BEIJING–China's Health Ministry issued a nationwide alert Saturday calling for heightened efforts to control a virus that has caused the deaths of 22 children in one city and shows signs of spreading.
Health bureaus around the country must step up monitoring for hand, foot and mouth disease following a "relatively large'' outbreak in the central city of Fuyang, the Health Ministry said in notices on its Web site.
The ministry warned that cases were more numerous this year than in recent years, and the peak for transmission would likely come in June and July.
The outbreak is another concern for China's communist government as it gears up to welcome hundreds of thousands of foreigners for this summer's Beijing Olympics. It's also an uncomfortable reminder of the SARS pneumonia outbreak in 2003, which Beijing tried to cover up but then adopted drastic measures to control.
Saturday's warning was prompted by a jump in cases in Fuyang of Enterovirus 71, or EV-71, a type of hand, foot and mouth disease.
Up to Thursday night, 3,321 cases of EV-71 were reported in Fuyang, a fast-growing city in largely rural Anhui province. Besides the 22 deaths, 978 people remain hospitalized, 58 of them in serious or critical condition, the ministry said in a separate statement.
The state-run Xinhua News Agency also reported that preliminary tests showed an 18-month-old boy who died Friday in southeastern Guangdong province was infected with EV-71, and a second suspected death was under investigation. Cases of hand, foot and mouth outbreaks, but not necessarily EV-71, have been reported in at least two other provinces.
"Health bureaus at all levels must recognize the importance and urgency of preventing the spread of infectious diseases," the ministry said in its nationwide order.
Enterovirus 71 is one of several viruses that cause hand, foot and mouth disease, which is characterized by fever, mouth sores and a rash with blisters. It is spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stool of infected persons.
The illness mainly strikes children young than 10 and is not related to foot and mouth disease, which infects cattle, sheep and swine.
The nationwide order said preventing the spread of infectious diseases was necessary "to guarantee the smooth staging of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics and to practically preserve social stability.''
The order targeted hand, foot and mouth disease, as well as hepatitis A, measles and other infectious diseases commonly spread in the spring and summer.
Mindful of the SARS experience, the order vowed to punish any person or agency who tried to cover-up or delay disclosure of outbreaks.
State media cited the SARS experience in reports this past week that said people in Fuyang had criticized the government's response as slow, allowing rumors to spread about the outbreak.
A press officer with the World Health Organization said representatives were not available for comment on Saturday. The WHO in a statement on Thursday said that while cases in Fuyang cropped up in early March, they increased sharply starting April 19 but a rapid response from China also steeply decreased the rate of fatalities in the second half of April.
With no vaccine or specific therapy developed for EV-71, the WHO recommended better hygiene, with more frequent hand-washing and disinfecting areas – something that it said China was doing.
State-run television footage showed workers spraying disinfectant around houses in rural areas outside Fuyang and medical teams visiting families with small children.
Since the SARS crisis, the government has increased spending on the detection and monitoring of communicable diseases. The Health Ministry has ordered regular reports on outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth diseases and has sent expert teams to Anhui province to lead treatment and prevention.
May 03, 2008
CHARLES HUTZLER
The Associated Press
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
JMAR Technologies Reports Positive Findings in EPA Tests of BioSentry Water Monitoring System
JMAR Technologies Marketing Communications Manager Kathi Kirchmeier, 858-946-6800 kkirchmeier@jmar.com or Investor Relations Intl Managing Partner Haris Tajyar, 818-382-9702 htajyar@irintl.com JMAR Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:JMAR), a leading developer of advanced laser, photonics and detection technologies, today announced the results of a testing program carried out by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to measure the performance of
JMAR's BioSentry monitoring system and competing products at detecting harmful microorganisms in drinking water distribution systems.
The U.S. EPA presented results at the AWWA Water Security Congress 2008 this week and the tests found that BioSentry was able to detect bacterial pathogens up to 25 times better than any other product tested. The published results can be found in the proceedings of the conference.
The program was carried out in 2007 by the EPA's National Security Homeland Research Center, using a pilot-scale water distribution system at the EPA's testing and evaluation facility in Cincinnati, Ohio. Tests were performed to determine the detection capabilities of BioSentry and other products against intentional introduction of pathogens into a water distribution system. Several pathogen surrogates were used simulating lethal microbes.
JMAR Technologies' President and CEO C. Neil Beer, Ph.D., commented, "As a matter of policy, the EPA does not endorse or promote specific products. However, the performance of our flagship product, BioSentry, in EPA's strictly objective testing program, speaks for itself. These results strongly reinforce our conviction that BioSentry will soon be in wide use around the world to protect the public from intentional or accidental contamination of water supplies. The success of BioSentry also bodes well for other products in development that employ similar advanced technology."
To be added to JMAR Technologies' investor lists, please contact Haris Tajyar at htajyar@irintl.com or at 818-382-9702.
About JMAR
JMAR Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:JMAR) is a late-stage technology company with expertise in the development and early commercialization of detection and laser-based technologies for nano-scale imaging, chemical and biological analysis, and fabrication. The Company is leveraging more than a decade of laser and photonics research in developing a portfolio of products with market applications in high interest areas such as homeland security, biological monitoring of water quality, and hazardous materials detection. These technologies represent significant intellectual property, including twenty nine issued or pending patents. For further information on JMAR Technologies, please visit www.jmar.com.
Forward Looking Statements: This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, and many of which are beyond the Company's control. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the uncertainty of acceptance in the market for our products and technologies or the acceptance of our customers' products or technologies which incorporate our products and technologies, the failure of our technology to perform as predicted, competition from alternative technologies, uncertainties as to the size of the markets, cost and margins for JMAR's products, current or future government regulations affecting the use of JMAR's products, the lack of availability of critical components, the degree of protection from future patents, other risks associated with the development or acquisition of new products or technologies and those risks detailed in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the SEC. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements and no assurances can be given that such statements will be achieved. JMAR Technologies, Inc. does not assume any duty to publicly update or revise the material contained herein.
Product Outperforms All Alternative Technologies for Real-Time
Pathogen Detection
JMAR's BioSentry monitoring system and competing products at detecting harmful microorganisms in drinking water distribution systems.
The U.S. EPA presented results at the AWWA Water Security Congress 2008 this week and the tests found that BioSentry was able to detect bacterial pathogens up to 25 times better than any other product tested. The published results can be found in the proceedings of the conference.
The program was carried out in 2007 by the EPA's National Security Homeland Research Center, using a pilot-scale water distribution system at the EPA's testing and evaluation facility in Cincinnati, Ohio. Tests were performed to determine the detection capabilities of BioSentry and other products against intentional introduction of pathogens into a water distribution system. Several pathogen surrogates were used simulating lethal microbes.
JMAR Technologies' President and CEO C. Neil Beer, Ph.D., commented, "As a matter of policy, the EPA does not endorse or promote specific products. However, the performance of our flagship product, BioSentry, in EPA's strictly objective testing program, speaks for itself. These results strongly reinforce our conviction that BioSentry will soon be in wide use around the world to protect the public from intentional or accidental contamination of water supplies. The success of BioSentry also bodes well for other products in development that employ similar advanced technology."
To be added to JMAR Technologies' investor lists, please contact Haris Tajyar at htajyar@irintl.com or at 818-382-9702.
About JMAR
JMAR Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:JMAR) is a late-stage technology company with expertise in the development and early commercialization of detection and laser-based technologies for nano-scale imaging, chemical and biological analysis, and fabrication. The Company is leveraging more than a decade of laser and photonics research in developing a portfolio of products with market applications in high interest areas such as homeland security, biological monitoring of water quality, and hazardous materials detection. These technologies represent significant intellectual property, including twenty nine issued or pending patents. For further information on JMAR Technologies, please visit www.jmar.com.
Forward Looking Statements: This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, and many of which are beyond the Company's control. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the uncertainty of acceptance in the market for our products and technologies or the acceptance of our customers' products or technologies which incorporate our products and technologies, the failure of our technology to perform as predicted, competition from alternative technologies, uncertainties as to the size of the markets, cost and margins for JMAR's products, current or future government regulations affecting the use of JMAR's products, the lack of availability of critical components, the degree of protection from future patents, other risks associated with the development or acquisition of new products or technologies and those risks detailed in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the SEC. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements and no assurances can be given that such statements will be achieved. JMAR Technologies, Inc. does not assume any duty to publicly update or revise the material contained herein.
Product Outperforms All Alternative Technologies for Real-Time
Pathogen Detection
NDSU, other land grant universities join to develop eXtension web site
The North Dakota State University Extension Service has teamed up with 73 other universities to develop eXtension, a Web site devoted to bringing solutions to today's complex challenges. The information-packed Web site can be accessed at http://www.extension.org/.
eXtension is a portal to the nation's largest educational and information system, its creators say. It provides reliable answers based on solid research and trustworthy, field-tested data, along with the knowledge of experts from land-grant universities across the nation. It complements and enhances the community-based programming the Extension Service provides.
Topics covered on the eXtension Web site include horticulture, personal finance, parenting, family issues, horses, beef and dairy cattle, entrepreneurship, geospatial technology, dealing with disasters, cotton, diversity, fire ants, wildlife damage and management, and a program that exposes youth to science, engineering and technology. More topics will be added in the coming months.
“I am excited to be involved in developing this resource because it will provide access to timely, unbiased and accurate information for consumers 24/7,” says Debra Pankow, NDSU Extension Service family economics specialist. Pankow chairs the group that gathers information on financial security.
eXtension provides information a number of ways, including articles from resource area experts and answers to frequently asked questions. However, unlike most other Web-based information resources, eXtension also has experts from universities throughout the country ready to answer specific questions within 48 hours. Once answered, the question and answer become part of the frequently answered questions section of a topic.
Source: NDSU Extension
eXtension is a portal to the nation's largest educational and information system, its creators say. It provides reliable answers based on solid research and trustworthy, field-tested data, along with the knowledge of experts from land-grant universities across the nation. It complements and enhances the community-based programming the Extension Service provides.
Topics covered on the eXtension Web site include horticulture, personal finance, parenting, family issues, horses, beef and dairy cattle, entrepreneurship, geospatial technology, dealing with disasters, cotton, diversity, fire ants, wildlife damage and management, and a program that exposes youth to science, engineering and technology. More topics will be added in the coming months.
“I am excited to be involved in developing this resource because it will provide access to timely, unbiased and accurate information for consumers 24/7,” says Debra Pankow, NDSU Extension Service family economics specialist. Pankow chairs the group that gathers information on financial security.
eXtension provides information a number of ways, including articles from resource area experts and answers to frequently asked questions. However, unlike most other Web-based information resources, eXtension also has experts from universities throughout the country ready to answer specific questions within 48 hours. Once answered, the question and answer become part of the frequently answered questions section of a topic.
Source: NDSU Extension
DuPont, USDA ARS to collaborate on new E. coli test in beef
DuPont and the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are teaming up to find new ways to detect an E. coli strain in beef that, even in low concentrations, can cause severe illness.
Through a cooperative research and development agreement, the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) at Clay Center, Neb., and DuPont Qualicon will develop a new test for E. coli 0157:H7, a pathogen that led to more than 30 million pounds of ground beef being recalled in 2007.
“Our mission is to develop scientific information and new technology to solve high priority problems for the U.S. beef, sheep and swine industries,” Mohammad Koohmaraie, USMARC director, said. “In the case of E. coli O157:H7 detection, we're looking at collaborative ways to quickly develop a new test.”
“We are committed to providing the meat industry with testing applications that use the best science available. This agreement allows us to work with experts from the USDA ARS toward our common goal of an E. coli O157:H7 test that is even faster, more accurate and more efficient,” Kevin Huttman, president,DuPont Qualicon, said.
E. coli O157:H7 is a food borne pathogen usually associated with eating undercooked, contaminated ground beef. Even in low concentrations, it can cause severe illness, sometimes leading to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and kidney failure in at-risk populations.
After several years of declining incidence, 2007 saw a resurgence with more than 30 million pounds of ground beef recalled due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.
The DuPont Qualicon BAX system is currently used by food companies and governments around the world to reliably detect pathogens in food, including E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Listeria and more.
Through a cooperative research and development agreement, the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) at Clay Center, Neb., and DuPont Qualicon will develop a new test for E. coli 0157:H7, a pathogen that led to more than 30 million pounds of ground beef being recalled in 2007.
“Our mission is to develop scientific information and new technology to solve high priority problems for the U.S. beef, sheep and swine industries,” Mohammad Koohmaraie, USMARC director, said. “In the case of E. coli O157:H7 detection, we're looking at collaborative ways to quickly develop a new test.”
“We are committed to providing the meat industry with testing applications that use the best science available. This agreement allows us to work with experts from the USDA ARS toward our common goal of an E. coli O157:H7 test that is even faster, more accurate and more efficient,” Kevin Huttman, president,DuPont Qualicon, said.
E. coli O157:H7 is a food borne pathogen usually associated with eating undercooked, contaminated ground beef. Even in low concentrations, it can cause severe illness, sometimes leading to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and kidney failure in at-risk populations.
After several years of declining incidence, 2007 saw a resurgence with more than 30 million pounds of ground beef recalled due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.
The DuPont Qualicon BAX system is currently used by food companies and governments around the world to reliably detect pathogens in food, including E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Listeria and more.
Avian Biosecurity Technology Development Fund
Canada’s New Government has committed a total of $3 million in funding over five years for avian biosecurity-related projects. The Avian Biosecurity Technology Development Fund was established in 2006 to provide assistance to eligible recipients to develop or advance on-farm biosecurity technologies of interest to the Canadian poultry sector.
Biosecurity refers to measures that protect the health of livestock by preventing transmission of disease. It is the most important investment industry can make to limit opportunities for the introduction and spread of avian influenza and other infectious diseases in their flock.
Eligible projects are selected based on essential criteria, under the categories of Technology Development, Technology Acceleration and Technology Demonstration. The Fund is managed by the Office of Animal Biosecurity of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Seven projects were selected for funding for the 2006/2007 fiscal year, with a total investment of $500,000. Those projects include:
Study of Microbial Contaminants on Shell Egg Conveyance Equipment
Canadian Egg Marketing Agency
This study will evaluate the risk of contamination of conveyance equipment used in production units and hatcheries, in grading stations and processing plants, and in transit. The goal is to develop acceptable, national protocols for cleaning and disinfecting trays, carts, and plastic skids/dividers. Proper equipment, which meets or exceeds the objectives of these protocols, will also be recommended.
Biosecurity Teaching Facility
University of Alberta
The Poultry Research Centre (PRC) of the University of Alberta is updating teaching materials and training facilities for its biosecurity program. Activities include:
the development of manuals outlining a complete biosecurity program, including a detailed account of retrofitting existing facilities with improved biosecurity measures; and,
the development of training activities and learning tools to disseminate the project results - including an industry workshop, training sessions for PRC users, and short educational videos about on-farm biosecurity.
The concepts and practices that are being developed through this study are intended to provide practical knowledge that can be adopted by both students and industry.
Anterooms for Existing Poultry Barns
eBiz Professionals Inc.
This project involves the design and construction of new anterooms (entrance ways) for existing poultry barns on farms in British Columbia and Ontario. Funding has been granted for the design and construction of four anterooms – three in British Columbia and one in Ontario.
Enhanced Equipment for Poultry Catching Crews
eBiz Professionals Inc.
Gates and fences are used by catchers to contain poultry when they are being collected for transportation. Units are often transported between farms, thus posing a significant risk for disease transmission. This project includes the design and development of four different prototypes for gates and fences that can remain on poultry farms. The goal is to develop a unit that can be mass-produced at a reasonable cost, and can be properly cleaned and stored on location. The intention is to help eliminate the risk of disease transmission from farm-to-farm.
Crate Washing Systems
eBiz Professionals Inc.
Crate washers are used in the receiving area of poultry processing plants to ensure that crates, which are used to transport poultry from farm-to-farm, are thoroughly cleaned and remain free of contaminated material. This project will examine a range of crate-washing systems and determine areas for improvement. With the assistance of processing personnel and equipment suppliers, design concepts for new systems will be developed and new prototypes built.
Chemical Fogger
Canards du lac Brome Ltée.
A chemical fogger for disinfecting poultry premises will be installed and tested on the grounds of a duck breeding operation. The goal is to heighten preventative measures against the infection of high-risk diseases among poultry by enhancing disinfection and sanitizing techniques, by use of the chemical fogger.
Plastic Nests for Commercial Waterfowl Production Facility
King Cole Ducks Limited
Pathogenic micro-organisms, such as salmonella, commonly contaminate newly-laid eggs in waterfowl species. This project will examine the efficacy of plastic nest boxes in lowering the presence of micro-organisms, in comparison with traditional wooden nest boxes.
All recipients of funding through the Avian Biosecurity Technology Development Fund are required to submit a final report to the CFIA regarding the outcome of their respective project(s). Under the agreement, any new technologies, techniques and protocols that are developed and approved must be published and shared with the Canadian poultry industry for widespread use.
For more information on the Avian Biosecurity Technology Development Fund and the above mentioned projects, please contact:
Dr. Keith G. Campbell
National Manager, Office of Animal Biosecurity
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-221-3913
campbellkg@inspection.gc.ca
Biosecurity refers to measures that protect the health of livestock by preventing transmission of disease. It is the most important investment industry can make to limit opportunities for the introduction and spread of avian influenza and other infectious diseases in their flock.
Eligible projects are selected based on essential criteria, under the categories of Technology Development, Technology Acceleration and Technology Demonstration. The Fund is managed by the Office of Animal Biosecurity of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Seven projects were selected for funding for the 2006/2007 fiscal year, with a total investment of $500,000. Those projects include:
Study of Microbial Contaminants on Shell Egg Conveyance Equipment
Canadian Egg Marketing Agency
This study will evaluate the risk of contamination of conveyance equipment used in production units and hatcheries, in grading stations and processing plants, and in transit. The goal is to develop acceptable, national protocols for cleaning and disinfecting trays, carts, and plastic skids/dividers. Proper equipment, which meets or exceeds the objectives of these protocols, will also be recommended.
Biosecurity Teaching Facility
University of Alberta
The Poultry Research Centre (PRC) of the University of Alberta is updating teaching materials and training facilities for its biosecurity program. Activities include:
the development of manuals outlining a complete biosecurity program, including a detailed account of retrofitting existing facilities with improved biosecurity measures; and,
the development of training activities and learning tools to disseminate the project results - including an industry workshop, training sessions for PRC users, and short educational videos about on-farm biosecurity.
The concepts and practices that are being developed through this study are intended to provide practical knowledge that can be adopted by both students and industry.
Anterooms for Existing Poultry Barns
eBiz Professionals Inc.
This project involves the design and construction of new anterooms (entrance ways) for existing poultry barns on farms in British Columbia and Ontario. Funding has been granted for the design and construction of four anterooms – three in British Columbia and one in Ontario.
Enhanced Equipment for Poultry Catching Crews
eBiz Professionals Inc.
Gates and fences are used by catchers to contain poultry when they are being collected for transportation. Units are often transported between farms, thus posing a significant risk for disease transmission. This project includes the design and development of four different prototypes for gates and fences that can remain on poultry farms. The goal is to develop a unit that can be mass-produced at a reasonable cost, and can be properly cleaned and stored on location. The intention is to help eliminate the risk of disease transmission from farm-to-farm.
Crate Washing Systems
eBiz Professionals Inc.
Crate washers are used in the receiving area of poultry processing plants to ensure that crates, which are used to transport poultry from farm-to-farm, are thoroughly cleaned and remain free of contaminated material. This project will examine a range of crate-washing systems and determine areas for improvement. With the assistance of processing personnel and equipment suppliers, design concepts for new systems will be developed and new prototypes built.
Chemical Fogger
Canards du lac Brome Ltée.
A chemical fogger for disinfecting poultry premises will be installed and tested on the grounds of a duck breeding operation. The goal is to heighten preventative measures against the infection of high-risk diseases among poultry by enhancing disinfection and sanitizing techniques, by use of the chemical fogger.
Plastic Nests for Commercial Waterfowl Production Facility
King Cole Ducks Limited
Pathogenic micro-organisms, such as salmonella, commonly contaminate newly-laid eggs in waterfowl species. This project will examine the efficacy of plastic nest boxes in lowering the presence of micro-organisms, in comparison with traditional wooden nest boxes.
All recipients of funding through the Avian Biosecurity Technology Development Fund are required to submit a final report to the CFIA regarding the outcome of their respective project(s). Under the agreement, any new technologies, techniques and protocols that are developed and approved must be published and shared with the Canadian poultry industry for widespread use.
For more information on the Avian Biosecurity Technology Development Fund and the above mentioned projects, please contact:
Dr. Keith G. Campbell
National Manager, Office of Animal Biosecurity
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-221-3913
campbellkg@inspection.gc.ca
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
‘Bio-security’ measures launched
Around 800 more chickens died on Saturday in a poultry farm reportedly owned by the Rangers. The farm is located adjacent to the one in which Friday’s laboratory test confirmed the outbreak of the H5N1 strain of bird flu. The discovery compelled officials to put nine people, including four Rangers’ personnel under observation, Health officials said.
“The adjacent poultry farm is being monitored, though its laboratory test is expected on Monday,” said Deputy Secretary Health Dr Shakil Mullick.
According to him, teams of doctors have examined over 50 people and no human infection case has so far been detected. Nine poultry workers associated with the adjacent farm are being monitored by doctors twice a day - morning and evening. Three workers of “Uni Poultry Farm” have been kept at the isolation ward of the Civil Hospital, Karachi.
Doctors visited five more poultry farms on Saturday and examined over 20 workers. However, nothing unusual was found.
Health Officer (Gadap Town) Khalil Ansari said that the death of more birds at the adjacent farm has given rise to the suspicion of the existence of bird flu. Hence, he said, they have started spraying there. According to him, the workers have been given masks, gloves, etc. as precautionary measures. Furthermore, three surveillance teams have been formed, which are visiting the farms, besides which doctors are also examining the family members of the affected poultry workers. Ansari mentioned that they were facing some resistance at various poultry farms but added that the town administration managed to resolve the matter.
He said that, so far, 2,500 chickens, among 5,000, had died at the adjacent farm.
Dr Rasheed Ahmed Bhutto, a member of the three teams of doctors set up by Provincial Coordination on Bird Flu, told The News that they have started “bio-security” measures to prevent spread of bird flu. They visited around 10 to 12 poultry farms and informed the owners about the bio-security steps, he said, adding that one team of doctors would be regularly visiting the area from Sunday.
Elaborating, he said that the bio-security measures pertain to covering feed and water as well as burying birds and not visiting infected farms. He mentioned that each farm in Dhunba Goth contains around 15,000 to 30,000 chickens.
Provincial Coordinator on Bird Flu, Dr Ali Akbar Soomro, said that they had taken samples from a couple of poultry farms as precautionary measures. According to him, migratory birds, improper management of farms, lack of clean water and polluted feed were the major causes of this outbreak. Safe water could control the outbreak of virus up to 50 per cent and proper nutrients could increase resistance power in birds up to 20-22 per cent, he added.
He, however, dispelled the impression of the existence of bird flu in Hyderabad, Thatta and Badin, adding that reports were sought from the EDOs after hearing the news but all of them rejected the same. —IA
Source:- The News,Pakistan
“The adjacent poultry farm is being monitored, though its laboratory test is expected on Monday,” said Deputy Secretary Health Dr Shakil Mullick.
According to him, teams of doctors have examined over 50 people and no human infection case has so far been detected. Nine poultry workers associated with the adjacent farm are being monitored by doctors twice a day - morning and evening. Three workers of “Uni Poultry Farm” have been kept at the isolation ward of the Civil Hospital, Karachi.
Doctors visited five more poultry farms on Saturday and examined over 20 workers. However, nothing unusual was found.
Health Officer (Gadap Town) Khalil Ansari said that the death of more birds at the adjacent farm has given rise to the suspicion of the existence of bird flu. Hence, he said, they have started spraying there. According to him, the workers have been given masks, gloves, etc. as precautionary measures. Furthermore, three surveillance teams have been formed, which are visiting the farms, besides which doctors are also examining the family members of the affected poultry workers. Ansari mentioned that they were facing some resistance at various poultry farms but added that the town administration managed to resolve the matter.
He said that, so far, 2,500 chickens, among 5,000, had died at the adjacent farm.
Dr Rasheed Ahmed Bhutto, a member of the three teams of doctors set up by Provincial Coordination on Bird Flu, told The News that they have started “bio-security” measures to prevent spread of bird flu. They visited around 10 to 12 poultry farms and informed the owners about the bio-security steps, he said, adding that one team of doctors would be regularly visiting the area from Sunday.
Elaborating, he said that the bio-security measures pertain to covering feed and water as well as burying birds and not visiting infected farms. He mentioned that each farm in Dhunba Goth contains around 15,000 to 30,000 chickens.
Provincial Coordinator on Bird Flu, Dr Ali Akbar Soomro, said that they had taken samples from a couple of poultry farms as precautionary measures. According to him, migratory birds, improper management of farms, lack of clean water and polluted feed were the major causes of this outbreak. Safe water could control the outbreak of virus up to 50 per cent and proper nutrients could increase resistance power in birds up to 20-22 per cent, he added.
He, however, dispelled the impression of the existence of bird flu in Hyderabad, Thatta and Badin, adding that reports were sought from the EDOs after hearing the news but all of them rejected the same. —IA
Source:- The News,Pakistan
GE to purchase Whatman for $717M
Published: Tuesday, February 05, 2008
General Electric Co. agreed to buy Whatman Plc, the U.K. maker of DNA-based products for drug research and police laboratories, for 363 million pounds ($717 million) to gain filters and equipment for its health-care business.
Investors in London-based Whatman will get 270 pence a share, Fairfield, Conn.-based GE said Monday in a statement. That's 12 percent more than Whatman's closing price on Feb. 1, the last trading day before Monday's announcement, and 31 per cent more than the closing price on Jan. 14, the day before Whatman announced it had been approached as a target.
Source: The Calgary Herald
02/06/08
General Electric Co. agreed to buy Whatman Plc, the U.K. maker of DNA-based products for drug research and police laboratories, for 363 million pounds ($717 million) to gain filters and equipment for its health-care business.
Investors in London-based Whatman will get 270 pence a share, Fairfield, Conn.-based GE said Monday in a statement. That's 12 percent more than Whatman's closing price on Feb. 1, the last trading day before Monday's announcement, and 31 per cent more than the closing price on Jan. 14, the day before Whatman announced it had been approached as a target.
Source: The Calgary Herald
02/06/08
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