FAO announced today that, though H5N1 avian flu has been confirmed in 45 countries, "efforts to combat the disease on poultry farms are slowly proving successful on many fronts. But vigorous response to outbreaks in this region [Asia], particularly in Thailand, Viet Nam and China, appears to have reduced the transmission of the disease from poultry to humans, according to Joseph Domenech," the FAO's chief veterinary officer.
Looks like this success can't last when the Qinghai strain moves east.
From Dr. Niman:
These data indicate all six reported human cases in China are closely related to the Fujian strain as are the recent isolates from Malaysia and Laos. The report also showed that all of the human cases as well as two chicken sequences (A/CK/Hunan/21/05 and A/CK/Lianoning/23/05) had sequences indicating they would be sensitive to M2 ion channel blockers (Amantadine and Rimantidine) and neuraminidase inhibitors (Tamiflu and Relenza).
Looks like this success can't last when the Qinghai strain moves east.
From Dr. Niman:
These data indicate all six reported human cases in China are closely related to the Fujian strain as are the recent isolates from Malaysia and Laos. The report also showed that all of the human cases as well as two chicken sequences (A/CK/Hunan/21/05 and A/CK/Lianoning/23/05) had sequences indicating they would be sensitive to M2 ion channel blockers (Amantadine and Rimantidine) and neuraminidase inhibitors (Tamiflu and Relenza).