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Biosecurity News in Brief

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Avian/Pandemic Flu Archive

Bio Briefing - Avian-Pandemic Flu

Biosecurity Briefing articles relating to avian/pandemic flu.

  1. HHS Issues Guidance on Antiviral Drug Use During a Pandemic (12-22-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On December 16, 2008, HHS released a revised version of its Guidance on Antiviral Drug Use during an Influenza Pandemic. This document replaces HHS�s 2005 pandemic influenza plan.
    Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:33:46 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-12-22-hhsguideantiviralpan.html

  2. UK Drill Shows Need for More Basic PPE during a Pandemic (12-10-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Journal of Hospital Infection published a report on a hospital pandemic drill conducted by Wirral University Teaching Hospital of the UK, which found that the use of high-level PPE will slow operations during a pandemic.
    Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:13:34 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-12-10-ukneedmoreppe.html

  3. H5N1 Vaccine Safe and Immunogenic in Children (11-17-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Hungarian researchers report results of the first published study of H5N1 vaccine in children. The authors report that Omnivest�s pre-pandemic H5N1 influenza vaccine is safe and able to provoke an immune response in children.
    Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:24:03 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-11-17-h5n1vacsafechildren.html

  4. Google Awards More Than $14 Million in Grants for Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention (11-03-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Google.org's Predict and Prevent initiative announced grants of more than $14 million to aid efforts to prevent the next disease pandemic. Awardees will undertake efforts to identify disease hot spots and detect outbreaks earlier.
    Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:30:07 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-11-03-googlegrantspanprepprevent.html

  5. CRS Examines Applicability of the Stafford Act in an Influenza Pandemic (11-03-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Congressional Research Service provides a legal analysis of whether an influenza pandemic would fit under the definition of a major disaster as written in the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
    Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:17:48 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-11-03-crsstaffordactflupan.html

  6. World Bank Estimates Pandemic Would Cost the World $3 Trillion in Economic Losses (10-27-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: According to a Bloomberg report on October 17, 2008, the World Bank estimates that a flu pandemic could cost the global economy more than $3 trillion and could result in the deaths of 71 million worldwide.
    Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:15:44 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-10-27-worldbankpancost3trillion.html

  7. Novartis H5N1 Vaccine Produces Rapid Immunity When Primed With H5N3 Vaccine (10-27-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: A study published in the October 9, 2008, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine evaluates the Novartis H5N1 influenza vaccine, which employs a prime-boost strategy to induce immunity.
    Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:55:28 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-10-27-novartish5n1vacwithh5n3vac.html

  8. FDA Approves Rapid Diagnostic Test for Seasonal and Pandemic Flu (10-20-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: HHS announced that the FDA has approved a rapid diagnostic test for flu virus infections called Human Influenza Virus Real-Time RT-PCR Detection and Characterization Panel (rRT-PCR Flu Panel).
    Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:52:07 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-10-20-fdaapprovrdtflu.html

  9. Solvay Cancels Plans for U.S. Flu Vaccine Plant (10-20-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: CIDRAP News reported that Solvay Pharmaceuticals has cancelled plans to build a $386 million influenza vaccine manufacturing in either Athens, Georgia, or Birmingham, Alabama.
    Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:28:43 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-10-20-solvaycancelsfluvacplant.html

  10. CDC Awards $24 Million for Pandemic Preparedness (10-06-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The CDC announced award of $24 million for 29 state and local public health depts. to engage in pan. prep, with a specific focus on community-based practical approaches that could prevent or delay the spread of flu virus.
    Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:39:15 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-10-06-cdcawardspanprep.html

  11. First Wave of Pandemic May Protect Against Later Waves (09-29-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The November 15, 2008, issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases includes a study about the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic and cross-protective immunity that may have resulted from an earlier wave of the virus.
    Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:34:02 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-09-29-1stwavepanprotectlater.html

  12. Study Indicates Few Effects from Hong Kong's Flu-Related School Closure (09-22-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Hong Kong researchers have published the results of a study indicating that a 2-week school closure in Hong Kong during the March 2008 influenza epidemic had little positive effect on the outcome of the epidemic.
    Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:24:15 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-09-22-feweffectshongkongschoolclose.html

  13. Survey Finds H5N1 Knowledge Low in Afghanistan; Novavax Pandemic Vaccine Promising in Clinical Trial (09-08-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: CDC survey assessed factors that affect the knowledge regarding H5N1 in Afghanistan. Novavax, Inc. announced positive results from the 2nd stage of human clinical trial of its pandemic flu virus-like particle vac candidate.
    Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:32:26 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-09-08-h5n1knowledgelownovavaxpanvac.html

  14. Indonesia Publishes Study on its H5N1 Cases and Factors Linked to Mortality (08-25-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Lancet released a study describing the factors associated with H5N1 case fatality in Indonesia; those factors include symptoms, time to hospitalization, time to initiation of antiviral treatment, and several others.
    Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:44:27 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-08-25-indonesiastudyh5n1mortality.html

  15. WHO Reports Oseltamivir Resistance in Southern Hemisphere (08-25-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On August 15, 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a report indicating that clinical samples from the 2008 influenza season provide evidence of a high degree of resistance to the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
    Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:32:51 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-08-25-whooseltamivirresistsohemisphere.html

  16. H5N1 Strain New to Africa; Second-Generation Zanamivir Effective with Single Dose (08-18-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The UN FAO reported H5N1 in Nigeria due to strain that is genetically different from strains in previous outbreaks in Africa. Also, Biota Holdings Limited issued a press release on second-generation of the antiviral drug zanamavir.
    Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:56:58 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-08-18-h5n1africa2ndgenzanamivir.html

  17. Study Shows Why Cigarette Smoke Worsens Flu and Other Viral Infections (08-04-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: According to a ScienceDaily report, a new study by Yale University School of Medicine researchers "could explain why the cold and flu virus symptoms that are often mild and transient in non-smokers can seriously sicken smokers."
    Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:43:48 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-08-04-cigaretteworsensflu.html

  18. Bacterial Pneumonia Found to be a Major Cause of Death in Flu Pandemic (08-04-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The August issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) includes two articles on the impact and implications of bacterial co-infection, and resulting pneumonia in influenza patients, during a pandemic.
    Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:32:28 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-08-04-bacterialpneumoniaflu.html

  19. GAO Report Calls for Continued Federal Involvement in Pandemic Flu Planning (07-28-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released a report, about the status of state and local planning for pandemic influenza.
    Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:28:15 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-07-28-gaorptfedinvolvfluplan.html

  20. Federal Government Releases Final Guidance on Allocating Pandemic Influenza Vaccine (07-28-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: HHS and DHS released the final version of Guidance on Allocating and Targeting Pandemic Influenza Vaccine. This final document includes input from stakeholders and the public.
    Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:00:59 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/2008-07-28-fedguideallocatefluvac.html

  21. Indonesia Health Minister Explains Halt in Virus Sharing Practices (07-18-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Annals of the Academy of Medicine of Singapore published an article by Indonesia Health Minister providing account of events that led the Indonesian government to cease its practice of sharing viral isolates with WHO.
    Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:33:40 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-07-18-indonesiaexplainshaltvirussharing.html

  22. AHLA Issues Checklist on Pandemic Legal Preparedness for Healthcare Providers (07-18-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA) recently released the document, Community Pan-Flu Preparedness: A Checklist of Key Legal Issues for Healthcare Providers.
    Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:20:10 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-07-18-ahlacklstpanlegelprep.html

  23. New Study Suggests Healthy Young Adults Should Receive Greatest Priority for Vaccine in Flu Pandemic (07-18-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases argues that limited quantities of pandemic influenza vaccine should be reserved for those who are expected to experience the greatest years of life lost: healthy young adults.
    Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:00:02 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-07-18-yngadultspriorityvacflu.html

  24. AHRQ Releases Report on Home Healthcare During a Pandemic (07-11-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The HHS Agency for Healthcare, Research and Quality (AHRQ) released a report on the issues and resources associated with Home Healthcare During a Pandemic.
    Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:05:16 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-07-11-ahrqrpthomehealthpan.html

  25. Maker of Tamiflu Announces Program to Encourage Corporate Stockpiling of Antivirals (06-27-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Roche U.S.A. announced the introduction of a flexible program to allow U.S. businesses to purchase and maintain access to their own stockpiles of the antiviral drug Tamiflu (oseltamivir) for use during an influenza pandemic.
    Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:53:16 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-06-27-mkrtamifluprogcorpstock.html

  26. H5N1 News: Australia Approves Vaccine; Sanofi to Donate to WHO Stockpile; HHS Contracts to Develop Rapid Diagnostic Tests (06-20-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Australia approves H5N1 vaccine Panvax, developed by CSL Limited; Sanofi to donate to WHO stockpile to help poor countries; HHS contracts to develop low-cost rapid diagnostic tests for influenza.
    Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:38:02 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-06-20-h5n1newsaustraliasanofihhs.html

  27. Study Shows Positive Clinical Results for Whole Virus H5N1 Vaccine Grown in Cell Culture (06-20-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: NEJM published results from a randomized clinical trial of whole virus H5N1 avian flu vac that was produced in cell-culture. Two doses of unadjuvanted vac produced evidence of a positive immune response for 3 clades of H5N1 virus.
    Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:19:16 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-06-20-positiveresultsh5n1vac.html

  28. Indonesia Reduces H5N1 Case Reporting to Once Every 6 Months, Accuses Baxter of Delaying Vaccine (06-13-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: A Reuters article describes Indonesia's new avian influenza reporting policy, which will now require human cases of avian influenza to be reported once every six months rather than immediately upon recognition.
    Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:00:17 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/international_biosecurity/2008-06-13-indonesiareducesh5n1reportng.html

  29. India Imports Anthrax Vaccine, Bangladesh Expands Bird Flu Program (06-13-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Times of India reported that a company in India has imported 200 doses of Biothrax, the only anthrax vaccine approved by the FDA. Xinhua News Agency reported that neighboring Bangladesh is expanding its bird flu prep programs.
    Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:45:39 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/international_biosecurity/2008-06-13-indiaanthrxvacbangladesh.html

  30. Study Suggests H7 Avian Influenza Viruses are Developing Greater Ability to Infect Humans (06-06-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: PNAS published a study by Belser and colleagues which provides evidence that a recent H7 strain of avian influenza A virus has acquired a trait which could allow for increased disease transmission among humans.
    Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:11:13 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-06-06-h7flugrtrabilinfecthumans.html

  31. HHS Releases Pandemic Flu Draft Guidances for Public Comment (06-06-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: HHS issued a Notice of Availability of Draft Guidances to Assist in Preparation for an Influenza Pandemic. These new draft guidance documents are for review and comment by the public and "interested stakeholders."
    Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:48:50 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/2008-06-06-hhspanfludraftguide.html

  32. WHO Document Guides Strategic Use of H5N1 Vaccine and Vaccine Stockpile (05-23-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On May 16, 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a document that discusses options for human use of H5N1 influenza vaccine as well as options for use of the WHO H5N1 vaccine stockpile.
    Fri, 23 May 2008 19:55:13 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/countrmeasr_dev/2008/2008-05-23-whoguideh5n1vacstock.html

  33. EU Grants Marketing License for Pre-Pandemic Flu Vaccine (05-23-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Associated Press reported that GlaxoSmithKline has been granted a marketing license by the European Commission to begin distributing the first "pre-pandemic" influenza vaccine to hit the European market.
    Fri, 23 May 2008 19:40:34 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/countrmeasr_dev/2008/2008-05-23-eulicenseprepanfluvac.html

  34. Indonesia to Share H5N1 Data with New GISAID Database (05-16-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On May 16, 2008, health officials from Indonesia announced that the republic would begin sharing information about H5N1 cases with a new global database known as the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID).
    Fri, 16 May 2008 19:44:05 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-05-16-indonesiashareh5n1gisaid.html

  35. OSHA Seeks Public Comment on Workplace Stockpiling Guidance (05-16-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: OSHA of the U.S. Department of Labor released proposed guidance on workplace stockpiling of facemasks and respirators for pandemic influenza and is seeking public comment.
    Fri, 16 May 2008 19:32:26 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/2008-05-16-oshapubcomntworkstckpile.html

  36. HHS Spends $192.5 Million on H5N1 Vaccine (05-02-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: CIDRAP reported that the HHS purchased $192.5 million worth of clade 2.2 H5N1 vaccine from sanofi pasteur. The purchase will provide 6.4 to 38.5 million doses of the vaccine to the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).
    Mon, 05 May 2008 16:20:01 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/2008-05-02-hhsspends192mh5n1vaccine.html

  37. HHS Secretary Visits Indonesia, Links U.S. Lab Restrictions to International H5N1 Virus-Sharing Impasse (04-25-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: CIDRAP News reports the HHS stated that Indonesia appears to be linking the restriction of work at a U.S. laboratory in Jakarta with the ongoing international H5N1 virus-sharing impasse.
    Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:40:03 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/international_biosecurity/2008-04-25-hhssecretaryindonesia.html

  38. ASTHO Releases Draft Guidance for Protecting At-Risk Populations during a Pandemic (04-18-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) released draft planning guidance to help state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments address the needs of at-risk populations during a flu pandemic.
    Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:18:20 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/community_engage/2008-04-18-asthodraftguideprotect.html

  39. Japan Receives Approval for Pre-Pandemic Vaccination, H5N1 Outbreaks in South Korea and Russia (04-18-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Government-appointed experts backed a proposal for pre-pandemic vaccination of healthcare workers in Japan. S. Korea officials confirmed H5N1 at a fourth farm in Yeongam. Russia has had recent avian outbreaks in the Primorye region.
    Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:10:10 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/international_biosecurity/2008-04-18-japanapproveprepanvac.html

  40. H5N1 Vaccine Adjuvant Patch Enters Phase II Trials (04-18-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Reuters reported that Iomai, a small Gaithersburg, MD, biotechnology company, received "U.S. [Department of Health and Human Services] approval..." to begin phase II clinical trials testing "a bird flu skin patch on more people."
    Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:55:36 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/countrmeasr_dev/2008/2008-04-18-h5n1vacadjuvantpatchphase2.html

  41. H5N1 Vaccine Approved for Humans in China, Vietnam Begins Human Vaccine Trials (04-04-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Sinovac, a China-based biopharmaceutical company, announced approval of a production license in China for its human vaccine Panflu. Reuters reported that Vietnam has begun clinical trials on a human vaccine for H5N1 virus, VN1194.
    Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:34:40 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/international_biosecurity/2008-04-04-h5n1vacapprvchinaviettrials.html

  42. Study Calls Attention to the Importance of Minimizing Disparities in Pandemic Planning (04-04-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: A new study published by Emerging Infectious Diseases describes the specific "ways in which different socioeconomic and racial/ethnic groups might fare differently in an influenza pandemic..."
    Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:31:56 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-04-04-studyminimizedisparities.html

  43. USAID Creates a Regional Stockpile of Equipment in Thailand to Control Bird Flu (03-28-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Agence France Presse reported that U.S. officials have created in Thailand's eastern province of Chachoengsao, a "regional" stockpile of personal protective and diagnostic equipment protective materials for battling avian influenza.
    Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:02:28 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-03-28-usaidstockequipthailand.html

  44. HHS Releases Fifth Pandemic Planning Update (03-28-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On March 17, 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued Pandemic Planning Update V, which outlines progress made in U.S. pandemic influenza planning.
    Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:52:03 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-03-28-hhs5thpanplanupdate.html

  45. Vietnam to Test H5N1 Vaccine in Humans, New Warnings of H5N1's Pandemic Potential in Indonesia (03-21-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Reuters reported Vietnam will begin human trials of an H5N1 avian influenza vaccine. In related news, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization warns that the H5N1 virus could "mutate and cause a human influenza pandemic."
    Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:43:23 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/international_biosecurity/2008-03-21-vieth5n1vactestindonesia.html

  46. CDC/HHS Hold Pandemic Flu Exercises (03-21-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: In January 2007, the CDC began a series of exercises to determine the types of challenges that may arise in the early stages of an influenza pandemic. CIDRAP News reported the CDC recently held the fourth exercise in this series.
    Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:41:10 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-03-21-cdchhspanfluexercises.html

  47. HHS Issues New Guidance for State Pandemic Influenza Operating Plans (03-21-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Federal Guidance to Assist States in Improving State-Level Pandemic Influenza Operating Plans was released, detailing progress made by states as well as the need for better guidance from the U.S. Government.
    Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:38:57 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/2008-03-21-hhsguidestatepanfluop.html

  48. National Governors Association Evaluates States' Pandemic Preparedness (03-14-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On February 28, 2008, the National Governors Association, Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) released an interim report to evaluate the level of pandemic preparedness of states.
    Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:52:08 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-03-14-natlgovassocevalpanprep.html

  49. Indonesia Sends H5N1 Samples to CDC, No Evidence of Mutation Reported (03-07-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: As reported in a CIDRAP News story, Indonesian health officials have announced that H5N1 virus samples sent by the Health Ministry to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "showed no signs of dangerous mutations."
    Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:14:56 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-03-07-indonesiah5n1samplescdc.html

  50. Anthrax Outbreak follows Bird Flu Outbreak in West Bengal (02-15-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Bans lifted on poultry sales in West Bengal, India, following serious H5N1 flu outbreak in South Asia. Also, anthrax infection was confirmed in cows in West Bengal and two neighboring states.
    Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:27:33 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-02-15-anthraxbirdflubengal.html

  51. USDA OIG Makes Recommendations for Agency Pandemic Planning (02-15-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: USDA OIG says USDA "has made significant progress in developing or revising policies and procedures to detect, contain, and eradicate highly pathogenic avian influenza," but problems remain with ability to manage, report outbreaks.
    Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:14:37 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-02-15-usdaoigrecommendpanplan.html

  52. Flu Season Marked by Vaccine Mismatch, Antiviral Resistance in Europe (02-15-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: CDC reports seasonal flu more severe than last 2 years and a mismatch between this year's vac and two of predominant strains of flu. Europe reports unexpected emergence of H1N1 virus with a decreased sensitivity to oseltamivir.
    Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-02-15-fluvacmismatchresisteurope.html

  53. Study Suggests Increase of H5N1 Subclinical Infections (02-01-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: One of the topics covered during a recent flu conference was a Cambodian study that tested 674 people exposed to H5N1 and found that seven of those who were tested already had antibodies for the virus, suggesting previous infection.
    Fri, 01 Feb 2008 20:40:24 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-02-01-studyincreaseh5n1subclinicalinfections.html

  54. WHO Launches Database to Track H5N1 Virus Samples; India Reports Difficulties Controlling H5N1 in Bengal (01-25-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Canadian Press reports the WHO has created an electronic database to track the H5N1 influenza viruses provided to international laboratories. Also, authorities in Bengal, India admitted falling behind in H5N1 battle.
    Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:53:24 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-01-25-whotracksh5n1samplesindiacntrl.html

  55. Gates Foundation Awards $39 Million to Develop Flu Vaccines for Resource Poor Countries (01-18-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: PATH, an international, non-profit organization, announced a $39 million award from the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation to launch the rapid development of flu vaccines and "innovative vaccine technologies" for developing nations.
    Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:35:13 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-01-18-gatesawardsmillionsfluvac.html

  56. ACLU Advocates Changes to Government Pandemic Plans, Enters into Dialogue with HHS (01-18-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The ACLU identifies concerns about a perceived shift in pandemic planning strategy in the post-Sept 11 era which, according to the ACLU, has moved away from a public health focus and toward a law enforcement/nat'l security focus.
    Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:30:03 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-01-18-acluadvocateschanges.html

  57. WHO Update on Human H5N1 Infections (01-18-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Writing Committee of the Second WHO Consultation on Clinical Aspects of Human Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus published a review article in the NEJM providing updated info on human cases of H5N1 infection.
    Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:22:11 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-01-18-whoupdateh5n1infections.html

  58. Nations Pledge $406 Million to Fight Avian Flu, EU Bans Poultry from Poland Following H5N1 Outbreak (12-14-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: A donation of $406 million pledged by 9 countries was announced at the New Delhi International Ministerial Conference on Avian and Pandemic Influenza. Also, Reuters reports EU expected to extend ban on poultry and eggs from Poland.
    Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:48:38 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-12-14-nationspledge406millionflueubanpoultrypoland.html

  59. HHS Announces an Extra $75 Million for State/Local Pandemic Preparedness (08-31-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: HHS Secretary Leavitt announced that his department is making available an additional $75 million for "states, territories and four metropolitan areas to help strengthen their capacity to respond to a pandemic influenza outbreak."
    Wed, 12 Dec 2007 19:02:05 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-08-31-hhsannouncesextra75milpanprep.html

  60. No Agreement Reached between WHO and Indonesia on Sharing H5N1 Samples (11-30-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On November 26, 2007, Reuters reported that last week's talks held by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva failed to yield an agreement from the Republic of Indonesia to resume sharing H5N1 influenza virus samples.
    Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:02:04 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-11-30-noagreewhoindonesiashareh5n1samples.html

  61. Study: Genetic Change in Amino Acid Could Lead to H5N1 Transmission Among Humans (10-12-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: A new study provides experimental evidence that a genetic change in a single amino acid may contribute to the ability of H5N1 to infect mammals, and may be key to eventual development of efficient human-to-human transmission.
    Fri, 12 Oct 2007 20:24:07 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-10-12-studygeneticchangeleadtoh5n1transmission.html

  62. Scientists Concerned Antivirals in Treated Waste Water May Lead to Resistant Flu Strains (10-05-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: PLoS One published a study online raising questions about potential for influenza A viruses to develop resistance to antiviral drug oseltamivir, due to the presence of the active form of the drug found in post-treatment waste water.
    Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:36:03 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-10-05-scientistsconcernedantiviralstreatwastewtr.html

  63. GAO Identifies Shortcomings in Coordination of Federal Pandemic Preparedness Efforts (09-14-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The GAO released a review of federal pandemic influenza preparedness activities entitled Influenza Pandemic: Further Efforts are Needed to Ensure Clearer Federal Leadership Roles and an Effective National Strategy.
    Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:29:19 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-09-14-gaoshortcomingsfedpandemicprep.html

  64. New Study Examines Ways to Raise Influenza Vaccination Rates Among Hard-to-Reach Populations (08-24-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: In July 2007, the Journal of Urban Health published a study that finds that most pandemic preparedness plans fail to consider the specific challenges of distributing influenza drugs and vaccines to hard-to-reach populations.
    Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:46:00 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/community_engage/content/2007-08-24-studyexamsraisefluvachardreachpop.html

  65. Lower Dose of Vaccine Administered to Broader Population May Reduce Total Number Infected in a Pandemic (06-29-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: A paper published PLoS Medicine suggests that infection rates during a flu pandemic could be reduced if more people were vaccinated with lower doses of vaccine rather than if a lesser number of people are vaccinated with full doses.
    Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:50:23 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/countrmeasr_dev/content/2007/2007-06-29-lowerdoseofvaccine.html

  66. Scientists Fear H7N2 Influenza a Threat to Human Health (06-22-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: According to a Science Daily report, scientists in the United Kingdom believe that, in addition to the H5N1 influenza strain, a second strain of avian flu (H7N2) may pose a significant threat to humans.
    Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:53:54 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-06-22-scientistsfearh7n2fluthreat.html

  67. Wales Confirms Human H7N2 Infection; Experts Warn that Other Strains Could Cause a Pandemic (06-01-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The World Health Organization reported that the United Kingdom Health Protection Agency has confirmed that 4 individuals exposed to infected poultry in Conwy, Wales have tested positive for infection with the H7N2 influenza virus.
    Fri, 01 Jun 2007 20:53:38 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-06-01-waleshumanh7n2infection.html

  68. Study Finds Human Antibodies Protect Mice from H5N1 (06-01-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: A study released in Public Library of Science (PloS) Medicine found that antibodies derived from humans who have recovered from infection with H5N1 influenza can be successful in treating and preventing H5N1 infection in mice.
    Fri, 01 Jun 2007 20:52:40 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-06-01-studyhumanantibodiesprotectmice.html

  69. Prior Immunity to Seasonal Flu May be Partial Protection H5N1 (02-16-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: In the February 2007 edition of the Public Library of Science (PLoS) Medicine journal, a study investigated whether immunity to the human seasonal influenza strain, H1N1, may confer immunity to the avian influenza virus, H5N1.
    Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:16:00 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-02-16-researchpriorimmunityflu.html

  70. Indonesia to Share Virus for Vaccine; New H5N1 Cases in Turkey, Egypt (02-16-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On Feb 16, 2007 the AP reported that Indonesia will share H5N1 virus samples with WHO only if developing countries are guaranteed equal access to affordable vaccine once it is produced. Also, Turkey and Egypt report H5N1.
    Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:13:00 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-02-16-indonesiasharesampforvac.html

  71. Americans Believe Nation Is Unprepared for Flu Pandemic, Bioterror Attack (02-09-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: A Trust for America�s Health (TFAH) survey conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research reveals that concern among Americans about biological and chemical terrorism has increased during the last year.
    Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:51:00 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-02-09-americansbelievenationunprepared.html

  

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