Bird flu in Japan
Japan is an island country located in East Asia. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, its closest neighbours are China, Korea and Russia. It is a constitutional monarchy, with and emperor and an elected parliament. Encompassing over 3,000 islands, Japan has a vast cultural history and is also one of the most technologically advanced countries, being the second largest economy and the sixth largest exporter and importer in the world.
Saturday, January 27th, 2007
An avian influenza bird flu was reported at a poultry farm in the southwestern part of Japan. So far there have been no reported cases of infections to humans, but local officials have already began preparations to cull all the 50,000 birds located on the farm. A similar number of birds will be culled at a farm nearby. Early tests had revealed that the birds were infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 variant of the bird flu virus.
Posted in Japan
Monday, July 31st, 2006
Researchers at the Hokkaido University and Shiga University of Medical Science, in Japan, are preparing to start a six-month study on a vaccine which is believed will be effective against the highly pathogenic H5N1 form of the bird flu virus. Its effectiveness will be tested through the inoculation of the virus in groups of both vaccinated and unvaccinated monkeys. The study is expected to bring clarification on certain aspects concerning the strain’s infection mechanism and lead the way for a universal human vaccine. One professor at Shiga University says that although the effects of the virus on mice and chickens is known, it is not yet clear what exactly happens to infected monkeys. As these animals have immune system cells very similar to those of humans, it is hoped that the study will be of use in developing prevention measures against a possible infection to human beings.
Posted in Japan
