Replies

(This Jan. 2005 report on Cuba and rabbit disease..granny)-------------- -------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 From: ProMED-mail Source: OIE Disease Information, Vol 18, No 4, 28 Jan 2005 [edited] _____________________________________________________________ Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease In Cuba ----------------------------------------------------- (Date of previous outbreak of rabbit haemorrhagic disease in Cuba reported to the OIE: 2001). ----------------------------------- Immediate notification report ----------------------------------- Translation of information received on 25 Jan 2005 from Dr Emerio F. Serrano Ramirez, Director General of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine Ministry of Agriculture, Havana: ------------------------------------- Report date: 21 Jan 2005. ------------------------------------- Reason for immediate notification: re-occurrence of a listed disease or infection in a country, zone/compartment. Date of start of the event: early December 2004. ------------------------------------- Nature of diagnosis: clinical, post-mortem and laboratory. ------------------------------------ Number of outbreaks that occurred in December 2004: 21. ------------------------------------ Location of the outbreaks: First administrative division/ Lower administrative division/ Latitude/ Longitude Havana/ San Jose de Las Lajas/ 22 deg 57 min 41 sec N 82 deg / 09 min 04 sec W Havana City Arroyo Naranjo 23 deg 02 min 11 sec N /82 deg 22 min 12 sec W Havana City Boyeros Havana City Cotorro 23 deg 01 min 57 sec N /82 deg 15 min 38 sec W Havana City Diez de Octubre Havana City Guanabacoa 23 deg 07 min 26 sec N /82 deg 18 min 01 sec W Havana City La Habana del Este 23 deg 09 min 21 sec N /82 deg 19 min 33 sec W Havana City La Lisa 23 deg 04 min 00 sec N /82 deg 25 min 60 sec W Havana City Playa 23 deg 06 min 00 sec N /82 deg 27 min 00 sec W Havana City San Miguel del Padron 23 deg 04 min 60 sec N /82 deg 19 min 00 sec W -------------------------------------- Total number of animals in the outbreaks: species/ susceptible/ cases/ deaths/ destroyed /slaughtered lep/ 14 450/ 2362/ 2362/ 9184 /2904 ------------------------------------ Diagnosis: when a sudden high mortality rate occurred and when the 1st cases of adult rabbits (alive or dead) were received in early December 2004 with a known clinical history, clinical examinations were carried out as well as epidemiological and laboratory research (anatomopathological examinations and haemagglutination test with human erythrocytes), which led to a positive diagnosis for rabbit haemorrhagic disease. ------------------------------------ Control and surveillance measures adopted to date: ------------------------------------ - A disease emergency was declared in the provinces of Havana City and Havana, and a disease alert including extreme vigilance measures was issued in the rest of the country. ----------------------------------- - Epidemiological surveillance and information campaigns were stepped up nation-wide. ----------------------------------- - A ban was declared on the movement of rabbits in and around the outbreaks. ------------------------------------ - Stringent measures were applied in and around the outbreaks and the necessary sanitary measures were adopted, both to prevent the disease from spreading and to protect major rabbit production centres in the country. ----------------------------------- Note by the OIE Animal Health Information Department: the Delegate of Cuba to the OIE has been requested to provide further information on the outbreaks. ----------------------------------- -- ProMED-mail [see also: 1997 ---- Viral hemorrhagic disease, rabbits - Cuba (02) 19970704.1435] ................arn/pg/dk

Date: Sat 1 Oct 2005 From: Pablo Nart Source: MyTelus.com, Canadian Press Health News, Fri 30 Sep 2005 [edited] _____________________________________________________________ Canada: Outbreak of HTLV-1 Infection in Nunavut ----------------------------------------------- Nunavut health officials have begun a territory-wide search for people infected with a rare cancer-causing blood virus, after discovering an outbreak of HTLV-1 [human T-lymphotropic virus 1] infection. ------------------------------------- "Nobody knows" how widespread the infection is, said Dr. Isaac Sobol, Nunavut's Chief Medical Officer of Health. "So far, we've identified several people -- less than 20 -- who test positive." HTLV-1 is a retrovirus in the same family as HIV, the virus believed to cause AIDS. ------------------------------------- The vast majority of people infected with HTLV-1 show no symptoms, said Dr. Sobol. But for about 5 percent of those infected, the virus can cause degenerative nerve disease leading to loss of control of the legs and bladder. It can also cause blood cancers, including leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Like HIV, it is most commonly spread through unprotected sex and blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles. An infected woman can also pass it on to her fetus, as well as to her child during breast-feeding. ------------------------------------- There is no cure for HTLV-1 infection. Symptoms take between 10 to 20 years to appear. Nunavut's 1st case of HTLV-1 was discovered in June 2005 in a person with leukemia, Sobol said. Despite the more than 3 months between the diagnosis and Friday's [30 Sep 2005] public announcement, Sobol said he doubts there have been any new infections. "We began our intervention as soon as we learned of the presence of this virus," he said. "Our 1st priority was to assist those persons infected with the virus and contact tracing. We've been doing intensive work with the individuals involved, and we've been doing our contact tracing. I believe we've taken all reasonable steps to protect the public at this time." --------------------------------------- Since the virus was found, all blood samples taken in Nunavut have been tested for HTLV-1. That testing will continue until officials can properly assess its prevalence in the territory, although because those tests are anonymous, they won't identify individual carriers. Confidential, free tests will be available to anyone in Nunavut who asks for one, Sobol said. Getting a fix on the virus's spread is likely to take about 6 months. Sobol released few other details about the outbreak, refusing to say whether it was confined to one community or describe the health of the other carriers. HTLV-1 is so rare in Canada that it's not a reportable disease in many jurisdictions, said Health Canada spokesman Julian Beltrame. The last outbreak in memory was in 1993, when 3 people were found with HTLV-1 in British Columbia. ------------------------------------ The Canadian Blood Service, which has screened for HLTV-1 since 1990, reports that, out of roughly 900 000 blood donations received every year, only 10 or 12 are found contaminated with HLTV-1. The virus, however, is endemic in other parts of the world, including Southern Japan, the Caribbean, Papua New Guinea and some parts of Africa. In Nunavut, health-care providers have been briefed to give blood tests and advice. The federal Public Health Agency and National Virology Lab in Winnipeg will also be providing testing resources and advice, Sobol said. HTLV-1 testing will also be added to prenatal screening tests. --------------------------------------- -- ProMED-mail [The viruses originally known as human T-lymphotropic viruses have been re-designated primate T-lymphotropic viruses in recognition of their prevalence in non-human primates as well as humans. Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 and simian T-lymphotropic virus 1 are closely related and now ranked as members of the same virus species: _Primate T-lymphotropic virus ---------------------------------- 1_. Likewise, Human T-lymphotropic virus 2 and simian T-lymphotropic 2 virus are ranked now as members of the same species: _Primate T-lymphotropic virus 2. Recently, 2 more species have been identified in the Cameroons (see: Primate T-lymphotropic viruses 3 & 4, human - Cameroon 20050226.0610). ----------------------------------- All 4 primate T-lymphotropic viruses, together with the species bovine leukemia virus, make up the genus _Deltaretrovirus_, one of the 7 genera that comprise the family of reverse-transcribing viruses know as the _Retroviridae_. ---------------------------------- The deltaretroviruses are transmitted horizontally, and no endogenous counterparts are known. So far, they have been found only in bovines and primates. They are associated with B- or T-cell leukemias or lymphomas, and neurological disease (tropical spastic paraparesis or HTLV-associated myopathy). --------------------------------------- HTLV-1 was isolated 1st from a cell line derived from splenic cells taken from a patient suffering from a hairy cell leukemia, now considered to be a fortuitous association. No oncogene-containing members of the genus are known. HTLV-2 is endemic among several Amerindian populations in North, Central and South America. In industrialized countries, HTLV-2 is prevalent among drug abusers and is spread by contaminated needles and by heterosexual transmission. In the developing world, breast-feeding may be the predominant route of transmission. Biologically, the HTLVs differ from HIV in their greater genetic stability and their characteristic patterns of geographic distribution. ------------------------------------ Previously, it was thought that the present distribution of HTLV-2 in the world reflected its possible introduction into the New world at the time of the initial settlement of the American continent by the ancestors of the present day native Americans some 20 000 to 40 000 years ago, followed by more recent dissemination from one or a few centers. It seems more likely now that all 4 primate T-lymphotropic viruses were transmitted to humans from African primates. It is likely that HTLV-1 was introduced into Nunavut Territory by a blood-borne or sexual route. - Mod.CP] ________________________________________________________________ [see also: Primate T-lymphotropic viruses 3 & 4, human - Cameroon 20050226.0610 2003 ---- Intl Congr Infect Dis - Mexico (Cancun): 4-7 Mar 2004 20031105.2744 2001 ---- Simian foamy virus, humans - Canada 20010630.1245 2000 ---- HTLV-II, brain disorder - Brazil 20000820.1382 1996 ---- Gorgas Course in Clinical Tropical Medicine - Peru 19960422.0764 1995 ---- Course: Clinical Tropical Medicine 19951031.0996] ...............................cp/msp/dk

Foreknowledge of the Bali Terror Bombing
(articles and links, articles not copied...granny)

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=CHO20051002&articleId=1032

Other relevant articles, courtesy Freedomfiles

October 1, 2005

Bombs Explode on Bali, President Calls Urgent Security Meeting
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000087&sid=aeY7AtLg9jeU&refer=top_world_news

September 30, 2005

President Urges People to Maintain Law and Order
http://www.antara.co.id/en/seenws/?id=6619

September 29, 2005

Terror Attack Looming: Alert (Jemaah Islamiah)
http://www.theage.com.au/news/war-on-terror/terror-attack-looming-alert/2005/09/28/1127804547891.html

September 28, 2005

Terror Expert Warns of Jemaah Islamiah attack
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,16749920%255E1702,00.html

Jemaah Islamiah: Principal terrorist threat to Australia
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2005/s1470265.htm

No evidence that a weakened JI reduces terror threat
http://au.news.yahoo.com/050928/19/w4pq.html

Australia to impose Draconian Anti-Terror Laws
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3425364a12,00.html

Indonesia Braces for Fuel Price Protests
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-09-28-voa15.cfm

Extensive Police Deployment In Indonesia For Protests
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7000306009

September 27, 2005

Indonesian Minister of Defense: Bali Doesn’t Need Special Autonomy
http://www.tempointeractive.com/hg/nasional/2005/09/27/brk,20050927-67171,uk.html

Indonesia says Asian Al Qaeda arm Weakened
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theworld/2005/September/theworld_September732.xml
§ion=theworld

Appalling Anti-Terrorism Laws Draw Criticism (Australia)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200509/s1469669.htm

September 26, 2005

Concerns about human rights ahead of terrorism summit in Australia
http://www.abc.net.au/ra/news/stories/s1468318.htm

September 21, 2005

Taking aim at Indonesian Terrorists
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/GI21Ae01.html

September 16, 2005

Indonesia: Implications for U.S. Interests
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0509/S00296.htm

September 10, 2005

Indonesia plans to rise defense budget next year
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-09/10/content_3471129.htm

September 09, 2005

US-Indonesian Military Relations almost back in step
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/GI09Ae03.html

September 07, 2005

Decentralization remains a delicate issue in Bali
http://www.thejakartapost.com/yesterdaydetail.asp?fileid=20050907.D10

August 30, 2005

Indonesia Warns of Terror Attack
http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=700&id=1862132005

August 29, 2005

Philippine, Indonesia Govts Warn of Possible Terrorist Attacks
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000087&sid=aBCXEIMNfB8A&refer=top_world_news

Indonesia on alert for new attacks
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,16421235-38196,00.html
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-08/29/content_3417983.htm

SAARC Summit in Kathmandu, Discuss Terror Threats
http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=319676

US Training Southeast Asian Security Forces to Combat Terrorism
http://www.sierratimes.com/05/08/29/205_188_116_14_95158.htm

August 26, 2005

Al Qaeda targeting Australia's region: judge
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2005/s1447325.htm

Beware Asia, Al Qaeda is out there
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1211661.cms

Asian cities in al-Qaeda sights
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/08/26/1124563029376.html?from=top5

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre for Research on Globalization.

To become a Member of Global Research

Date: 2 Oct 2005 From: ProMED-mail Source: Roanoke Times, Virginia, USA [edited] _____________________________________________________________ Is the doggie flu epidemic overblown? Despite recent research and reports about the canine illness, a Virginia Tech expert thinks so. Virginia Tech researcher Dr. Brad Fenwick has spent years battling the various ailments that occasionally sweep through racing-dog populations. Lately, though, the internationally recognized greyhound expert has found himself working to prevent the spread of what he deems undue panic among dog owners about canine flu. -------------------------------- For the 2nd time in 4 months, newspapers and other media outlets worldwide have carried alarming stories about a new, potentially deadly strain of influenza that has sickened thousands of dogs. And for the 2nd time, Fenwick is strongly and publicly disputing what he sees as media "overhype" of a doggie flu that, while fatal on rare occasions, likely comes and goes without most dog owners even noticing. He is urging the dog-owning public to remain calm. "This is a lot like a winter cold for humans," said Fenwick, who is also the vice president for research at Virginia Tech. "We sneeze. We cough a little bit. We go to work. We don't take antibiotics and we're fine. We get over it." -------------------------------- News outlets 1st caught wind of the story in the spring, when more than a dozen greyhounds at a Massachusetts racetrack died suddenly of a flu-like illness. The sickness resembled "kennel cough," a relatively common and rarely deadly syndrome that causes coughing, runny nose and other respiratory problems in dogs. But the flu was more contagious. Tracks in other states reported similar outbreaks, although with fewer or no deaths. --------------------------------- The virus, as well as media attention, waned until this week [final week September 2005], when Science magazine published a report on the flu by a team of researchers. The group wrote that the flu virus, which they believe began in horses and made the rare leap to dogs, appears to have spread beyond greyhounds into the domestic dog population in Florida and other states. The true scope is yet unknown. "The canine influenza virus is really the new kid on the block for veterinarians to consider in their differential diagnoses for kennel cough," said Dr. Cynda Crawford, a University of Florida professor and lead researcher, during a Centers for Disease Control press conference this week. --------------------------------- Crawford and her colleagues estimated that the new canine flu had a mortality rate of 5 percent to 8 percent. Alluding to alarmist media reports and rumors, Crawford said the flu is "not the deadly virus that certain sources have played it up to be" and recommended that dog owners maintain their habits regarding kennels, groomers and dog park. ----------------------------------- Fenwick does not dispute most of the group's scientific findings, but he believes the 5 percent to 8 percent mortality figures are "outrageously high." Fenwick, whose research team is developing a vaccine for the flu, said his studies have found that less than one percent of all infected dogs even need treatment with antibiotics to prevent secondary infection, which is what often causes flu-related deaths. Among those one percent, a small number died from the illness. Fenwick attributed the high mortality seen at isolated tracks to delayed or inappropriate treatment. "We deal with outbreaks that are much more serious all of the time," Fenwick said. Crawford could not be reached on Friday [30 Sep 2005]. --------------------------------- Fenwick, who sent a letter to track and kennel owners nationwide at the urging of the American Greyhound Council, also called any suggestion that the dog flu could transfer to humans "irresponsible to the extreme." Fenwick recommended that dog owners keep a watch over dogs that begin coughing, sneezing or exhibiting other signs. Most will heal by themselves. Dogs that become depressed or stop eating and playing, however, should be brought to a veterinarian immediately, he said. ----------------------------------- Canine flu does not appear to be causing problems in the Roanoke and New River valleys. "I'm having some owners ask about it, but I really haven't seen any cases here," said Dr. Randall Young with Christiansburg Veterinary Clinic. ---------------------------------- Dr. Steve Karras from Cave Spring Veterinary Clinic said his office has also received numerous calls from dog owners concerned about their dogs or the possibility of pets passing it to humans. Karras, who has not seen any flu cases, said he is urging owners to keep their dogs' vaccinations for kennel cough and other illnesses current to prevent secondary infection should the flu spread locally. [Byline: Kevin Miller] ------------------------------------ -- ProMED-mail [There are multiple reports of canine influenza on the news wires. Most of them are reporting an epidemic of this disease in dogs. However, it is prudent to realize that only approximately 10 percent of dogs are affected, and those are primarily greyhounds. This situation also illustrates how awareness by both veterinarians and the dog-owning public causes the appearance of an epidemic of diagnosis. ----------------------------------- The public is much more aware of the disease and is more attuned to clinical signs in their dogs. Veterinarians are more aware of an influenza in dogs and are likely to be more attuned to those signs in dogs. Consequently, the stories of where the disease has appeared make it seem the disease is spreading. --------------------------------- There is indication that this particular influenza has jumped species, from horses to dogs. But given that influenza viruses are survivors in the environment, it is not surprising the virus would find another way to survive. Most of these articles also point out canine influenza virus may have come from horses. ----------------------------------- The following websites and headlines all illustrate essentially the same news story, with different locales and different veterinarians: ----------------------------------- Dog flu arrives in Oregon, Associated Press, Kgw.com, Oregon and SW Washington ______________________________________________________________ Vet Association: Canine Flu Found In Southern California; Researchers Consider Virus Highly Contagious, Potentially Fatal _____________________________________________________________ The article above is somewhat different. - Mod.TG] [see also: Influenza, canine - USA (multistate)(02) 20050925.2830 Influenza, canine - USA (multistate) 20050923.2811 2004 ---- Undiagnosed illness, canine - USA (FL)(02) 20040730.2081 Undiagnosed illness, canine - USA (FL) 20040701.1753] ..................tg/msp/dk