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Thursday, 21 May 2009
Green grass
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New Template !!!
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Sundarban:Biggest Mangrove Forest In Bangladesh !!!
In the south-western part of Bangladesh, in the district of greater Khulna, lies the Sundarbans, the beautiful forest. It is a virgin forest which until recently owed nothing to human endeavour and yet nature has laid it out with as much care as a planned pleasure ground. For miles and miles, the lofty treetops form an unbroken canopy, while nearer the ground,
The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest
In Bangladesh tourism, Sundarban plays the most vital role. A large number of foreigners come to Bangladesh every year only to visit this unique mangrove forest. Besides, local tourists also go to visit Sundarban every year. Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty.The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps though; they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles, which once covered the Gangetic plain. The Sundarbans cover an area of 38,500 sq km, of which about one-third s covered in water. Since 1966 the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area. Sundarbans is home to many different species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fish and over 260 species of birds have been recorded in the Sundarbans. The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur.
Please Vote For Sundarban Forest in www.new7wonders.comWednesday, 20 May 2009
Some Movie Download Links !!!
1.The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
http://rapidshare.com/files/2161919/The_Curious_case_of_Benzamin_Button_www.amaderforum.com.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/216217165/The_Curious_case_of_Benzamin_Button_www.amaderforum.com.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/216387712/The_Curious_case_of_Benzamin_Button_www.amaderforum.com.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/216406145/The_Curious_case_of_Benzamin_Button_www.amaderforum.com.part4.rar
2.Milk
http://www.filezzz.com/download/31232/m1.avi.html
http://www.filezzz.com/download/31234/m2.avi.html
or
http://uploadbox.com/files/1852c53e20
http://uploadbox.com/files/1e2414834c
3.Slumdog Millionaire
http://filebase.to/files/305553/smb.avi
http://filebase.to/files/305533/sma.avi
or
http://uploadbox.com/files/Ev1kFjTMTa
http://uploadbox.com/files/E9SlvzuVK2
or
http://www.mystream.to/file-15765-689f5d7f-sma.avi
http://www.mystream.to/file-15767-36671f06-smb.avi
A Historical Place Of Bangladesh !!!
Actually it was called the Fort of Aurangabad, popularly known as LalBag Fort which was built by the Viceroy of Bengol Prince Mohammed Azam, son of the Mughal Emperor Auragazeb, in 1678 AD.During the first war of independence(1857) the fort was the scene of bloody battle,when 260 sepays stationed here backed by the people revolted against British force.
Tomb of Pori Bibi is the femous moneument of the three.Other two are the Mosque and Dewan e Azam.It is about 7.2 hectors of area now.A water channel with fountains at regular intervals connects the three buildings from east to west and two similar channels from south to north.The building in the middle,the tomb of Pori Bibi, is the most impressive of the surviving buildings of the fort.Eight rooms surround a central square room,containg the mortal remains of the Bibi Pori(fairy lady),which is covered by a false dome.Octagonal in shape and rapped in brass plate.While the four side central rooms has stone skirting to a height of one meter.The wall in the four corner rooms was skirted with beautiful with glazed floral tiles.
It is one of the most historical place of the Mughal era.A small museum is there in this fort where you will find the clothes and weapons of Mughals.
Nijhum Dip of Bangladesh !!!
Nijhum Dip- is an offshore island in the Bay of Bengal situated in the extreme south of Hatia island which is separated by Hatia channel.It is a very precious island, as it was concealed by water for many years. The island slowly started to surface, and since 1972 the forestry department has been involved in the planting of trees and brush such as Bain, Keowra and Geowra. The forest, which is irrigated by the bay, has also attracted a great number of bird species. By 1978, wildlifewas introduced to the island, and the eight spotted deer that were originally released on the island have grown to a healthy population
of approximately six thousand individuals.The spotted deer share Nijhum Deep with various other animals such as snakes, buffalo and
monkeys, and it is estimated that almost thirty-five bird species are permanent residents
of the island. Migratory birds also find the island the perfect resting destination as it is almost untouched and not threatened by human interaction. The beaches and sightings of crabs, sea snails and oysters create great excitement amongst tourists, as they are able to appreciate nature against the backdrop of the lush, green landscapes.
The authorities have made the island more attractive to tourists by erecting visitor facilities along the beaches. Viewing a sunset or sunrise from the shores of this tranquil and inspiring natural paradise is unforgettable. Bangladesh has realized how significant and important their wildlife and nature can be for the economy and tourism industry and is looking at creating more protected areas within the country. Nijhum Deep is the perfect example of how conservation and forestry can, not only assist and ensure the survival of animals, but enhance an industry and a country.
Kuakata a unique beach !!!
Kuakata is the unique beach in the world because it is the rarest place which has the beauty of full view of the sunrise and sunset of the crimson sun in the water of Bay of Bangal.It is locally known as Sagor Konna(daughter of the sea).Kuakata is a scenic beauty in the south-west of Bangladesh.Situated 320km from Dhaka and 70km from Potuakhali district.There is direct bus service from Dhaka to Kuakata via Barisal district by the BRTC(Bangladesh Road And Transport corporation).
Kuakata means, "digging a well". There is a two hundred years old well (kua) here. It is
belived that the early Rakhain(a tribe)settlers found it difficult to get fresh drinking
water in the place and they had to dig(kata) well(kuas) to solve the problem.Rakhain is a
familiar tribe of Bangladesh.They came from Myanmar to settle here when they landed on Kuakata coast after expelled from Arakan by Moughals.
The beach at kuakata is 30km long and 6km wide.It has a severe natural setting like coconut forest, Gangamoti Reserve Forest, Patra Reserve Forest and Jhao Bon (Tamarisk forest).The sandy beach has gentle slopes into the Bay of Bengal and bathing there is as pleasant as is walking or diving. Kuakata is truly a virgin beach-a sanctuary for migratory winter birds, a series of coconut trees, sandy beach of blue Bay, a feast for the eye. Forest, boats plying in the Bay of Bengal with colourful sails, fishing, towering cliffs, surfing waves everything here touches every visitor's heart.The unique customs and costumes of the Rakhain tribal families and Buddhist Temple of about hundred years old indicate the ancient tradition and cultural heritage, which are objects of great pleasure Kuakata is the place of pilgrimage of the Hindus and Buddhist communities. Innumerable devotees arrive here at the festival of 'Rush Purnima' and 'Maghi
Purnima'.On these two days they take holy bath and traditional fairs are held here. All these
additional offers to panoramic beauty make the beach more attractive to the visitors.
One should visit the Kuakata and discover the real beauty of Bangladesh.
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
some places of Bangladesh !!!
Cox'sbazar is situated in the port city of Chittagong of Bangladesh.Which is known for its wide sandy beach and claimed to be the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slop. It is good for bathing that the rise and fall of the tide here is not so great.One of the most popular destinations in winter is this beach resort town of cox'sbazar on the Bay of Bengal, which drew sun-worshippers from as far away as Europe and Southeast Asia.We are competting for a place in 7wonders.Do vote for us(www.7wonders.com).
The maximum temperature here in the winter is only about 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 degrees Fahrenheit), but tourists on the seashore enjoy cups of tea, snacks or the very popular green coconut water.
The modern Cox'sbazar derives its name from Captain Hiram Cox who supervised the settlement there of Arakanese refugees from conquest by Myanmar(Burma).The Captain made significant progress in rehabilitation of refugees in the area, as there was a century long conflict between Arakan refugees & local Rakhains at Palonki.But he died (in 1799) before he could finish his work. He was a naval officer of British India.It was the recognition of his work to name the place after him.
Some of the other places near Cox'sbazar.
St.Martin:Blue Marine is only coral island in Bangladesh. The island is very beautiful and naturally beautiful. Every year in winter times every day many tourist comes to St. Martin for enjoy their vacations. This small coral island about 10km (6mi) south-west of the southern 
tip of the mainland is a tropical cliché, with beaches fringed 
with coconut palms and bountiful marine life. There are nothing more strenuous to do here than soak up the rays, but it's a clean and peaceful place without even a mosquito to disrupt your serenity. It''s possible to walk around the island in a day because it measures only 8 sq km (3 sq mi), shrinking to about 5 sq km (2 sq mi) during high tide. Most of island''s 5500 inhabitants live primarily from fishing, and between October and April fisher people from neighbouring areas bring their catch to the island''s temporary wholesale market.
Ramu : This is a typical Buddhist village, about 16 km. from Cox's Bazar, on 
the main road to Chittagong. There are monasteries, khyangs and pagodas containing images of Buddha in gold, bronze and other metals inilaid with precious stones.
Teknaf : Southernmost tip of Bangladesh, Teknaf situated on the Naaf river and just at the end 
of the hilly regions of the district. Mayanmar is on the opposite bank of Naaf river. Wild animals and birds are available but the most interesting thing is a journey on the river. Wide sandy beach in the backdrop of high hills with green forests is an enchanting scene never to be forgotten.
Cox's Bazaar is situated in the port city of Chittagong of Bangladesh.Which is known for its wide sandy beach and claimed to be the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slop. It is good for bathing that the rise and fall of the tide here is not so great.One of the most popular destinations in winter is this beach resort town of Cox's Bazar on the Bay of Bengal, which drew sun-worshippers from as far away as Europe and Southeast Asia.We are competting for a place in 7wonders.Do vote for us(www.7wonders.com).
The maximum temperature here in the winter is only about 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 degrees Fahrenheit), but tourists on the seashore enjoy cups of tea, snacks or the very popular green coconut water.
The modern Cox's Bazar derives its name from Captain Hiram Cox who supervised the settlement there of Arakanese refugees from conquest by Myanmar(Burma).The Captain made significant progress in rehabilitation of refugees in the area, as there was a century long conflict between Arakan refugees & local Rakhains at Palonki.But he died (in 1799) before he could finish his work. He was a naval officer of British India.It was the recognition of his work to name the place after him.
Some of the other places near Cox's Bazar.
St.Martin:Blue Marine is only coral island in Bangladesh. The island is very beautiful and naturally beautiful. Every year in winter times every day many tourist comes to St. Martin for enjoy their vacations. This small coral island about 10km (6mi) south-west of the southern tip of the mainland is a tropical cliché, with beaches fringed with coconut palms and bountiful marine life. There are nothing more strenuous to do here than soak up the rays, but it's a clean and peaceful place without even a mosquito to disrupt your serenity. It''s possible to walk around the island in a day because it measures only 8 sq km (3 sq mi), shrinking to about 5 sq km (2 sq mi) during high tide. Most of island''s 5500 inhabitants live primarily from fishing, and between October and April fisher people from neighbouring areas bring their catch to the island''s temporary wholesale market.
Ramu : This is a typical Buddhist village, about 16 km. from Cox's Bazar, on the main road to Chittagong. There are monasteries, khyangs and pagodas containing images of Buddha in gold, bronze and other metals inilaid with precious stones.
Teknaf : Southernmost tip of Bangladesh, Teknaf situated on the Naaf river and just at the end of the hilly regions of the district. Mayanmar is on the opposite bank of Naaf river. Wild animals and birds are available but the most interesting thing is a journey on the river. Wide sandy beach in the backdrop of high hills with green forests is an enchanting scene never to be forgotten.
Monday, 18 May 2009
Some Exclusive Jokes !!!
*A redhead walks into a sports bar around 9:58 PM. She sits down next to this blonde at the bar and stares up at the TV. The 10:00 news was on. The news crew was covering a story of a man on a ledge of a large building preparing to jump.
The redhead turns to the blonde and says, "You know, I bet he'll jump."
The blonde replied, "Well, I bet he won't."
The redhead placed $20 dollars on the bar and said, "You're on!"
Just as the blonde placed her money on the bar, the guy did a swan dive off of the building, falling to his death. The blonde was very upset and handed her $20 dollars to the redhead and said, "All is fair. Here is your money."
The redhead replies, "Honey, I can't take your money, I saw this earlier on the 5 o'clock news and knew he would jump."
The blonde replies, "I did too, but I didn't think he'd do it again"
*An old man goes to the Wizard to ask him if he can remove a curse he has been living with for the last 40 years.
The Wizard says, "Maybe, but you will have to tell me the exact words that were used to put the curse on you."
The old man says without hesitation, "I now pronounce you man and wife."
*Billy Bob says to Lester, "You know, I reckon I'm about ready for a vacation, only this year I'm gonna do it a little different. The last few years, I took your advice as to where to go. Two years ago you said to go to Hawaii, I went to Hawaii, and Marie got pregnant. Then last year, you told me to go to the Bahamas, I went to the Bahamas, and Marie got pregnant again."Lester says, "So what you gonna do different this year?"Billy Bob says, "This year, I'm takin' Marie with me..."
*Two men are out fishing and they are having great luck. They are catching so fast, they have to go back early."This is so great," says the first guy. "We should mark the spot so we can come here again."
"You're right," says the other guy who then dives over the side and paints a big X on the bottom of the boat.
They head back to shore and just as they're about to dock, the first guy looks at the second guy and says, "But what if we don't get the same boat next time?"
*Men are like.....Computers. Hard to figure out and never have enough memory.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
SWINE FLU !!!
 |
Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) refers to influenza caused by those strains of influenza virus, called swine influenza virus (SIV), that usually infect pigs. Swine influenza is common in pigs in the midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.
Transmission of swine influenza virus from pigs to humans is not common and properly cooked pork poses no risk of infection. When transmitted, the virus does not always cause human influenza and often the only sign of infection is the presence of antibodies in the blood, detectable only by laboratory tests. When transmission results in influenza in a human, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People who work with pigs, especially people with intense exposures, are at risk of catching swine flu. However, only about fifty such transmissions have been recorded since the mid-20th century, when identification of influenza subtypes became possible. Rarely, these strains of swine flu can pass from human to human. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.
The 2009 flu outbreak in humans, known as "swine flu", is due to a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that contained genes most closely related to swine influenza.[3] The origin of this new strain is unknown. However, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports that this strain has not been isolated in pigs. This strain can be transmitted from human to human, and causes the normal symptoms of influenza.
Pigs can become infected with human influenza, and this appears to have happened during the 1918 flu pandemic and the 2009 flu outbreak.
Contents[hide] |
Classification
Of the three genera of influenza viruses that cause human flu, two also cause influenza in pigs, with Influenzavirus A being common in pigs and Influenzavirus C being rare.[7] Influenzavirus B has not been reported in pigs. Within Influenzavirus A and Influenzavirus C, the strains found in pigs and humans are largely distinct, although due to reassortment there have been transfers of genes among strains crossing swine, avian, and human species boundaries.
Influenza C
Influenza C viruses infect both humans and pigs, but do not infect birds. Transmission between pigs and humans have occurred in the past. For example, influenza C caused small outbreaks of a mild form of influenza amongst children in Japan, and California.Due to its limited host range and the lack of genetic diversity in influenza C, this form of influenza does not cause pandemics in humans.
Influenza A
Swine influenza is known to be caused by influenza A subtypes H1N1, H1N2,H3N1,H3N2, and H2N3.In pigs, three influenza A virus subtypes (H1N1, H3N2, and H1N2) are the most common strains worldwide. In the United States, the H1N1 subtype was exclusively prevalent among swine populations before 1998; however, since late August 1998, H3N2 subtypes have been isolated from pigs. As of 2004, H3N2 virus isolates in US swine and turkey stocks were triple reassortants, containing genes from human (HA, NA, and PB1), swine (NS, NP, and M), and avian (PB2 and PA) lineages.
Surveillance
 | Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page. (May 2009) |
Although there is no formal national surveillance system in the United States to determine what viruses are circulating in pigs, there is an informal surveillance network in the United States that is part of a world surveillance network.
History
Swine influenza was first proposed to be a disease related to human influenza during the 1918 flu pandemic, when pigs became sick at the same time as humans. The first identification of an influenza virus as a cause of disease in pigs occurred about ten years later, in 1930. For the following 60 years, swine influenza strains were almost exclusively H1N1. Then, between 1997 and 2002, new strains of three different subtypes and five different genotypes emerged as causes of influenza among pigs in North America. In 1997-1998, H3N2 strains emerged. These strains, which include genes derived by reassortment from human, swine and avian viruses, have become a major cause of swine influenza in North America. Reassortment between H1N1 and H3N2 produced H1N2. In 1999 in Canada, a strain of H4N6 crossed the species barrier from birds to pigs, but was contained on a single farm.
The H1N1 form of swine flu is one of the descendants of the strain that caused the 1918 flu pandemic. As well as persisting in pigs, the descendants of the 1918 virus have also circulated in humans through the 20th century, contributing to the normal seasonal epidemics of influenza. However, direct transmission from pigs to humans is rare, with only 12 cases in the U.S. since 2005.Nevertheless, the retention of influenza strains in pigs after these strains have disappeared from the human population might make pigs a reservoir where influenza viruses could persist, later emerging to reinfect humans once human immunity to these strains has waned.
Swine flu has been reported numerous times as a zoonosis in humans, usually with limited distribution, rarely with a widespread distribution. Outbreaks in swine are common and cause significant economic losses in industry, primarily by causing stunting and extended time to market. For example, this disease costs the British meat industry about £65 million every year.
1918 pandemic in humans
The 1918 flu pandemic in humans was associated with H1N1 and influenza appearing in pigs, this may reflect a zoonosis either from swine to humans, or from humans to swine. Although it is not certain in which direction the virus was transferred, some evidence suggests that, in this case, pigs caught the disease from humans.For instance, swine influenza was only noted as a new disease of pigs in 1918, after the first large outbreaks of influenza amongst people. Although a recent phylogenetic analysis of more recent strains of influenza in humans, birds, and swine suggests that the 1918 outbreak in humans followed a reassortment event within a mammal, the exact origin of the 1918 strain remains elusive.
1976 U.S. outbreak
On February 5, 1976, in the United States an army recruit at Fort Dix said he felt tired and weak. He died the next day and four of his fellow soldiers were later hospitalized. Two weeks after his death, health officials announced that the cause of death was a new strain of swine flu. The strain, a variant of H1N1, is known as A/New Jersey/1976 (H1N1). It was detected only from January 19 to February 9 and did not spread beyond Fort Dix.
This new strain appeared to be closely related to the strain involved in the 1918 flu pandemic. Moreover, the ensuing increased surveillance uncovered another strain in circulation in the U.S.: A/Victoria/75 (H3N2) spread simultaneously, also caused illness, and persisted until March. Alarmed public-health officials decided action must be taken to head off another major pandemic, and urged President Gerald Ford that every person in the U.S. be vaccinated for the disease.
The vaccination program was plagued by delays and public relations problems. On October 1, 1976, the immunization program began and by October 11, approximately 40 million people, or about 24% of the population, had received swine flu immunizations. That same day, three senior citizens died soon after receiving their swine flu shots and there was a media outcry linking the deaths to the immunizations, despite the lack of positive proof. According to science writer Patrick Di Justo, however, by the time the truth was known — that the deaths were not proven to be related to the vaccine — it was too late. "The government had long feared mass panic about swine flu — now they feared mass panic about the swine flu vaccinations." This became a strong setback to the program.
There were reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a paralyzing neuromuscular disorder, affecting some people who had received swine flu immunizations. This syndrome is a rare side-effect of modern influenza vaccines, with an incidence of about one case per million vaccinations.As a result, Di Justo writes that "the public refused to trust a government-operated health program that killed old people and crippled young people." In total, less than 33% of the population had been immunized by the end of 1976. The National Influenza Immunization Program was effectively halted on Dec. 16.
Overall, there were about 500 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), resulting in death from severe pulmonary complications for 25 people, which, according to Dr. P. Haber, were probably caused by an immunopathological reaction to the 1976 vaccine. Other influenza vaccines have not been linked to GBS, though caution is advised for certain individuals, particularly those with a history of GBS. Still, as observed by a participant in the immunization program, the vaccine killed more Americans than the disease did.
1988 zoonosis
In September 1988, a swine flu virus killed one woman in Wisconsin, and infected at least hundreds of others. 32-year old Barbara Ann Wieners was eight months pregnant when she and her husband, Ed, became ill after visiting the hog barn at the Walworth County Fair. Barbara died eight days later, though doctors were able to induce labor and deliver a healthy daughter before she died. Her husband recovered from his symptoms.
Influenza-like illnesses were reportedly widespread among the pigs at the farm they had visited, and 76% of the swine exhibitors there tested positive for antibody to SIV, but no serious illnesses were detected among this group. Additional studies suggested between one and three health care personnel who had contact with the patient developed mild influenza-like illnesses with antibody evidence of swine flu infection.However, there was no community outbreak.
1998 US outbreak in swine
In 1998, swine flu was found in pigs in four U.S. states. Within a year, it had spread through pig populations across the United States. Scientists found that this virus had originated in pigs as a recombinant form of flu strains from birds and humans. This outbreak confirmed that pigs can serve as a crucible where novel influenza viruses emerge as a result of the reassortment of genes from different strains.
2007 Philippine outbreak in swine
| | Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page. (April 2009) |
On August 20, 2007 Department of Agriculture officers investigated the outbreak (epizootic) of swine flu in Nueva Ecija and Central Luzon, Philippines. The mortality rate is less than 10% for swine flu, unless there are complications like hog cholera. On July 27, 2007, the Philippine National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) raised a hog cholera "red alert" warning over Metro Manila and 5 regions of Luzon after the disease spread to backyard pig farms in Bulacan and Pampanga, even if these tested negative for the swine flu virus.
2009 outbreak in humans
The 2009 flu outbreak is due to a new strain of subtype H1N1 not previously reported in pigs. Following the outbreak, on May 2, 2009, it was reported in pigs at a farm in Alberta, Canada, with a link to the outbreak in Mexico. The pigs are suspected to have caught this new strain of virus from a farm worker who recently returned from Mexico, then showed symptoms of an influenza-like illness. These are probable cases, pending confirmation by laboratory testing.
The new strain was initially described as apparent reassortment of at least four strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, including one strain endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in swine. Subsequent analysis suggested it was a reassortment of just two strains, both found in swine.Although initial reports identified the new strain as swine influenza (ie, a zoonosis originating in swine), its origin is unknown. Several countries took precautionary measures to reduce the chances for a global pandemic of the disease.
Transmission
Transmission between pigs
Influenza is quite common in pigs, with about half of breeding pigs having been exposed to the virus in the US.Antibodies to the virus are also common in pigs in other countries.
The main route of transmission is through direct contact between infected and uninfected animals. These close contacts are particularly common during animal transport. Intensive farming may also increase the risk of transmission, as the pigs are raised in very close proximity to each other. The direct transfer of the virus probably occurs either by pigs touching noses, or through dried mucus. Airborne transmission through the aerosols produced by pigs coughing or sneezing are also an important means of infection.The virus usually spreads quickly through a herd, infecting all the pigs within just a few days.Transmission may also occur through wild animals, such as wild boar, which can spread the disease between farms.
Transmission to humans
People who work with poultry and swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at increased risk of zoonotic infection with influenza virus endemic in these animals, and constitute a population of human hosts in which zoonosis and reassortment can co-occur. Vaccination of these workers against influenza and surveillance for new influenza strains among this population may therefore be an important public health measure. Transmission of influenza from swine to humans who work with swine was documented in a small surveillance study performed in 2004 at the University of Iowa.This study among others forms the basis of a recommendation that people whose jobs involve handling poultry and swine be the focus of increased public health surveillance.Other professions at particular risk of infection are veterinarians and meat processing workers, although the risk of infection for both of these groups is lower than that of farm workers.
Interaction with avian H5N1 in pigs
Pigs are unusual as they can be infected with influenza strains that usually infect three different species: pigs, birds and humans.[53] This makes pigs a host where influenza viruses might exchange genes, producing new and dangerous strains.[53] Avian influenza virus H3N2 is endemic in pigs in China and has been detected in pigs in Vietnam, increasing fears of the emergence of new variant strains.[54] H3N2 evolved from H2N2 by antigenic shift.[55] In August 2004, researchers in China found H5N1 in pigs.[56]
These H5N1 infections may be quite common: in a survey of 10 apparently healthy pigs housed near poultry farms in West Java, where avian flu had broken out, five of the pig samples contained the H5N1 virus. The Indonesian government has since found similar results in the same region. Additional tests of 150 pigs outside the area were negative.[57][58]
Signs and symptoms
In swine
In pigs influenza infection produces fever, lethargy, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and decreased appetite.[15] In some cases the infection can cause abortion. Although mortality is usually low (around 1-4%),[2] the virus can produce weight loss and poor growth, causing economic loss to farmers.[15] Infected pigs can lose up to 12 pounds of body weight over a 3 to 4 week period.[15]
In humans
Direct transmission of a swine flu virus from pigs to humans is occasionally possible (called zoonotic swine flu). In all, 50 cases are known to have occurred since the first report in medical literature in 1958, which have resulted in a total of six deaths.[60] Of these six people, one was pregnant, one had leukemia, one had Hodgkin disease and two were known to be previously healthy.[60] Despite these apparently low numbers of infections, the true rate of infection may be higher, since most cases only cause a very mild disease, and will probably never be reported or diagnosed.[60]
See also: See this video with subtitles in YouTube
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in humans the symptoms of the 2009 "swine flu" H1N1 virus are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting.[61] The 2009 H1N1 virus is not zoonotic swine flu, as it is not transmitted from pigs to humans, but from person to person.
Because these symptoms are not specific to swine flu, a differential diagnosis of probable swine flu requires not only symptoms but also a high likelihood of swine flu due to the person's recent history. For example, during the 2009 swine flu outbreak in the United States, CDC advised physicians to "consider swine influenza infection in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute febrile respiratory illness who have either been in contact with persons with confirmed swine flu, or who were in one of the five U.S. states that have reported swine flu cases or in Mexico during the 7 days preceding their illness onset."[62] A diagnosis of confirmed swine flu requires laboratory testing of a respiratory sample (a simple nose and throat swab).[62]
Prevention
Prevention of swine influenza has three components: prevention in swine, prevention of transmission to humans, and prevention of its spread among humans.
Prevention in swine
Methods of preventing the spread of influenza among swine include facility management, herd management, and vaccination. Because much of the illness and death associated with swine flu involves secondary infection by other pathogens, control strategies that rely on vaccination may be insufficient.
Control of swine influenza by vaccination has become more difficult in recent decades, as the evolution of the virus has resulted in inconsistent responses to traditional vaccines. Standard commercial swine flu vaccines are effective in controlling the infection when the virus strains match enough to have significant cross-protection, and custom (autogenous) vaccines made from the specific viruses isolated are created and used in the more difficult cases.[63][64] Present vaccination strategies for SIV control and prevention in swine farms typically include the use of one of several bivalent SIV vaccines commercially available in the United States. Of the 97 recent H3N2 isolates examined, only 41 isolates had strong serologic cross-reactions with antiserum to three commercial SIV vaccines. Since the protective ability of influenza vaccines depends primarily on the closeness of the match between the vaccine virus and the epidemic virus, the presence of nonreactive H3N2 SIV variants suggests that current commercial vaccines might not effectively protect pigs from infection with a majority of H3N2 viruses.[65][66] The United States Department of Agriculture researchers say that while pig vaccination keeps pigs from getting sick, it does not block infection or shedding of the virus.[67]
Facility management includes using disinfectants and ambient temperature to control virus in the environment. The virus is unlikely to survive outside living cells for more than two weeks, except in cold (but above freezing) conditions, and it is readily inactivated by disinfectants.[2] Herd management includes not adding pigs carrying influenza to herds that have not been exposed to the virus. The virus survives in healthy carrier pigs for up to 3 months and can be recovered from them between outbreaks. Carrier pigs are usually responsible for the introduction of SIV into previously uninfected herds and countries, so new animals should be quarantined.[45] After an outbreak, as immunity in exposed pigs wanes, new outbreaks of the same strain can occur.[2]
Prevention in humans
- Prevention of pig to human transmission
The transmission from swine to human is believed to occur mainly in swine farms where farmers are in close contact with live pigs. Although strains of swine influenza are usually not able to infect humans this may occasionally happen, so farmers and veterinarians are encouraged to use a face mask when dealing with infected animals. The use of vaccines on swine to prevent their infection is a major method of limiting swine to human transmission. Risk factors that may contribute to swine-to-human transmission include smoking and not wearing gloves when working with sick animals.[68]
- Prevention of human to human transmission
Influenza spreads between humans through coughing or sneezing and people touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth.[69] Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food.[69] The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days. Diagnosis can be made by sending a specimen, collected during the first five days for analysis.[70]
Recommendations to prevent spread of the virus among humans include using standard infection control against influenza. This includes frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after being out in public.[71] Although the current trivalent influenza vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against the new 2009 H1N1 strain,[72] vaccines against the new strain are being developed and could be ready as early as June 2009.[73]
Experts agree that hand-washing can help prevent viral infections, including ordinary influenza and the swine flu virus. Influenza can spread in coughs or sneezes, but an increasing body of evidence shows small droplets containing the virus can linger on tabletops, telephones and other surfaces and be transferred via the fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes. Alcohol-based gel or foam hand sanitizers work well to destroy viruses and bacteria. Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as a sudden fever, cough or muscle aches should stay away from work or public transportation and should contact a doctor to be tested.
Social distancing is another tactic. It means staying away from other people who might be infected and can include avoiding large gatherings, spreading out a little at work, or perhaps staying home and lying low if an infection is spreading in a community. Public health and other responsible authorities have action plans which may request or require social distancing actions depending on the severity of the outbreak.
Treatment
In swine
As swine influenza is rarely fatal to pigs, little treatment beyond rest and supportive care is required.[45] Instead veterinary efforts are focused on preventing the spread of the virus throughout the farm, or to other farms.[15] Vaccination and animal management techniques are most important in these efforts. Antibiotics are also used to treat this disease, which although they have no effect against the influenza virus, do help prevent bacterial pneumonia and other secondary infections in influenza-weakened herds.[45]
In humans
If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Beside antivirals, palliative care, at home or in hospital, focuses on controlling fevers and maintaining fluid balance. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses, however, the majority of people infected with the virus make a full recovery without requiring medical attention or antiviral drugs.[74] The virus isolates in the 2009 outbreak have been found resistant to amantadine and rimantadine.[75]
In the U.S., on April 27, 2009, the FDA issued Emergency Use Authorizations to make available Relenza and Tamiflu antiviral drugs to treat the swine influenza virus in cases for which they are currently unapproved. The agency issued these EUAs to allow treatment of patients younger than the current approval allows and to allow the widespread distribution of the drugs, including by non-licensed volunteers.[7
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