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Satellites are a group of pathogens that hijack unrelated viruses (called their “helpers”) to spread, aid the disease caused by their helper viruses to become more severe. One example is the hepatitis delta virus (hepatitis D or HDV) which is the only satellite known to cause illness in humans. Hepatitis D exploits the hepatitis B virus, to enter and exit cells, and in the process causes the most severe form of viral hepatitis in 20 million people worldwide. The pathway from other species to humans is only now becoming understood by researchers.

Agriculture officials in Leyte province in the Visayas region of the Philippines are reporting Africa swine fever (ASF) in several barangays (villages). Blood samples taken from hogs in Abuyog tested positive for ASF, the first case reported in the Eastern Visayas.

Cybersecurity and biosecurity have historically been treated as two separate concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has contributed to the rise of cyberbiosecurity, highlighting vulnerabilities that are becoming a major public health threat.

Residents in Shenyang, China are being tested for COVID-19 by a plastic-wrapped robotic arm, Euronews reports. The goal of the arm, which is being controlled by a health worker from the next room, is to minimize contact and reduce the risk of cross contamination between people.

Lessons learned from the rapid outbreak of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 have influenced the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision to create a global stockpile of the Merck and Sharp & Dohme Corp vaccine. The stockpile of this single-dose Ebola vaccine is necessary to guarantee response capabilities for any outbreak as there is no natural market for an Ebola vaccine, given the sporadic nature of Ebola outbreaks.

A computer program developed more than twelve years ago by researchers at the University of North Texas (UNT) to respond to a bioterrorism attack may be used to assist Tarrant County coordinate COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Originally designed to mobilize antibiotics in a massive effort, the latest version is designed to orchestrate efficient, reliable mass vaccinations.

Type H5N8 bird flu was confirmed in Germany (in Kobrow in the eastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) and the state agriculture ministry confirm it will slaughter about 37,000 chickens as a result.

Asia has a high number of emerging infectious diseases. Of particular concern is the Nipah virus as there is no treatment and a high mortality rate of up to 75 percent.

Plum Island Animal Disease center scientists studying African swine fever virus have made advancements in the fight against this virus which is lethal to pigs. To read more about the vaccine candidate, use the link below.

Viruses found in animal feed threaten the health and safety of animals and human food. To find out more information about how to prevent viruses from spreading and keep animal feed safe, click on the link below.