CDC FluView: 1 Novel (H3N2v) Flu Case Reported – Minnesota

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From this week’s FluView report we’ve news of the third novel flu detection in the United States for 2015, which should serve as a reminder that good farm biosecurity needs to extend beyond just the chicken coop and into the other barns as well.

The two previoius cases this year were both swine variant H1N1v, with one case (fatal) report last May from Ohio (see FluView Week 17: Fatal Swine Variant (H1N1v) Case In Ohio) and one mild case from Minnesota reported in late January (see FluView Week 3: Senior Hospitalizations Soar & H1N1v In Minnesota).

This from today’s FluView Report.

 

Novel Influenza A Viruses:

One human infection with a novel influenza A virus was reported by the state of Minnesota. The person was infected with an influenza A (H3N2) variant (H3N2v) virus and was hospitalized as a result of their illness. No human-to-human transmission has been identified and the case reported close contact with swine in the week prior to illness onset.

Early identification and investigation of human infections with novel influenza A viruses are critical so that risk of infection can be more fully appreciated and appropriate public health measures can be taken. Additional information on influenza in swine, variant influenza infection in humans, and strategies to interact safely with swine can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/index.htm.

 

The CDC describes Swine Variant viruses in their Key Facts FAQ.

What is a variant influenza virus?

When an influenza virus that normally circulates in swine (but not people) is detected in a person, it is called a “variant influenza virus.” For example, if a swine origin influenza A H3N2 virus is detected in a person, that virus will be called an “H3N2 variant” virus or “H3N2v” virus.

 

Up until about six years ago the CDC only received 1 or 2 swine variant infection reports each year.  In 2010, that number jumped to 8, and in 2011 to 12.  In 2012 we saw more than 300 cases – mostly mild - and nearly all associated with exposure to pigs at state and local agricultural fairs. 

 

The number of detections has dropped off markedly the past couple of years, but we continue to see sporadic cases. 

 

While occasional cases are not particularly alarming, we keep an eye on these viruses because they belong to the same subtypes as do human flus (H1, H2 & H3), and presumably would  need less of an evolutionary leap to adapt to humans than avian flu strains. 

 

The CDC’s FAQ states:

 

Why are human infections with variant viruses of concern?

Influenza viruses that infect pigs may be different from human influenza viruses. Thus, influenza vaccines made against human influenza viruses are generally not expected to protect people from influenza viruses that normally circulate in pigs. In addition, because pigs are susceptible to avian, human and swine influenza viruses, they potentially may be infected with influenza viruses from different species (e.g., ducks and humans) at the same time. If this happens, it is possible for the genes of these viruses to mix and create a new virus that could spread easily from person-to-person. This type of major change in the influenza A viruses is known as antigenic shift. Antigenic shift results when a new influenza A virus to which most people have little or no immune protection infects humans. If this new virus causes illness in people and can be transmitted easily from person-to-person, an influenza pandemic can occur. This is what happened in 2009 when an influenza A H1N1 virus with swine, avian and human genes emerged in the spring of 2009 and caused the first pandemic in more than 40 years.

 

For more on swine variant influenza, you may wish to revisit:

 

Keeping Our Eyes On The Prize Pig

Waiting For The Next Flu To Drop

Fair Biosecurity & H3N2 In North Dakota Show Pigs

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APHIS Releases Updated HPAI Epidemiology Report

 

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On June 15th APHIS  released a 38-page partial epidemiology report on the spread of HPAI H5 across the United States (see APHIS: Partial Epidemiology Report On HPAI H5 In The US) that cited a number of plausible factors that might explain the rapid spread of the HPAI between farms, particularly in the Midwest.

 

While investigators had been unable to find one or even a group of factors that satisfactorily explain this AI spread, factors under consideration included movement of poultry, poultry products, equipment and personnel between farms and the possibility that prevailing winds may have carried contaminated dust particles from farm to farm.

 

Today APHIS has released an updated – 99 page PDF – Epidemiological Report that contains a great deal more information – including details of a case-control study -  but does not nail down any `specific pathway or pathways for the current spread of the virus’.

 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Releases Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Epidemiology Report

Published: Jul 24, 2015

 

July 21, 2015—The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today released an updated highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) epidemiology report.  

The report has been updated to include:

1. interpretation of data from 81 turkey flocks investigated for HPAI;
2. preliminary results from a case-control study conducted in layer operations in Iowa and Nebraska; and,
3. preliminary results of a study of wildlife near affected and unaffected premises.

The updated report can be read here, http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_dis_spec/poultry/downloads/Epidemiologic-Analysis-July-15-2015.pdf.

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – UPDATED

For the past several months, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has conducted epidemiological investigations and other studies with the goal of identifying transmission pathways of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This report includes updates to the report released by APHIS on June 5, 2015.

With the data from both reports, APHIS concludes that there is not substantial or significant enough evidence to point to a specific pathway or pathways for the current spread of the virus. This edition of the report includes data on the characteristics and biosecurity measures of infected turkey farms and a case control study to compare these measures between infected and non-infected farms. We have also sampled wildlife near affected and unaffected farms.

In a case series investigating 81 turkey farms across the Midwestern United States, we found turkey farms typically follow biosecurity protocols, which are established by the company with which they work. Common procedures include spraying vehicle tires with disinfectant at the farm entrance, requiring visitors and employees to wear coveralls and disposable boot covers (or dedicated footwear) before entering the barns, using disinfectant footbaths at barn entrances, using rodent control, and caring for younger birds before caring for older birds. The objective is to establish a clean-dirty line where outside contaminants are not carried into the barn.

Fomites, such as equipment, are probably playing a role in this outbreak. In the majority of cases in this study, feed trucks, live haul loaders, pre-loaders, and other items were shared by multiple farms. While equipment sharing makes  economical and logistical sense, it also increases the risk of lateral spread of HPAI between farms. Wild birds, another possible route of disease transmission, were observed inside barns on 35 percent of the farms, with the frequency ranging from daily to occasionally.

While most of the 81 farms surveyed had biosecurity protocols in place, only 43% of case farms reported that biosecurity audits or assessments were conducted on the farm by the company or a third party. Farms can decrease their HPAI risk by verifying that biosecurity procedures are being followed properly.

In a case-control study focused on egg layer flocks in Iowa and Nebraska, a number of risk factors for HPAI introduction and factors associated with lowering the risk of introduction were identified in our preliminary analysis.

• Factors associated with an increased risk of becoming infected with HPAI included being located within one of the 10-kilometer control zones; using rendering of dead birds as a disposal method; sharing of company trucks, trailers, bird removal and egg removal vehicles; sharing of equipment between farms like egg rack, pallets and flats; and visits by company service personnel who entered barns.
• Factors associated with a lowered risk of infection included being more than 100 yards from a public gravel or dirt road, having wash stations for vehicles on the farm, and being more than 100 miles from the egg processing facility used by the farm.

Also in this edition are preliminary results of a study of wildlife near affected and unaffected premises. Testing is ongoing on the over 2,600 samples collected.

APHIS will continue to investigate how the HPAI virus is introduced and spread and will provide updated results regularly. We are also collaborating with affected industries and States to implement more stringent biosecurity procedures while continuing to work on identifying and mitigating other possible disease pathways in poultry farms nationwide. With the results of this and the June 5 report, which included wind and airborne virus studies as possible causes of viral spread as well as a genetic analysis of the viruses detected in the United States, we have identified several possible pathways. Comprehensive and stringent biosecurity practices remain crucial to reducing the risk of HPAI infection.

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Grenada: Submarine Volcano Raised To Orange Alert

 
Credit Wikipedia

 

 

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Although we tend to think of hurricanes as the greatest natural disaster threat in the Caribbean, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have claimed hundreds of thousands of lives over the past 300 years.  The 2010 Haitian earthquake alone claimed 200,000+ lives, and the1902 eruption of Mount  Pelée on the northern end of the island  Martinique is believed to have killed as many as 30,000.

In 1995, a previously dormant volcano (Soufrière Hills ) on the island of Montserrat erupted and eventually buried the island's capital, Plymouth, in nearly 40 feet of mud and ash.  Although the damage was extensive, and half the island is now uninhabitable, there was enough warning to evacuate nearly all of the residents.

As we discussed last March, in The Caribbean’s Hidden Tsunami Potential (Revisited), the Caribbean has a long history of volcanic, seismic, and tsunami activity. 

 

One of the most active volcanoes of the past 100 years is a submerged seamount called Kick’em Jenny, which rises more than 4000 feet from the seafloor, yet its peak remains more than 500 feet below the surface.  

 

Between 1939 and 2001, at least 12 eruptions have been recorded, although many were so small to be only detectable by instruments.  It has remained pretty quiet for the past 14 years.

 

Yesterday, the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies issued an Alert, and a statement, regarding increased seismic activity in and around Kick’em Jenny.  For now, this is just an Alert, and there is no immediate threat.

 

Changed Alert Level at Kick 'em Jenny Submarine Volcano

Jul.23.2015

On Thursday, July 23rd from 1:25am to 3:00am local time, a strong continuous signal was observed on instruments monitoring the Kick ‘em Jenny submarine volcano. Signs of elevated seismicity (earthquakes) began on 11th July and continue to present. For the period since the 11th July a total of more than 200 micro and small earthquakes, of varying magnitudes, have been recorded, with the largest, prior to the strong signal, less than magnitude 3.0. There have also been observations from divers of degassing occurring off the west coast of Grenada in the Moliniere Sculpture Park area. This activity is being closely monitored by The UWI-SRC and further updates would be issued as more information becomes available.

Please be advised

Current Alert Level: Orange

No Tsunami Warning Issued

Jul.23.2015

The UWI-SRC wishes to advise that at this time no tsunami warning has been issued for Grenada or any other neighbouring islands of the Lesser Antilles. The alert level at the Kick ‘em Jenny volcano however, has been moved from yellow to orange which means that the exclusion zone around the submarine crater has been widened to 5km. This change of alert is in keeping with increased seismic activity which began on 11th July, 2015. A sharp increasing trend was observed during the 21st and 22nd July and between 1:25am and 3:00am on Thursday 23rd July, 2015 the most intense activity, an eruption was observed. The current alert level at Orange is related to the Kick ‘em Jenny volcano and guides authorities and those in Grenada and the surrounding Grenadine islands on what is appropriate at this level of activity. Mariners are therefore encouraged to observe the Exclusion Zone and not enter within a 5km radius of the Kick ‘em Jenny Crater. The UWI-SRC continues to monitor this volcano and will issue further updates as data come to hand.

 

The 1939 eruption – the largest observed – reportedly sent a plume of steam and debris several hundred meters into the air, and generated a moderate (2 meter) localized tsunami.  Large tsunamis are considered unlikely with a seamount volcano of this type and depth.

 

For an excellent description of the potential hazards – mostly to shipping and boating interests - you can visit the Seismic Research Centre’s:

Grenada - Kick `Em Jenny Hazards

Kick 'em Jenny is the source of a number of potential dangers. The most immediate and frequent danger is to marine vessels in the vicinity of the volcano during eruptions and during the 'quiet' periods between eruptions. The volcano lies directly beneath one of the main inter-island shipping routes and the area is popular both with recreational sailors and fishermen. For this reason Kick 'em Jenny is carefully monitored and a 1.5km exclusion zone around the summit of the volcano is currently in place. Although scientists continue to stress the improbability of an eruption generating a tsunami (a giant sea wave) this hazard also remains of great public concern.

(Continue . . . )

  

The Government of Grenada has issued as statement urging calm, stating that this volcano does not pose any significant threat to the island’s residents.

 

Increased activity at Kick em Jenny poses no significant threat to Coastal Residents

 ST. GEORGE'S, GRENADA, July 23, 2015 - GIS: The Seismic Research Centre, University of the West Indies says that renewed activity at the Kick em’ Jenny under water Volcano just off Grenada represents no significant threat to the coastal regions of nearby islands.

As a consequence there is no need to move people away from coastlines.

Lloyd Lynch, researcher at the Trinidad-based Centre briefed disaster management officials in Grenada Thursday afternoon.

He told an emergency meeting of the National Emergency Advisory Committee at NaDMA Headquarters that more minor eruptions can be expected before the system goes back to sleep.

But he noted that the undersea volcano remains well below the surface, which cancels out any threat of a major tsunami.

Earlier, the Seismic Research Centre issued an orange alert regarding the status of the Kick ‘em Jenny Volcano.

Orange alert means highly elevated level of seismic activities consistent with the small tremors which have been occurring over the past two weeks.

Orange alert also means that all ships must stay outside the five kilometer exclusion zone of Kick ‘em Jenny.

Currently, the volcano is most dangerous for ships and boats since the gases released by Kick ‘em Jenny can lower the density of the water causing them to sink even if it is not erupting.

The Seismic Centre of the UWI is constantly monitoring the situation, and should there be a change in the current status, immediate advisories will be issued.

The people of Grenada should be careful to take note of only official advisories on the matter, which if needed, will come from the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA).

Please note that there was no need for panic, and people should go about their daily lives as normal.

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Saudi MOH: 1 New MERS Case In Riyadh

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The Saudi MOH announced their 6th new MERS case in the past 4 days, five of which have hailed from Riyadh.  Unlike the others mentioned this week, this one reportedly had recent contact with an infected case.

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RESEP LAKSA KUAH AYAM BUMBU ONCOM KHAS BOGOR

Resep Laksa Bogor kuah ayam dengan bumbu oncom sebagai ciri khasnya. Ada banyak variasi laksa di nusantara, laksa oncom khas Bogor adalah salah satu di antaranya yang populer. Laksa Bogor merupakan variasi laksa lainnya dengan kuah enak bumbu oncom yang dihidangkan bersama bihun dan toge serta sangat cocok disajikan sebagai kuah lontong ataupun potongan ketupat.

Laksa ayam karena menggunakan ayam sebagai bahan kuahnya dan termasuk dalam cara membuat laksa enak dengan menggunakan bahan dan bumbu yang sederhana.

RESEP LAKSA BOGOR
Bahan dan bumbu :

• 500 gram daging ayam dicuci bersih, lumuri air perasan 1 buah jeruk nipis 15 menit
• 100 gram oncom dibakar lalu hancurkan
• 2 lembar daun salam
• 2 batang serai, ambil bagian putihnya lalu digeprek
• 2 bks (130 ml) santan kara
• 1 sdt garam
• 1 sdt gula pasir
• 1/2 sdt kaldu bubuk atau penyedap
• 1200 ml air
• minyak untuk menumis

Haluskan :

• 8 butir bawang merah
• 4 siung bawang putih
• 6 butir kemiri goreng
• 1 sdm ketumbar sangrai
• 4 cm kunyit

CARA MEMBUAT LAKSA :

1. Tumis bumbu halus, daun salam dan serai hingga harum lalu masukkan daging ayam. Aduk rata hingga setengah matang lalu masukkan air, garam, kaldu bubuk dan gula pasir.
2. Setelah ayam empuk dan matang, angkat daging ayam dan tiriskan lalu suwir-suwir setelah cukup dingin. Sementara kuah rebusannya ditambahkan dengan oncom bakar dan santan. Aduk-aduk rata agar santan tidak pecah dan matikan api setelah semuanya matang.
3. Siapkan mangkuk atau piring saji, letakkan bihun, toge dan suwiran ayam kemudian siram dengan kuahnya. Lengkapi penyajian dengan telur rebus dan daun kemangi serta sambal saat laksa dihidangkan.

Saran Penyajian :

• 3 buah telur rebus dibelah dua
• 100 gram toge disiram air panas, tiriskan
• 1 bks (130 gram) bihun direndam air panas, tiriskan
• daun kemangi dipetik daunnya saja
• bawang merah untuk taburan

Sambal : 10 buah cabe rawit merah, 1/4 sdt cuka, 1/4 sdt garam dan 100 ml air. Rebus cabe rawit dengan air secukupnya hingga layu, angkat dan tiriskan lalu haluskan atau blender dengan 100 ml air. Tambahkan garam dan cuka serta duk hingga rata.

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RESEP MANGUT LELE BUMBU KUNING PEDAS

Resep Mangut Lele goreng berkuah santan pedas kreasi bumbu kuning. Masakan yang diminati dengan bumbu mangutnya adalah mangut lele sebagai menu kuliner yang populer di jogja. Ikan lele merupakan salah satu variasi jenis ikan yang enak untuk dimasak dengan bumbu mangut baik lele goreng dan juga panggang atau ikan lele asap sehingga cita rasanya akan berbeda pula.

Pada kreasi sederhana kali ini, resep membuat mangut lele dengan kuah yang enak gurih dari kuah santan ini juga menggunakan variasi bumbu kuning serta perpaduan bumbu merah dengan rasa pedas yang tinggal disesuaikan selera dari jumlah cabenya sehingga membuatnya semakin lezat.

RESEP MANGUT LELE

Bahan dan bumbu mangut ikan lele :

• 1 kg ikan lele
• 1 buah jeruk nipis
• 2 buah serai digeprek
• 3 cm lengkuas digeprek
• 3 cm jahe
• 2 lembar daun salam
• 2 lembar daun jeruk
• 1 buah cabe merah besar dipotong-potong 2 cm
• 1 sdm gula merah
• 1 bungkus (65 ml) santan kara
• 500 ml air
• 1 sdt garam atau secukupnya
• 1/2 sdt kaldu bubuk atau penyedap
• minyak goreng

Haluskan :

• 6 butir bawang merah
• 3 siung bawang putih
• 5 butir kemiri sangrai
• 1 sdm ketumbar
• 1 jari kunyit
• 2 cm kencur
• 2 buah cabe merah keriting
• 5 buah cabe rawit merah setan

CARA MEMBUAT MANGUT LELE :

1. Bersihkan ikan termasuk bagian dalam ikan (isi perut) dan cuci bersih kemudian lumuri dengan air jeruk nipis dan garam secukupmya sekitar 15 menit. Goreng ikan hingga matang, angkat dan tiriskan lalu sisihkan.
2. Panaskan sedikit minyak lalu tumis bumbu halus, serai, daun salam, jahe, cabe merah, lengkuas dan daun jeruk hingga harum. Tuang air serta masukkan garam, kaldu bubuk dan gula merah, aduk rata.
3. Tuang santan dan aduk-aduk supaya santan tidak pecah, setelah mendidih masukkan ikan lele yang sudah digoreng tadi. Aduk rata lalu masak sekitar 5 menit hingga bumbu menyerap, matikan api dan siap untuk disajikan.

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RESEP GONGSO AYAM SUWIR BUMBU MERAH

RESEP GONGSO AYAM

Gongso kali ini menggunakan bahan ayam suwir serta dimasak secara sederhana dengan perpaduan bumbu kecap dan cebe merah sehingga memiliki cita rasa manis dan sedikit pedas. Salah satu variasi resep tumisan ayam suwir ini bisa menambah daftar cara memasak menu masakan rumahan yang enak untuk menu makan sehari-hari.

Gongso dikenal sebagai istilah memasak tumis bagi masyarakat jawa dengan bermacam-macam kreasi hingga variasi bahan yang digunakan tak terkecuali daging ayam. Beriktu resep memmbuat gongso ayam suwir yang enak dengan penggunaan bumbu-bumbu yang sederhana.

Bahan dan bumbu :

• 500 gram daging ayam
• 1 buah jeruk nipis
• 1 sendok makan saus tiram
• 4 sendok makan kecap manis
• 1 batang daun bawang
• 1/2 sendok teh garam
• 1/2 sendok teh merica bubuk
• 1/2 sendok teh kaldu bubuk atau penyedap
• 50 ml air
• minyak goreng secukupnya

Haluskan :

• 6 butir bawang merah
• 6 buah cabe merah besar
• 3 siung bawang putih
• 5 butir kemiri goreng

CARA MEMBUAT GONGSO AYAM BUMBU MERAH :

1. Cuci bersih daging ayam, lumuri dengan air jeruk nipis dan garam secukupnya kemudian goreng hingga matang. Angkat dan tiriskan lalu suwir-suwir, sisihkan dahulu.
2. Panaskan minyak, tumis bumbu halus hingga harum lalu masukkan saus tiram, kecap manis, daun bawang, garam, kaldu bubuk dan merica. Aduk hingga rata, setelah itu masak hingga bumbu meletup-letup dan kental.
3. Masukkan ayam suwir, aduk-aduk hingga tercampur rata dan menyerap serta mengering kemudian dan siap untuk disajikan.

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