In China, a novel avian-origin reassortant influenza A(H7N9) virus has been detected in a number of human cases [1]. In response to the potential cross-border health threat associated with emerging disease caused by the appearance of the novel virus, European laboratories need to be aware of the novel virus and adapt and confirm their diagnostic capability to detect and identify it. This docume...

Due to the recent emergence of H5N1 virus, the modelling of pandemic influenza has become a relevant issue. Here we present an SEIR model formulated to simulate a possible outbreak in Italy, analysing its structure and, more generally, the effect of including specific details into a model. These details regard population heterogeneities, such as age and spatial distribution, as well as stochast...

Three epidemic waves of human influenza A(H7N9) were documented in several different provinces in China between 2013 and 2015. With limited understanding of the potential for human-to-human transmission, it was difficult to implement control measures efficiently or to inform the public adequately about the application of interventions. In this study, the human-to-human transmission rate for the...

We report serologic evidence of avian influenza infection in 1 duck hunter and 2 wildlife professionals with extensive histories of wild waterfowl and game bird exposure. Two laboratory methods showed evidence of past infection with influenza A/H11N9, a less common virus strain in wild ducks, in these 3 persons.

To determine potential risk for bird-to-human transmission during influenza A virus (H5N1) outbreaks among backyard poultry in rural Cambodia, we collected environmental specimens. Viral RNA was detected in 27 (35%) of 77 specimens of mud, pond water, water plants, and soil swabs. Our results underscore the need for regular disinfection of poultry areas.

The effects of vitamin A (VitA) deficiency on the host intestinal immune response and disease susceptibility to coccidiosis were investigated in broiler chickens following oral infection with Eimeria acervulina (EA). Day-old male broilers were fed milo-soybean meal diets either with 8,000 IU VitA/kg feed (CONT) or without added VitA (A-DEF). At 25 d, a group of randomly selected birds from each...

The swarm intelligence is becoming a hot topic. The flocking of birds is a natural phenomenon, which is formed and organized without central or external controls for some benefits (e.g., reduction of energy consummation). However, the flocking also has some negative effects on the human, as the infectious disease H7N9 will easily be transmited from the denser flocking birds to the human. Zombie...

The customary slaughter method of birds killed for human consumption involves the stunning of several live birds at one time using electrical water baths supplied with constant voltages. The birds are hung upside-down on shackles prior to conveyance through the electrified bath. This system, which is used globally, is increasingly under scrutiny as research suggests that it can be both inhumane...

This research was conducted to describe the therapeutic effect of ivermectin and piperazine citrate on blood profile in commercial layer birds and rural poultry. Two experiments named 1 and 2 were performed representing commercial layer birds and rural poultry respectively. Each experiment was consisted of 4 groups of 15 birds each named A, B, C, D, (Experiment No 1) and W, X, Y and Z (Experime...