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By Category: Countermeasures

New Outbreaks of African Swine Fever in Russia

(The Disease Daily) Six new outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) were reported this week from Russia’s Tver and Volgograd regions. Only one of the outbreaks is in Volgograd. The virus was detected during routine laboratory sampling of domestic pigs from the Oktabrsky district. The remaining five outbreaks are all occurring in the Tver region, Read More »

July 20, 2012
| Filed under Europe and Countermeasures
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Q&A: How real is the threat of a global pandemic involving H5N1 or a related virus?

(Reuters) How real is the threat of a global pandemic involving H5N1 or a related virus? Very real. Two studies published this year in Nature and Science highlight the pandemic potential of viruses possessing an H5 HA, and it appears to be much easier than previously thought. The continued evolution of H5N1 viruses reinforces the Read More »

July 19, 2012
| Filed under North America, Countermeasures, and Research
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How the humble cup of tea could combat terrorism

(WalesOnline) The humble cup of tea is a symbol of “Britishness” and is often held up as the answer to many of life’s little problems. But now the cuppa’s extensive talents have been showcased again – as Welsh scientists reveal it could help counter a range of biological weapons used by terrorists. Scientists from Cardiff Read More »

July 18, 2012
| Filed under Europe and Countermeasures
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Trial Concludes for Experimental Bioagent Detector

An exhaustive trial has concluded for a technology touted as a potential component of the U.S. biological-strike warning infrastructure, the system’s developer announced on Tuesday. Northrop Grumman’s Next-Generation Automated Detection System is designed to independently capture atmospheric vapor and assess the gathered material for a number of potentially harmful organisms. The technology would provide multiple Read More »

July 17, 2012
| Filed under North America and Countermeasures
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Scaled-back option raised for US agricultural biodefense lab

(Nature.com) The United States needs the capability to conduct research and surveillance for biological threats to its domestic livestock industry and study animal-borne diseases that could infect humans – but that capability need not be housed entirely in one location. That’s the conclusion of a National Reseach Council report released on 13 July that takes Read More »