Avian Flu / Bird Flu Update

NEW BIRD TEST FOR AVIAN FLU: A researcher at Penn State has developed a test to screen birds for H5N1 and H7N1, two variants of the avian flu. The test gives results in one day at a cost of 50 cents, as opposed to current testing that takes three to four days and costs up to $18 per test. Speed is considered essential to controlling outbreaks of the avian flu. (Source: Macon Telegraph.) TESTING FOR AVIAN FLU IN HUMANS: Remel Inc., a unit of Fisher Biosciences, has upgraded its Xpect Flu A&B test kit to successfully test for avian flu strains H5N1 and H9N2. (Source: Red Orbit.) TESTING FOR AVIAN FLU IN HUMANS PART 2: A virologist at McMaster University in Toronto has developed a test that will screen for all major human respiratory viruses, including H5N1 and SARS Corona. After undergoing clinical evaluation, the test will be made available for hospital-based laboratory evaluation in early December. (Sources: UPI, EurekAlert!) TAMIFLU SIDE EFFECTS? The antiviral drug tamiflu, which many nations are stockpiling in the event of an avian flu pandemic, may have contributed to the suicide deaths of two teenage boys in Japan. Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., the Japanese subsidiary of tamiflu manufacturer Roche Holding AG, has reported the deaths to the Japanese health ministry. The drug is reported to have been linked to psychological disorders in 64 people in Japan between fiscal years 2000 and 2004. (Sources: Japan Today, Reuters.) AVIAN FLU HYSTERIA? Michelle Malkin links to Michael Fumento's cover article in the Weekly Standard regarding avian flu hysteria. If you go to Michael's website, you can read his Wall Street Journal article on the avian flu - he was warning about hysteria way back in 1998. THE BBC ON BIRD FLU: Check out the BBC's special section on bird flu. Excellent reporting, very little hysteria.