally. Applications close May 1, 2013. […] Veterinary Public Health Management Postgraduate Program at the University of SydneyVeterinary Public Health Management (VPHMgt) is a distance postgraduate program, delivered online with short residential sessions, directed towards career enhancement for animal health professionals. […] MSc in Meat Science & TechnologyThis 12 month taught Masters Course run by the University Of Bristol (UK) embraces a wide range of Sensory science and health and nutrition […] Master of Preventive Veterinary MedicineThe school of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California offers a professional degree, the Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) […] Cambridge online e-learning instituteOnline Certificate in Animal Welfare […]

EMPLOYMENT

FAO: Coordinator (Livestock), Mogadishu, Somalia; Closing date 7 May 2013[…] ILRI: Post-Doctoral Scientist – Livestock Feeds Ethiopia; closing date 27 April, 2013 […] ILRI: Post-Doctoral Scientist – Livestock Feeds West Africa; closing date 27 April, 2013 […] ILRI: Cellular Immunologist; Nairobi, Kenya; closing date 28 April, 2013 […] ICREA: Senior Research Positions, Barcelona, Spain; Closing date 6 May 2013[…] ILRI: Livestock Scientist, Islamabad, Pakistan; closing date 11 May, 2013[…]    ILRI vacancy: Research Program Leader – Livestock Systems and the Environment, Addis Ethiopia or Nairobi, Kenya; closing 1 June 2013 […]