Avian Flu, Concerns

[Roy]

Well, here it is anyway...the latest from the US.

This is serious, and not to be taken lightly. I've convincd my in-law family to stop "handling" birds unless needed, and we've given them very good antiseptic soap to wash hands very well any time a bird is touched.

Hot water with this soap is necessay, and so a pot of hot/warm...(who really knows), water is in the compound kitchen all the time.

I've told my Dadong and my Ba Pak that my my boys will not be visiting their compound so long as chickens can run about. I am very serious about health and security related issues, and while my family may think I am over the top, I don't care, as I quickly assert....THEY ARE MY SONS. That works, as there is no dispute that I am their father.

Chickens in Balinese compounds probably predates house temples in compounds, and I know that my insistance on this issue is pushing the envelope on our cultural divide. I don't care.

They know that I am as equally concerned about them, as my family, but it's not like they are sick and I can provide medicine as I have countless times in the past. This is all about prevention. And the sad part is, they just don't understand any need for prevention.

It's all very frustrating....so hear is the word:


>Wardens: Please distribute this message to the Americans in your organization. Thank you.
>
>U.S. Embassy Jakarta
>U.S. Consulate General Surabaya
>Warden Message
>October 26, 2005
>
>Please find below the most recent Department of State Fact Sheet on Avian Influenza as well as information below on handling chicken in food preparation, both in English and Indonesian.
>
>This Fact Sheet alerts Americans to the most recent occurrences of Influenza A H5N1 (avian influenza strain) in Asia. A number of countries are reporting cases of avian influenza, commonly referred to as "bird flu" in their domestic and wild bird populations. The H5N1 strain of influenza causes severe disease in domesticated fowl. In addition, there are confirmed cases of bird-to-human transmissions of avian influenza in the South East Asia region, many of which have resulted in death. Please visit the WHO website, http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_in ... ountry/en/ for the most up to date information on the countries affected and the number of deaths.
>
>The vast majority of the known human cases have resulted from direct contact with poultry, and there is only limited evidence to suggest possible human-to-human transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department are concerned about the potential for human-to-human transmission of this highly dangerous flu strain, and are working closely with other partners in an effort to monitor the outbreak.
>
>Concerns about the possibility of an avian influenza pandemic have prompted international and national efforts to institute pandemic preparedness measures. In keeping with the CDC and the WHO guidance, the Department of State is working with its embassies and consulates worldwide to prepare in the event of a pandemic. American citizens traveling to or living in countries where avian influenza is prevalent should consider the potential risks and keep informed of the latest medical guidance and information in order to make appropriate plans.
>
>The Department, the CDC and the WHO have not issued any travel alerts or warnings for avian flu-infected areas. However, the CDC advises travelers to countries in Asia with documented H5N1 outbreaks to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces or fluids from poultry or other animals. In addition, the Department has asked its embassies and consulates to consider preparedness measures that take into consideration the fact that travel into or out of a country may not be possible, safe or medically advisable. Specific CDC travel information relating to avian influenza, including preventive measures is available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm. WHO guidance related to avian influenza is available at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/.
>
>A specific vaccine for humans that is effective against avian influenza has not yet been developed. Based upon limited data, the CDC has suggested that the anti-viral medication Oseltamavir (brand name-Tamiflu) may be effective in preventing or treating avian influenza. Using this input, the Department of State has decided to pre-position the drug Tamiflu at its Embassies and Consulates worldwide, for eligible U.S. Government employees and their families serving abroad. Tamiflu may not be readily available overseas and the State Department encourages American citizens traveling or living abroad that are interested in obtaining this medication to consult with their physician. There is no provision for the U.S. government to provide American citizens traveling or living abroad with medications, including in the event of a pandemic.>
>
>Americans who are planning travel to a country that has reported the virus or who are concerned about the Avian flu are advised to monitor the CDC and the WHO web sites for the latest information.
>
>Additional country information can be obtained from the Department of State's Consular Information Sheets at http://travel.state.gov and from the Department of State's toll-free number, 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from overseas, 202-501-4444.
>
>The Embassy strongly encourages Americans in Indonesia, including short-term visitors, to register with the Embassy in Jakarta, the Consulate General in Surabaya, or the Consular Agent in Bali. Registration may be done on-line at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/consular/onlinereg.html <http://jakarta.usembassy/gov/consular/onlinereg.html>. Information on registration procedures, all security-related Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, and recent Embassy warden messages are posted on the Embassy’s website at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov.
>
>The Embassy is located at Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, No. 4-5, Jakarta; the 24-hour telephone number is 021-3435-9000. The telephone number of the Consulate General in Surabaya is 031-295-6400; the telephone number of the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali is 0361-233-605.
>
>CDC Contact Information:
>
>Public Inquiries:
>English (888) 246-2675
>Spanish (888) 246-2857
>TTY (866) 874-2646
>
>Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST
>Sat-Sun 10am-8pm EST
>
>Address:
>
>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
>1600 Clifton Rd.
>Atlanta, GA 30333
>USA (404) 639-3311
>
>WHO Liaison Office in Washington, DC
>
>Contact Information:
>Telephone: (202) 331-9081
>Facsimile: (202) 331-9097
>
>Address:
>
>WHO Liaison Office
>1775 K Street, N.W., Suite 430
>Washington, D.C. 20006 USA
>
>================================================= ==============
>
>Food Hygiene
>
>> Separate raw meat from cooked or ready-to-eat foods. Do not use the same chopping board or the same knife for preparing raw meat and cooked or ready-to-eat food.
>
>> Do not handle either raw or cooked foods without washing your hands in between.
>
>> Do not place cooked meat back on the same plate or surface it was on before it was cooked.
>
>> All foods from poultry, including eggs and poultry blood, should be cooked thoroughly. Egg yolks should not be runny or liquid. Because influenza viruses are destroyed by heat, the cooking temperature for poultry meat should reach 70°C (158° F).
>
>> Wash egg shells in soapy water before handling and cooking, and wash your hands afterwards.
>
>> Do not use raw or soft-boiled eggs in foods that will not be cooked.
>
>> After handling raw poultry or eggs, wash your hands and all surfaces and utensils thoroughly with soap and water.
>================================================= ==============
>Kebersihan Makanan
>
>> Pisahkan daging mentah dari makanan yang telah dimasak atau siap untuk dimakan. Jangan gunakan talenan atau pisau yang sama untuk memotong daging mentah dan makanan yang telah dimasak atau siap untuk dimakan.
>> Jangan mengolah daging mentah maupun makanan yang telah dimasak tanpa mencuci tangan terlebih dahulu.
>> Jangan meletakkan daging yang telah dimasak ke wadah atau piring tempat daging tersebut diletakkan waktu sebelum dimasak.
>> Semua makanan dari produk unggas, termasuk telur dan darah unggas, harus dimasak sampai matang. Kuning telur tidak boleh dibiarkan cair. Oleh karena virus influenza akan mati pada suhu yang panas, daging unggas harus dimasak hingga mencapai 70ºC (158ºF).
>> Cucilah kulit telur dalam air sabun sebelum diolah dan dimasak, kemudian cucilah tangan sesudahnya.
>> Jangan mencampurkan telur mentah atau setengah-matang ke dalam makanan yang tidak untuk dimasak.>
>> Setelah selesai mengolah daging unggas atau telur mentah, cucilah tangan serta seluruh peralatan masak sampai bersih dengan sabun dan air.
>
>

[Tommy]

....Though i'm currently in Sweden i could be in the high-risk zone for the avian flu. The reason for this is that me and some buddies here go out for wave-chasing in storms at desolate places on a large nearby island (almost the size of Bali). This island is a part of the "world heritage" because of all the endangered and rare flowers that grow there. Down south it also function as an international airport for migrating birds from all over the world. In this desolate place we wander through the swamp in full storms and inhumane cold weather for 20 minutes in 6mm fullbody "swat"-wetsuits to reach the costline. We usually stay out for about 2 hours before the chill kicks in and feets/hands grow numb. We wander through what could be called a bird-latrine with feathers, mud, birdcrap, eggshells, some scattered bones. As the avian flu is making it's way over here we've been told it is highly probable that migrating birds carrying this virus will reach our island first. Being so close to this environment while chasing for waves i will do myself a big favour.. and stay out of bird-colony for now. I understand the extreme precautions undertaken all over the world and media is surely hyping it up to extreme proportions. I'd say better safe than sorry, but for now... since it is not yet a widespread human-to-human flu.. i'm not that concerned, merely abit precautious.

so for all the extreme birdwatchers, surfers and hikers i would like to add this to the list:

*Stay away from migrating bird-colonies :idea:

[rafalution]

It's always interesting to follow the money.

Who Owns the Rights on Tamiflu: Rumsfeld To Profit From Bird Flu Hoax

By Dr. Joseph Mercola

October 26, 2005
mercola.com

We bring to the attention of Global Research readers this important cmmentary by Dr.Joseph Mercola.

The fundamnetal issue is who owns the intellectual property rights over Tamiflu. The media reports suggest that the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche will make billions.

While the drug is produced by Roche, it was developed by Gilead Sciences Inc.which owns the intellectual property rights. Gilead, which has maintained a low profile, has outsourced the production to Roche.

Donald Rumsfeld was appointed Chairman of Gilead Sciences, Inc. in 1997, a position which he held in the years prior to becoming Secretary of Defense.in the Bush adminstration. Rumsfeld had been on the Board of Directors from the establishment of Gilead in 1987.

As confirmed in a company press statement in 1997, Donald H. Rumsfeld assumed the position of Chairman, of GILEAD: :

"Gilead is fortunate to have had Don Rumsfeld as a stalwart board member since the company's earliest days, and we are very pleased that he has accepted the Chairmanship," Dr. Riordan said. "He has played an important role in helping to build and steer the company. His broad experience in leadership positions in both industry and government will serve us well as Gilead continues to build its commercial presence."

According to company statement: Gilead Science Inc "has been active in the development of inhibitors for the potential treatment and prevention of viral influenza and protease inhibitors for the potential treatment of HIV"

"The Company's research and development efforts encompass three interrelated programs: small molecule antivirals, cardiovascular therapeutics and genetic code blockers for cancer and other diseases. Gilead's expertise in each of these areas has also resulted in the discovery and development of non-nucleotide product candidates, including neuraminidase inhibitors for the potential treatment and prevention of viral influenza and protease inhibitors for the potential treatment of HIV"

Also find below an article published in the SF Chronicle, which points to the relationship between GILEAD and Roche in relation to the Rights over Tami Flu.

Michel Chossudovsky, Global Research, 26 Oct 2005

[Bert Vierstra]

After wading through the internet, it seems that the H5N1 flu virus has a mutation that is resistant to Tamilflu, a generic anti-flu subscription, but it (and Relenza, a similar drug) is still considered as an option by Governments, in case of a wide spread infection.

Not all mutants of the H5N1 virus are resistant to Tamilflu

http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/conten ... 484036.htm

http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory ... /story.htm

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn8160

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiap ... rugs.reut/