Tag

Ferrets

All articles tagged with #ferrets

health5 months ago•6 min saved

Seasonal flu immunity shields against severe bird flu in ferrets

A new study suggests that prior immunity from H1N1 influenza may provide some protection against the severe effects of H5N1 bird flu in humans, based on experiments in ferrets. While this offers hope that a potential H5N1 pandemic might be less deadly, experts caution that the virus's ability to evolve and other factors mean the threat remains significant. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of cross-protection and the ongoing risk of H5N1.

via statnews.com|

#bird-flu #ferrets #h1n1

health2 years ago•6 min saved

Animal-to-Human Virus Transmission: Latest Research Findings.

Virologists have discovered that bird flu spreads efficiently in ferrets, raising concerns that it could cause another pandemic. The H5N1 strain of avian influenza, which is currently sweeping the world, does not transmit easily between humans, but the research found that it could cause lethal disease in multiple mammalian species. Mutations to the virus that make mammal-to-mammal transmission easier could change that, some experts fear. Governments are being urged to take immediate action by seeking out and mobilizing all high-potential production capacity for vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of avian influenza H5N1.

via Daily Mail|

#bird-flu #ferrets #health

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Animal flu viruses evolving to infect humans, warn scientists

The bird flu virus has been found to spread efficiently between ferrets in a laboratory, raising concerns about the potential for the virus to jump to humans. The recent deaths of many animals, including sea lions, have previously suggested that the virus can spread from mammal to mammal. The study suggests that some strains of H5N1 with certain adaptations may be spreading. The risk for humans is increasing as there is a lot of virus in poultry and wild birds. The findings highlight the importance of global intelligence sharing to track and monitor these viruses as they spread more widely and potentially amongst species.

via The Telegraph|

#bird-flu #ferrets #health