#biosecurity — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #biosecurity, aggregated by home.social.
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AI + biology = new ecoterrorist 'zero-day' threats. Power spreads faster than wisdom. That gap is the story. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/07/the-world-must-stop-ai-from-empowering-bioterrorists #AI #biosecurity #scifi #ethics
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AI + biology = new ecoterrorist 'zero-day' threats. Power spreads faster than wisdom. That gap is the story. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/07/the-world-must-stop-ai-from-empowering-bioterrorists #AI #biosecurity #scifi #ethics
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AI + biology = new ecoterrorist 'zero-day' threats. Power spreads faster than wisdom. That gap is the story. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/07/the-world-must-stop-ai-from-empowering-bioterrorists #AI #biosecurity #scifi #ethics
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AI + biology = new ecoterrorist 'zero-day' threats. Power spreads faster than wisdom. That gap is the story. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/07/the-world-must-stop-ai-from-empowering-bioterrorists #AI #biosecurity #scifi #ethics
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AI + biology = new ecoterrorist 'zero-day' threats. Power spreads faster than wisdom. That gap is the story. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/07/the-world-must-stop-ai-from-empowering-bioterrorists #AI #biosecurity #scifi #ethics
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White Spot Disease is devastating Australia’s prawn industry. Exports have halted, fishing families are under pressure, and biosecurity failures are now threatening livelihoods across the sector. Landline’s Halina Baczkowski investigates who pays the price when outbreaks spiral out of control.
#auspol #aquaculture #biosecurity #prawns #fishing #abclandline
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Most hantavirus is a dead-end infection. The Andes strain isn't.
A cruise ship outbreak in the Atlantic is reminding us that emerging pathogens don't follow cruise schedules-they follow biology. Global risk remains low, but the transmission window is narrow and real.
Pandemic prep isn't paranoia. It's pattern recognition.
#Hantavirus #PandemicPrep #EmergingPathogens #PublicHealth #Biosecurity #EpidemicResponse #HealthSecurity #ViralOutbreak #RiskManagement #InfectiousDiseases
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RE: https://rssfeed.media/@abcfeeds/116452963283319502
Australia doesn’t have a functioning biosecurity system.
But in the 2040s there is a very small chance we might have a second hand nuclear submarine.
#auspol #Biosecurity #priorities #horticulture #Agriculture #viticulture
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Some good news. Auckland's yellow-legged hornet invasion appears to have been stymied. A six month response from MPI contained the little fuckers to within six kilometres of the original ground zero.
Well done to all who were part of this effort. That's $12m well spent.
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A flesh‑eating fly is advancing towards the US border – can it be stopped?
#Mexico #USA #Screwworm #FleshEatingFly #Biosecurity #AnimalHealth #PublicHealth #Agriculture #Livestock #FAO #ClimateChange #PestControl #FoodSecurity #Outbreak #Insects #Epidemic
https://the-14.com/a-flesh-eating-fly-is-advancing-towards-the-us-border-can-it-be-stopped/ -
#OneHealth Lack of #BioSecurity
The viruses we are talking about in this report are #H1N1 #H3N2
"🦠🚨Virus theft raises alarms in São Paulo stateIn the current climate, the last thing anyone needed was a story about scientists sneaking virus samples out of a high-security lab. Well, that’s just happened in Brazil.
Federal Police this week arrested Soledad Miller, an Argentine-born researcher affiliated with the University of Campinas (Unicamp, one of Latin America’s most prestigious universities), on suspicion of stealing biological samples from the university's virology lab. The material had been missing for 40 days. It turned out to be located no more than around 350 meters away, spread across three university labs where Miller had no authorized access.
Miller's husband, Michael Edward Miller — a veterinarian pursuing a doctorate in genetics and molecular biology at Unicamp — is also under investigation, though authorities have not specified his alleged role. The couple co-owns a biotech company called Agrotrix Biotech Solutions. Her defense has said she did not commit theft, arguing she was merely using borrowed lab space because she lacked her own."
From The Brazilian Report:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brazilian-report_virus-theft-raises-alarms-in-s%C3%A3o-paulo-activity-7442986551871160322-Vy7T -
Cacti confiscated from home garden over fears of another ‘prickly pear’ disaster https://www.allforgardening.com/1673598/cacti-confiscated-from-home-garden-over-fears-of-another-prickly-pear-disaster/ #biosecurity #BiosecurityQueensland #BlindPricklyPear #cactus #confisicated #destroyed #DugOut #garden #gardening #GardeningIreland #JennyMilson #ParooShire #PricklyPear #PricklyPears #prohibited #PurplePricklyPear #Queensland #Removed #succulents #taken #WheelCactus #yowah
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#USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic #AvianInfluenza in #DairyHerd in #Nebraska
Milk Supply Safe; Considered Low Risk to Human Health and Safety
Contact: [email protected]
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 15, 2025— "Today, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (#HPAI) #H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 in a dairy cattle herd in Nebraska. This confirmation was a result of State tracing and investigation, following an initial detection from pre-movement surveillance milk samples required under USDA’s April 2024 Federal Order.
This marks the first known case of HPAI in cattle in Nebraska. While dairy cattle in a total of 17 states have been infected since the start of the outbreak in March 2024, APHIS has seen cases in only a small number of states this year. APHIS is working closely with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to conduct additional on-farm investigation, testing, and gathering of additional epidemiological information to better understand this detection and limit further disease spread.
The detection does not change USDA’s HPAI eradication strategy. Biosecurity is still key to mitigate the risk of disease introduction or spread between premises; APHIS recommends enhanced #biosecurity measures for all dairy farms, particularly as we enter fall migratory bird season. Producers should immediately report any livestock with clinical signs, or any unusual sick or dead wildlife, to their state veterinarian.
There is no concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health, or that it affects the safety of the commercial milk supply. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is confident that #pasteurization is effective at inactivating H5N1, and that the commercial, pasteurized milk supply is safe. Dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption; milk from impacted animals is being diverted from the commercial milk tank or destroyed so that it does not enter the human food supply.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H5N1 viruses circulating in birds and U.S. dairy cattle are believed to pose a low risk to the general public in the United States. However, people who have job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds or mammals are at higher risk of infection and should take appropriate precautions outlined in CDC guidance."
#HPAINews #AnimalHealth #FoodSafety #RawMilk #PasteurizedMilk #BirdFlu #DairyHerds
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#Indiana reports #AvianInfluenza cases in wild birds in 3 counties
by: Gregg Montgomery
Posted: Oct 18, 2025 / 11:29 AM EST / Updated: Oct 19, 2025 / 10:42 AM ESTINDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — "#BirdFlu has been found in a #WildDuck and #vultures in Indiana, the Department of Natural Resources said in a news release issued Friday.
"The announcement comes after avian influenza was found earlier this month at five commercial #duck farms in northern Indiana.
"Natural Resources says bird flu has been found in a #BlueWingedTeal in Greene County in southwest central Indiana, and in death black vultures in Jefferson County in southern Indiana. The virus is also suspected in similar cases involving dead #BlackVultures in Franklin County in southeast central Indiana.
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and the state’s department recorded the finds.
"Signs of bird flu in waterfowl and raptors include sudden death; neurological impairment such as lack of coordination and tremors; a lack of energy and appetite; swelling of the head, neck, and eyes; nasal discharge; cough; sneezing; and diarrhea.
"The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes the public health risk from bird flu is low, but humans can contract the virus. People are advised to avoid contact with sick #waterfowl and other wildlife. If handling a carcass is necessary, Natural Resources recommended the use of disposable gloves and a mask, and double bagging the carcass, and washing hands thoroughly afterward.
"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends that waterfowl hunters process birds in a well-ventilated area or outdoors and wear protective clothing such as a face mask and gloves. Meat harvested from waterfowl should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before consumption.
"The Indiana Department of Health advises individuals to contact them if they develop symptoms such as eye irritation, fever, cough, or other flu-like symptoms after contact with waterfowl. They can be reached at 317-233-7125 during business hours or 317-233-1325 after hours.
"Because domestic and agricultural animals — including poultry, cattle, and cats — are also susceptible to avian influenza, it is recommended to process and dispose of harvested waterfowl away from these animals and practice good #biosecurity measures."
#HPAINews #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza #CatHealth #AnimalHealth #HealthAndSafety
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#Microsoft researchers used #AI to discover a #vulnerability in #biosecuritysystems designed to prevent the #misuse of #DNA. The AI was able to redesign #toxins to evade detection by screening software, highlighting the need for enhanced screening procedures and enforcement mechanisms. While some experts believe monitoring #genesynthesis is still a practical approach, others argue that #biosecurity should be integrated into #AIsystems. https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/02/1124767/microsoft-says-ai-can-create-zero-day-threats-in-biology/?AIagents.at #AIagent #AI #ML #NLP #LLM #GenAI
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Varroa mite detected in South Australia for first time
Parasitic pest, varroa mite has been detected in South Australia for the first time. The discovery was made…
#NewsBeep #News #Business #Agriculture #AU #Australia #BeeHive #Bees #biosecurity #honey #Mite #PIRSA #Riverland #Varroa #VarroaMite
https://www.newsbeep.com/au/115223/ -
White House unveils sweeping plan to “win” global AI race through deregulation - On Wednesday, the White House released "Winning the Race: Am... - https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/07/white-house-unveils-sweeping-plan-to-win-global-ai-race-through-deregulation/ #departmentofcommerce #aidevelopmenttools #aiinfrastructure #nationalsecurity #machinelearning #michaelkratsios #exportcontrols #semiconductors #airegulation #biosecurity #datacenters #donaldtrump #airesearch #aisecurity #davidsacks
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During the #federalelection campaign, #Albanese said #Australia would not change or #compromise any #biosecurity rules, “full stop, exclamation mark”. Despite the comments, a concession on #beef had been expected from Australia. #auspol #AlboClusterfuck
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Just in case you think Australia’s biosecurity is robust.
#auspol #beef #Biosecurity #varroa #farmers
https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2022-06-24/varroa-mite-detected-at-newcastle-port/101180446
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#CattleAustralia’s chief executive, #WillEvans, says the decision to #liftrestrictions on #USbeef #imports will not create an “open slather” domestic market, and told RN Breakfast he’s confident the #US has implemented #robust #biosecurity measures.
#auspol #TrumpRegime has decreased almost all U.S. safeguards. #TariffBackdown #AlboCavedToTrump #Aussie #Clusterfuck
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The biosecurity officers' fight against fire ants and allegations of threats, harassment and stalking
A Glen Turner Déjà vu“We’ve had threats of ‘If you come on my property, I’ll shoot you’. ‘If you try and come on my property, I’ll set my dog on you...Australian police are routinely escorting biosecurity officers onto private properties after they reported being threatened with dogs and guns. In cases when people were “incredibly hostile”, program staff would “proactively engage with the police to escort us and to keep the peace and to keep everyone safe in that environment, because we need to complete the treatment”
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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/03/fire-ants-australia-eradication-biosecurity-officers-queensland-ntwnfbThe environmental officer Glen Turner
was shot in Croppa Creek, near Moree in 2014 investigating illegal land clearing. "There is an interweaving between the physical murder of Glen Turner, and the ecological ‘murder’ of the brigalow through the voracious demand for agricultural land." Book review: ‘The Winter Road’ by Kate Holden
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https://residentjudge.com/2022/04/09/the-winter-road-by-kate-holden/
#conservation #biosecurity #FireAnts #InvasiveSpecies #BiosecurityOfficers #OHS #biodiversity #IllegalLandClearing #GlenTurner #violence #crime #Moree #GoldCoast #Grafton #SunshineCoast #LandOwnership #IndividualPropertyRights #PossessiveIndividualism #liberalism #pseudolaw #community #pests #EnvironmentalImpacts #insecticide #EnvironmentalLaws #NSW -
The biosecurity officers' fight against fire ants and allegations of threats, harassment and stalking
A Glen Turner Déjà vu“We’ve had threats of ‘If you come on my property, I’ll shoot you’. ‘If you try and come on my property, I’ll set my dog on you...Australian police are routinely escorting biosecurity officers onto private properties after they reported being threatened with dogs and guns. In cases when people were “incredibly hostile”, program staff would “proactively engage with the police to escort us and to keep the peace and to keep everyone safe in that environment, because we need to complete the treatment”
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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/03/fire-ants-australia-eradication-biosecurity-officers-queensland-ntwnfbThe environmental officer Glen Turner
was shot in Croppa Creek, near Moree in 2014 investigating illegal land clearing. "There is an interweaving between the physical murder of Glen Turner, and the ecological ‘murder’ of the brigalow through the voracious demand for agricultural land." Book review: ‘The Winter Road’ by Kate Holden
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https://residentjudge.com/2022/04/09/the-winter-road-by-kate-holden/
#conservation #biosecurity #FireAnts #InvasiveSpecies #BiosecurityOfficers #OHS #biodiversity #IllegalLandClearing #GlenTurner #violence #crime #Moree #GoldCoast #Grafton #SunshineCoast #LandOwnership #IndividualPropertyRights #PossessiveIndividualism #liberalism #pseudolaw #community #pests #EnvironmentalImpacts #insecticide #EnvironmentalLaws #NSW -
The biosecurity officers' fight against fire ants and allegations of threats, harassment and stalking
A Glen Turner Déjà vu“We’ve had threats of ‘If you come on my property, I’ll shoot you’. ‘If you try and come on my property, I’ll set my dog on you...Australian police are routinely escorting biosecurity officers onto private properties after they reported being threatened with dogs and guns. In cases when people were “incredibly hostile”, program staff would “proactively engage with the police to escort us and to keep the peace and to keep everyone safe in that environment, because we need to complete the treatment”
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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/03/fire-ants-australia-eradication-biosecurity-officers-queensland-ntwnfbThe environmental officer Glen Turner
was shot in Croppa Creek, near Moree in 2014 investigating illegal land clearing. "There is an interweaving between the physical murder of Glen Turner, and the ecological ‘murder’ of the brigalow through the voracious demand for agricultural land." Book review: ‘The Winter Road’ by Kate Holden
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https://residentjudge.com/2022/04/09/the-winter-road-by-kate-holden/
#conservation #biosecurity #FireAnts #InvasiveSpecies #BiosecurityOfficers #OHS #biodiversity #IllegalLandClearing #GlenTurner #violence #crime #Moree #GoldCoast #Grafton #SunshineCoast #LandOwnership #IndividualPropertyRights #PossessiveIndividualism #liberalism #pseudolaw #community #pests #EnvironmentalImpacts #insecticide #EnvironmentalLaws #NSW -
The biosecurity officers' fight against fire ants and allegations of threats, harassment and stalking
A Glen Turner Déjà vu“We’ve had threats of ‘If you come on my property, I’ll shoot you’. ‘If you try and come on my property, I’ll set my dog on you...Australian police are routinely escorting biosecurity officers onto private properties after they reported being threatened with dogs and guns. In cases when people were “incredibly hostile”, program staff would “proactively engage with the police to escort us and to keep the peace and to keep everyone safe in that environment, because we need to complete the treatment”
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/03/fire-ants-australia-eradication-biosecurity-officers-queensland-ntwnfbThe environmental officer Glen Turner
was shot in Croppa Creek, near Moree in 2014 investigating illegal land clearing. "There is an interweaving between the physical murder of Glen Turner, and the ecological ‘murder’ of the brigalow through the voracious demand for agricultural land." Book review: ‘The Winter Road’ by Kate Holden
>>
https://residentjudge.com/2022/04/09/the-winter-road-by-kate-holden/
#conservation #biosecurity #FireAnts #InvasiveSpecies #BiosecurityOfficers #OHS #biodiversity #IllegalLandClearing #GlenTurner #violence #crime #Moree #GoldCoast #Grafton #SunshineCoast #LandOwnership #IndividualPropertyRights #PossessiveIndividualism #liberalism #pseudolaw #community #pests #EnvironmentalImpacts #insecticide #EnvironmentalLaws #NSW -
The biosecurity officers' fight against fire ants and allegations of threats, harassment and stalking
A Glen Turner Déjà vu“We’ve had threats of ‘If you come on my property, I’ll shoot you’. ‘If you try and come on my property, I’ll set my dog on you...Australian police are routinely escorting biosecurity officers onto private properties after they reported being threatened with dogs and guns. In cases when people were “incredibly hostile”, program staff would “proactively engage with the police to escort us and to keep the peace and to keep everyone safe in that environment, because we need to complete the treatment”
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/03/fire-ants-australia-eradication-biosecurity-officers-queensland-ntwnfbThe environmental officer Glen Turner
was shot in Croppa Creek, near Moree in 2014 investigating illegal land clearing. "There is an interweaving between the physical murder of Glen Turner, and the ecological ‘murder’ of the brigalow through the voracious demand for agricultural land." Book review: ‘The Winter Road’ by Kate Holden
>>
https://residentjudge.com/2022/04/09/the-winter-road-by-kate-holden/
#conservation #biosecurity #FireAnts #InvasiveSpecies #BiosecurityOfficers #OHS #biodiversity #IllegalLandClearing #GlenTurner #violence #crime #Moree #GoldCoast #Grafton #SunshineCoast #LandOwnership #IndividualPropertyRights #PossessiveIndividualism #liberalism #pseudolaw #community #pests #EnvironmentalImpacts #insecticide #EnvironmentalLaws #NSW -
So, I signed up for "alerts" from the #MaineDepartmentOfAgriculture, and they sent me an update about #BirdFlu here in #Maine. Oh boy... It's here.
SITUATIONAL REPORT: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza [#HPAI]
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Prepared by: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Current Situation: The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (#DACF), and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (#MDIFW) are urging agricultural stakeholders to take precautions following recent confirmations of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in multiple wild birds in York and Cumberland Counties. While no cases have been detected in domestic flocks since March 2024, the virus remains in the environment."
Recent HPAI Activity
- MDIFW confirmed HPAI in multiple #WildBirds, including Canada geese, red-tailed hawks, and a great horned owl.
- Cases have been reported in Kennebunk, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Berwick, South Portland, and York.
- Four New England states have reported recent HPAI cases in domesticated #poultry.
- Officials have raised the risk level and strongly encourage #flock owners to implement strict #biosecurity measures.
- While HPAI has the ability to infect people and cows, there are no known infected persons or dairy herds in Maine and New England.Biosecurity and Flock Protection Measures
To minimize the risk of HPAI transmission, all commercial and backyard poultry owners are urged to:
- Keep birds indoors or in enclosed outdoor spaces to limit contact with wild birds.
- Maintain strict biosecurity, including sanitizing equipment, wearing clean clothing, and washing hands before and after handling birds.
- Avoid equipment sharing and disinfect tools between uses.
- Provide clean drinking water from municipal or well sources—avoid surface water that may be contaminated.
- Store feed securely to prevent access by wild birds and #rodents.
- Minimize farm visits and avoid areas where birds congregate.
- Monitor flocks for signs of illness and report any unusual cases.Signs of HPAI in Birds
- Sudden death without prior symptoms
- Decreased energy and appetite
- Drop in egg production or misshapen eggs
- Swelling and discoloration of head, comb, wattles, and legs
- Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, or diarrhea
- Neurological symptoms such as incoordinationReporting Sick or Dead Birds
- Dead or sick wild birds should be reported to MDIFW at (207) 287-8000 or via the online wildlife disease reporting form.
- Three or more dead birds in a localized area are of particular concern for statewide surveillance efforts.
- If you handle dead birds, use gloves and masks, dispose of birds properly, and wash hands immediately afterward.
- Sick or dead domestic poultry should be reported to USDA, 866-536-7593.Public Health and Food Safety Considerations
"The human health risk from HPAI remains low, but precautions should be taken:
- Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and use personal protective equipment (PPE) if exposure is necessary.
- Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to safe internal temperatures to eliminate bacteria and viruses.
- Choose pasteurized milk and dairy products for added safety.
- Monitor for respiratory symptoms if exposed to potentially infected birds or environments.Source:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/bulletins/3d1cb0a
#HPAINews #AvianInfluenza #NewEngland #BirdFlu -
#IAS #biosecurity #eradication
A single, $80m shot the last piece of the pest eradication puzzle - Newsroom
https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/01/08/a-single-80m-shot-the-last-piece-of-the-pest-eradication-puzzle/Let's hope this gets funded.
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Live #virus samples lost in major #Queensland lab breach
Nearly 100 live samples of the deadly #Hendra virus have been lost in a #biosecurity bungle at a state-run Queensland lab. It was revealed 323 virus samples went missing from #VirologyLaboratory in 2021 in a "major breach" of biosecurity protocol.
The material, which included samples of Hendra virus, #lyssavirus and #hantavirus, appears to have gone missing after a freezer storing the samples broke down.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-09/queensland-lab-breach-missing-vials-virus-health/104701198 -
Avian Flu Spreads to Humans: Our Next Human Epidemic or Worse?
#Health #AvianFlu #COVID19 #OneHealth #Epidemic #OHI #PandemicPrevention #ZoonoticDiseases #PublicHealth #WHO #ClimateChange #GlobalHealth #InfectiousDiseases #Biosecurity #HealthPolicy
https://the-14.com/avian-flu-spreads-to-humans-our-next-human-epidemic-or-worse/ -
#Preventive, #safety & #control #measures against Avian #Influenza A(#H5N1) in occupationally exposed #groups: A scoping review, One Health: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352771424000922?via%3Dihub
3 occupational exposed groups: #health, #landfill worker, bird-live #market #seller. #Biosecurity (#PPE, #handwashing) is a crucial prevention measure for exposed workers. Workers are more receptive to information from media (TV, radio) and expert opinion.
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#Farm #biosecurity #practices affecting avian #influenza virus circulation in commercial #chicken #farms in #Bangladesh https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39010948/?utm_source=Feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=None&utm_content=1LGAx__djGAJ9poBzWGqPtjEbBDtz4ipSRRPUplmgHEyyF_Ihj&fc=None&ff=20240716081952&v=2.18.0.post9+e462414
We collected pooled fecal swabs from 225 farms and tested the samples for the AIV matrix gene followed by #H5, #H7, and #H9 subtyping using rRT-PCR. We found that 39.6% of chicken farms were AIV positive, with 13% and 14% being positive for subtypes H5 and H9, respectively.
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Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza (HPAI) #H5N1 Personal #Protective #Equipment #Recommendations May 29, 2024 - #USDA, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/hpai-ppe-recommendations.pdf
The purpose of this document is to provide the minimum recommendations for appropriate personal protective equipment (#PPE) to wear and #biosecurity procedures to follow when visiting an HPAI (H5N1) affected herd.
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Ant geopolitics
https://aeon.co/essays/the-strange-and-turbulent-global-world-of-ant-geopoliticsReport red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta)
Information about fire ants and stopping their spread in NSW
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/bfs/insect-pests/rifa‘Wildly toxic’ poison used on fire ants is killing native Australian animals, experts warn Senate inquiry. Fipronil is banned for use on crops in the EU, China, Vietnam and California
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/16/fipronil-fire-ant-poison-toxic-senate-inquiry-bansHuman-mediated dispersal of ants
How ants are breaking down biogeographic boundaries and homogenizing biodiversity
"Our impact on biodiversity is overriding the biogeographical patterns resulting from millions of years of evolution, and disproportionately affecting the tropics and the islands."
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-ants-biogeographic-boundaries-homogenizing-biodiversity.html#ants #SolenopsisInvicta #FireAnts #pests #InvasiveSpecies #biosecurity #trade #NSW #wildlife #BellingenShire #Fipronil #pesticide
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Imported pests and broad-spectrum pesticide regulation
"A “wildly toxic” chemical used to combat fire ants and the varroa mite in Australia is banned in Europe and harmful to humans – and it is poisoning waterways and killing native fauna, experts warn."
"Australia is “a basket case” in that the chemical regulator answers to the department of agriculture, rather than to the department of health, as in Japan, the US and Europe, said Landos."
"NSW MP Emma Hurst of the Animal Justice party said: “It is time for Australia to catch up to the rest of the world and ban fipronil.”"
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https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/16/fipronil-fire-ant-poison-toxic-senate-inquiry-bans
#pests #pesticide #regulation #fipronil #OneHealth #APVMA #neonicotinoids #floodplains #toxins #ecosystem #pollution #wildlife #biosecurity #trade -
Researchers Develop New Technique to Wipe Dangerous Knowledge From AI Systems
https://time.com/6878893/ai-artificial-intelligence-dangerous-knowledge/ #AI #cybersecurity #bioweapons #biosecurity -
The hunger for invasive weeds on the NSW Mid North Coasts
On the Weed Wide Web "we found 155 different declared invasive plants just being sold on one platform, and just in one year...Invasive plants have effectively cost Australia an estimated $200 billion since 1960, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to monitor online trade of species."
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-18/invasive-plume-poppy-weed-efforts-spread-biosecurity-officers/103103342
#weeds #online #flora #gardens #exotics #NSW #MidNorthCoast #InvasiveSpecies #biosecurity #biodiversity -
Invasive species No 1 driver of biodiversity loss in Australia – and feral cats have biggest impact, report finds
"Australasia has been identified as a global hotspot for invasive species. In Australia, invasive species are the number one driver of biodiversity loss"
"Feral cats have the greatest environmental impact..."
"Australia has lost more native mammal species than any other continent, with more than 100 species listed as either extinct or extinct in the wild.'
“This report makes it clear that the Albanese government’s commitment to
‘ n o n e w e x t i n c t i o n s ’ will be no more than a slogan without increased focus and funding needed to prevent the next wave of invasive species."
Lyall Grieve, conservation and biosecurity analyst for the Invasive Species Council“Invasive species are likely to be a primary driver of 85% of the next round of predicted vertebrate extinctions over the next 20 years"
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/04/invasive-species-no-1-driver-of-biodiversity-loss-in-australia-and-feral-cats-have-biggest-impact-report-finds
#NativeFlora #NativeFauna #biodiversity #FireAnts #pests #weeds #cats #pets #biosecurity #pathogens #trade #sprawl #extinction makers -
1/ Benchtop DNA printers are coming soon—and biosecurity experts are worried; Report calls for better safeguards to prevent bioterrorists from weaponizing new technology
Over the next 2 to 5 years...the length of stretches of DNA that can be synthesized with these machines will likely increase from about 200 base pairs today to as many as 7000 base pairs, the size of the smallest viruses.