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By Category: International

Somalia says any Saudi camel import ban would hurt economy

(Reuters) Somalia said on Thursday its economy would suffer if Saudi Arabia banned camel imports from the Horn of Africa nation over suspicions the animals could carry a potentially deadly virus and said it was ready to help find what caused the illness.

July 7, 2014
| Filed under Africa, Agents & Toxins, Agriculture, Countermeasures, International, and Public Health
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Ebola virus disease, West Africa – update

(WHO) Based on epidemiological analysis conducted by WHO, three major factors are contributing to patterns of transmission, which are currently responsible for the continuous propagation of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the sub-region. These factors include transmission of EVD in rural communities, facilitated by strong cultural practices and traditional beliefs; transmission of EVD in densely Read More »

July 2, 2014
| Filed under Africa, Agents & Toxins, International, and Public Health
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Vets ready to deal with foot-and-mouth

(NZ Farmer) New Zealand veterinarians and officials are better prepared for an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, following a visit to Nepal to see the problem first-hand. If the disease was to enter the country, it would be catastrophic for the economy, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries.

July 2, 2014
| Filed under Asia/Pacific, Agents & Toxins, Agriculture, Countermeasures, and International
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WHO Update on Poliovirus Found in Brazil

(Global Biodefense) On 18 June 2014, Brazil reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) that wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) had been detected in a sewage sample collected in March 2014 at Viracopos International Airport in Sao Paolo state. Genetic sequencing indicates that this virus is most closely related to the virus that is circulating Read More »

July 2, 2014
| Filed under South America, Agents & Toxins, International, and Public Health
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Ebola’s Deadly Spread in Africa Driven by Public Health Failures, Cultural Beliefs

(National Geographic) As the largest Ebola outbreak in history continues unabated, health authorities from 11 West African countries and international agencies began a two-day crisis meeting today in Accra, Ghana, on how to combat the crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) says “drastic action” is needed to stem the outbreak, which since March has grown Read More »