CHINA / Top News
China agrees to share virus samples: WHO
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-03-22 15:08
China has agreed to share up to 20 virus samples from poultry killed by
bird flu, in an effort to help scientists trying to develop a vaccine,
the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
WHO officials in Beijing said Chinese authorities had granted WHO's
request for up to 20 live samples, which will be analyzed in
international laboratories to improve understanding of the killer virus.
"We hope that within a matter of days, maximum of weeks, they will
provide the virus samples," Julie Hall, coordinator of communicable
disease surveillance and response in WHO's Beijing office, told reporters.
The two sides are working out the logistics, including how to ship the
samples and which lab they will go to, Hall said.
The shipment is "significantly larger" than the last one China provided,
which consisted of five live viruses from poultry in 2004. It did not
provide samples in 2005.
WHO enjoyed good cooperation with China's ministry of health, which has
shared viruses from human cases.
WHO officials expressed hope the agreement could open the way for more
regular sharing of viruses, which is crucial to determining the different
types of strains of the deadly bird flu virus that exist and how they
affect humans differently.
"We hope this is now the start of regular sharing that doesn't involve
the degree of negotiations we've had and we'll see not only a one-off
shipment but regular shipments," Hall said.
China has reported 34 outbreaks among poultry since the beginning of last
year and 15 confirmed human cases of bird flu, resulting in 10 deaths.
The virus has killed more than 100 people worldwide since 2003, mostly in
Asia. It has spread from Asia to Europe and Africa in recent months.
Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours
Today's Top News
� Russia signs deal to build gas pipelines to China
� US official upbeat on China trade ties
� Bush: Troops to stay in Iraq for years
� Gay volunteers promote safe sex
Top China News
� China to raise car tax to 20% to spur fuel efficiency
� US, China to launch Latin America dialogue
� No change to family planning policy now
� Taiwan slashed for secessionist activities
� China blocks VOIP calls for two years: FT
Chinese Online Class
No comments:
Post a Comment