Avian influenza: Faced with uncertainty, scientists come up with stronger preventive measures
FAO
May 31, 2006

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More investment in research on risks from wild birds migrations recommended, poultry trade worrisome, information reporting and improvement encouraged: this is what emerged from a press conference by organizers and members of the Scientific Committee, representing both FAO and OIE. (The following are mp3 files available at the above link.)

1. On the Americas with Dr. Juan Lubroth, Head, FAO Infectious Disease Group / EMPRES
2. On Africa with Joseph Domenech, Chief Veterinary, FAO Animal Health Service
3. On the current situation of the poultry trade sector with Joseph Domenech
4. Vaccination needs with Dr Christianne Bruschke, OIE Coordinator AI taskforce

Human Transmission Feared in Bird Flu Deaths
National Public Radio: Day by Day
May 25, 2006

The so-called avian flu virus scientists have dubbed H5N1 has reportedly killed seven members of a family in Indonesia. World Health Organization officials are concerned the infection was passed through human contact. Alex Chadwick talks about the outbreak with Wall Street Journal reporter Nicholas Zamiska.

Romania maintains Bird-Flu Quarantines
National Public Radio: All Things Considered
May 24, 2006

Quarantines meant to halt the spread of bird flu in Bucharest have been scaled back, but some neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city are still under lockdown. On Monday, city officials quarantined thousands of residents in response to growing numbers of bird-flu reports centered about 100 miles north of the capital. Melissa Block talks with Radu Tudor of Romania's Jurnalul National newspaper.

WHO Monitors Bird Flu in Sumatra
National Public Radio: All Things Considered
May 24, 2006

The World Health Organization says it will not raise its flu pandemic alert level, despite reports of several cases of bird flu in an Indonesian family. But the agency is watching the situation closely to determine whether bird flu is being passed from human to human in North Sumatra.

Protecting Chickens from Avian Flu
National Public Radio: Day by Day
May 22, 2006

Are backyard chickens the great American bird flu threat? A poultry expert weighs in on how people who keep flocks of chickens at home in the United States can protect their birds -- and their families and neighbors -- from the threat of avian flu.

Researchers Fan Out to Find Bird Flu in Alaska
National Public Radio: Morning Edition
May 19, 2006

The first migratory birds from Asia are showing up in Alaska, where the federal government is spending millions to detect H5N1, the strain of avian influenza many fear could mutate into a deadly form that can spread among humans. The virus has already killed millions of birds and at least 100 people in Asia alone.

Vital Businesses Prepare for Flu Pandemic
National Public Radio: Morning Edition
May 3, 2006

One goal of the White House's flu plan is to help businesses that provide necessities such as food, power and cash stay up and running during a pandemic. But business experts say that keeping the supply lines open could be a major challenge.