July 30, 2010
Note: All links accessed and active on day of Biosecurity News in Brief publication.
CDC Launches Universal Flu Vaccination Recommendation (CIDRAP News) The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today endorsed its vaccine advisory group's recommendation for universal influenza immunization, as public health groups prepare to shift gears from pushing the pandemic H1N1 vaccine to drawing the public's attention to the new seasonal flu vaccine advice.
Small Increases in Vaccine Cost Can Cause Large Gaps in Protection (EurekAlert!) Public immunization efforts may be much more sensitive than previously realized to small changes in the perceived costs or risks of vaccination, scientists at Harvard University report this week. In some cases, the spread of vaccine avoidance via social networks can make the difference between a minor, localized outbreak and an epidemic four times as large.
Costs of Animal Disease Outbreaks Rising Steeply (The Independent) Urbanisation and growing demand for animal products in developing countries are causing the potential costs of animal disease outbreaks to rise steeply, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation said on Monday.
U.S. Faces Drop in Nuclear Forensics Capabilities, Report Says (Global Security Newswire) A report issued today by the National Research Council says the United States is facing continued reductions in its ability to determine the point of origin of material used in an act of nuclear terrorism.
State Department: Russia Was Not Cheating on START (Foreign Policy) The State Department does not believe that Russia has been cheating on its obligations under START I, the now-defunct 1991 nuclear reductions treaty and is confident that Russia will abide by the new treaty when it is ratified, according to the treaty’s top negotiator.
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