China has a habit of hiding or downplaying news of outbreaks of infectious diseases (AIDS, avian flu) lest that should scare away eager foreign investors. Outside observers have reported that Chinese farmers have fed their poultry Amantadine, one of the two main types of flu medication used for humans. There is evidence that the drug was administered at the behest of veterinarians, who in turn were directed to do so by the Chinese government. Consequently, flu virus resistant to Amantadine has now surfaced among infected birds in China. This is not good news because if that strain is responsible for causing a pandemic, a substancial portion of available flu medication will be rendered useless. China has predictably denied the widespread use of the drug and the Chinese government’s role in giving flawed advice to farmers and vets. Even while denying the practice, it is blaming the Merck Veterinary Manual. I am inclined to believe outside observers.
Also, the WHO advices nations to stock up on enough flu medication to treat 20% of their population. Australia and New Zealand may be the only two countries close to having the recommened stockpile – the US has enough for 2% of its population. And what about less prosperous but populous nations? How will they prepare for a pandemic?
Accidental Blogger 