Aitor Nogales González

An antiviral already on the market could be more effective than oseltamivir (Tamiflu) against avian influenza

A team in the US has tested the efficacy of baloxavir, an antiviral already on the market for treating common flu, against avian influenza in mice. The results, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, show that it is more effective than the currently recommended oseltamivir (Tamiflu) except when the infection is via the mouth, in which case it is equally effective. According to the authors, baloxavir ‘could be considered for the potential treatment of serious H5N1 virus infections in humans’.

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The H5N1 avian influenza virus is transmitted between mammals from contaminated cow's milk and reaches the mammary glands

The H5N1 avian influenza virus can be transmitted between mammals, according to a study published in Nature. The research team isolated the virus from the milk of an infected cow in New Mexico (USA) and found that it spreads in mice and ferrets, reaching the mammary glands of both animals. In addition, the virus was also transmitted from infected lactating mice to their offspring. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a press release on Monday recommending increased surveillance for these viruses.

 

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Reactions: WHO reports "unusual" deaths of cats infected with avian influenza virus in Poland

According to a statement issued Monday by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Poland has reported that "unusual" cat deaths have been found in several areas of the country. Of the 47 samples tested (46 from cats and one from a caracal, another type of feline), 29 were positive for the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The surveillance period for all contacts has now ended and no contacts have shown symptoms. According to WHO, "sporadic A(H5N1) infections of cats have been reported previously, but this is the first report of a large number of infected cats in a large geographical area within a country".

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