Human infection with influenza A (H7N9) virus - Outbreak in China

The National Health and Family Planning Commission notified WHO of an additional five laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus. Of the latest laboratory-confirmed cases, three are from Zhejiang and two from Shanghai.... Full story

The systemic inflammatory response and failure of multiple organ systems are syndromes that result from an inappropriate and generalized inflammatory response to stimuli, which may or may not result from an infectious process. Although it appears that the phagocytic activation of the monocyte / macrophage cell lineage is directly responsible for the development of clinical signs and symptoms, identifying the bacteria and neutralizing their toxins has not drastically changed the outcomes of patients affected by these syndromes. As a result, current management strategies and research efforts have been directed at addressing infectious and noninfectious causes and identifying effective ways of modulating the associated immunemediated responses. The pathophysiology of these inflammatory based syndromes has not been clarified in people or lab animal models, and very little original work has been produced in the horse. A generally accepted summary of these conditions is that bacteria or their endotoxins, or both, induce and sustain a marked inflammatory response by the host, which eventually overwhelms sensitive organs and often results in a fatal outcome.... Full story

Duck virus enteritis (DVE) is a highly contagious disease of waterfowl caused by a herpes virus that causes internal bleeding and severe diarrhea and kills many infected birds. Reproductive impairment may also occur, causing further losses in the population. Domestic and wild ducks, geese and swans are susceptible. It has been characterized as an acute disease; however, chronic or latent infections must be considered as a possibility. Susceptibility to DVE seems to vary with age, management practices and the presence of concurrent disease agents. DVE does not infect humans.... Full story

Ranikhet disease (RD) is the most common, the most widely prevalent, and economically the most important viral disease of poultry. It is a very severe, sudden, and rapidly spreading disease; and may be seen from 6th to 7th day onward up to 72 weeks. It occurs throughout the year, but is most common in the summer.... Full story