The WHO's accusation followed the publication of a scientific report that said a new strain of bird flu -- called H5N1 Fujian-like -- has become widespread throughout southern China and Southeast Asia.
The study -- conducted by Chinese and American scientists -- found that one out of every 30 ducks and one out of every 30 geese in live poultry markets tested positive in the past year for H5N1 bird flu in six southern Chinese provinces: Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan and Hunan provinces.
According to Dr. Julie Hall, an infectious disease expert at the WHO's Beijing office, the MOA has not shared samples of the new strain with
the WHO.
"There's a stark difference between what we're hearing from the researchers and what the ministry of agriculture says," Hall said. "Unless the ministry tells us what's going on and shares viruses on a regular basis, we will be doing diagnostics on strains that are old."
Hall says the MOA has not shared bird flu strain samples with the WHO since 2004, which has hindered the health watchdog's ability to monitor mutations of the disease that could indicate an ability to spread easily from human to human.
"This is a new disease," Hall said. "Nobody knows how to tackle it, nobody in the world has all the answers, but if (the MOA) share(s) ... then we will all gain from that."
Hall said that following the deadly 2003 SARS outbreak in China, the MOA reformed its disease reporting policies following international outrage at its refusal to share information. However, critics of the MOA speculate that its apparent decision to withhold bird flu information may be for commercial reasons. China is home to 14 billion poultry and 90 percent of the world's geese population, and an H5N1 vaccine would be highly profitable.
The MOA has responded to criticism for its refusal to share flu samples by citing unaccredited use of Chinese scientists' research overseas.
###
 |
Additional Resources:
bird flu
china
the WHO
|
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
Email this article to a friend
Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/020973.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |