A new outbreak of Bird Flu has overtaken the poultry population in China, according to HealthDay News. This virus mutates to affect human populations, meaning infection and death are immediate concerns. Luckily, genetic sequence technology can lay the groundwork for preventative measures.
The recent increase in Avian Flu (also known as Bird Flu or the H7N9 virus) numbers in China has caused global panic. The extensive use of air travel has made concern for international diseases more pronounced. With
over 300 human infections and 100 deaths, Bird Flu has worried several Asian nations that are now encouraging China to take precautionary measures such as halting both poultry markets and transportation. Within these markets, thousands of poultry are kept indoors in close confinement. Professor Silbergeld of John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that while the markets are attempting to keep outside viruses away from the chickens, the compacted areas are instead creating their own “viral pool.” With the lack of monitoring of the H7N9 virus and low production standards, Dr. Bruce Hirsch from North Shore University Hospital worries that this outbreak could become a global epidemic.
Human health is now utilizing genetic sequencing to monitor disease interaction between animals and humans around the world. Through this technology, prevention standards can be established quickly and efficiently, a new achievement in biotechnology.
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