|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Seals Can Catch The Flu WASHINGTON (AFP) - Seals can be infected with the influenza B virus, a disease that was thought to be unique to humans, according to a study published in last Friday's edition of Science magazine. Researchers at the University of Rotterdam have discovered the virus in two of the sea mammals washed up on the coast of the Netherlands. They estimate that from 0.5 to 2% of seals in the region are infected. "This reservoir (of the virus in seals) could present a direct threat to humans," said A.D. Osterhaus, the principle author of the article. The strain found in the seals is very closely related to one detected in humans four or five years ago, researchers said. The influenza A virus is known to infect waterfowl, and influenza C is common in pigs. But until now, the influenza B virus had only been detected in humans
Newswires |
