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Ebola treatment successful in primates

Recovery seen at onset of disease symptoms

Scientists have reported that they have successfully treated the deadly ebola virus in primates at the onset of disease symptoms.

The experiment, carried out by a team of researchers at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), follows previous successful ebola studies.

The scientists had already found that the treatment, known as MB-003, is 100 per cent successful in non-human primates when given one hour after ebola exposure, and in two out of three cases when given 48 hours after exposure.

However, the new study has revealed that 43 per cent of infected non-human primates recovered after receiving MB-003 intravenously between 104 and 120 hours after infection – when the primates first developed measurable symptoms.

Ebola is a global health concern with a human fatality rate as high as 90 per cent. Treatment has been under development in the US for the past 10 years.

According to the scientists, MB-003 is a "cocktail" of monoclonal antibodies that inactivate the virus by recognising infected cells and triggering the immune system to kill them off.

It was reported that no side effects were observed in the surviving animals.

"These initial results push the threshold of MB-003 from post-exposure prophylaxis to treating verified illness," said senior author Gene Olinger, of USAMRIID.

The study has been published in the online journal Science Translational Medicine.

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African Ebola Virus linked to Bushmeat

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.