Canada Buys Buys Avian Flu Vaccine Doses as the Virus Continues to Spread
The Public Health Agency of Canada purchased 500,000 doses of vaccine to protect humans against Avian Flu (also known as bird flu). “This vaccine will be used as part of Canada’s contingency planning to protect people who may be at increased risk of being exposed to the virus through animals infected with avian influenza,” the health agency said. The PHAC added that 60% of the doses be given to the various provinces and territories, and the remaining 40% will go to the national stockpile.
US Confirms Avian Flu in Rats for First Time
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has detected Avian Flu (bird flu) in rats for the first time. USDA previously found the virus in mice on farms experiencing outbreaks. The infected rats were found near two California poultry farms that suffered bird flu outbreaks in their flocks. The USDA also announced bird flu detections in several other species, including a fox in North Dakota, a seal in Massachusetts, a bobcat in Washington state, and a domesticated cat in Oregon. Experts warn that the more Avian Flu circulates uncontrolled in animals and people, the greater the risk that the virus will land on a mutation that makes it dangerous to humans.
