MONKEYS, BATS AND INFECTION IN MAN.

When it comes to spreading viruses, bats are thought to be among the worst. Now a new study of nearly 900 nonhuman primates in Bangladesh and Cambodia shows that macaques harbor more diverse astroviruses, which can cause infectious gastroenteritis or diarrhea in humans. A bat has bat astrovirus, but a monkey, you could have everything, a research scientist at the University of Washington National Primate Research Primate Center and a co-author of the study, published in PLOS Pathogens. This research, the scientists said, is the first to show evidence of human astroviruses in animals, and among the earliest to demonstrate that astroviruses can move between mammalian species .Astroviruses from a number of species, including human, bovine, bird, cow and dog, were detected in monkeys, This "challenges the paradigm that AstV (astrovirus) infection is species-specific," the authors wrote. It is still unknown whether these viruses are two-way and can be transmitted to humans. They did find evidence that, in monkeys, two species of astrovirus recombined.Knowing that nonhuman primates can harbor diverse astroviruses -- including novel, recombinant viruses that may be pathogenic and/or more efficiently transmitted -- highlights the importance of continued monitoring, the authors said. This is particularly true in countries such as Bangladesh and Cambodia, where macaques and humans live side-by-side."This study is an example of the concept of One Health for new viruses," noted author Stacey Schultz-Cherry at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. "This is an indication that we really need to think about animal partners in One Health." Astroviruses are most commonly associated with diarrhea. They can also cause clinical diseases such as nephritis, hepatitis and encephalitis. Astroviruses also can be asymptomatic, depending on the species, the researchers reported. Currently, the only treatment is oral rehydration. story source; science daily.

ZIKA VIRUS INFECTION AND SEX.

A rare case of the Zika virus being transmitted through sex, not a mosquito bite, has been reported in the US.A patient infected in Dallas, Texas, is likely to have been infected by sexual contact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) told the BBC The person had not travelled to infected areas but their partner had returned from Venezuela. Zika is carried by mosquitoes and has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains. It is spreading through the Americas and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the disease linked to the virus a global public health emergency. The American Red Cross has meanwhile urged prospective blood donors returning from Zika-hit countries to wait at least 28 days before donating their blood. The "self-deferral" should apply to people returning from Mexico, the Caribbean or Central or South America during the past four weeks, the Red Cross said in a statement. If Zika can readily spread through sex, then it poses a risk to every country not just those with the Aedes mosquito. The authorities have said sexual transmission is rare, but last year they would have said any case of Zika was rare, too. This explosive outbreak has caught the world by surprise and many key questions remain unanswered. Exactly how common or rare is sexual transmission? Can it be spread by the 80% of people who show no symptoms? How long does the virus persist in semen? When is it safe to have sex again? What should men do after visiting affected countries? Can women also spread the virus through sex? However, this is not a new HIV/Aids moment. HIV infection is incurable and dramatically shortens lives without daily medication. Zika infections are short, mild and pose a significant threat only in pregnancy. Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director for CDC, said this was the first case it had dealt with involving a "non-traveller"."We don't believe this was spread through mosquito bites, but we do believe it was spread through a sexual contact."A statement issued by the CDC said the best way to avoid Zika virus infection was "to prevent mosquito bites and to avoid exposure to semen from someone who has been exposed to Zika".The case is "significant" if it was definitely transmitted through sexual contact, Alaka Basu, a senior fellow for public health at the UN Foundation. Story credit BBC.

AGRIBUSINESS : URBAN FARMER @ FISH FLAKES PRODUCTION.

AGRIBUSINESS : URBAN FARMER @ FISH FLAKES PRODUCTION.The urban farmer is a series dedicated to lovers of agriculture ,but have little or no space to practice their passion.Sequel to the aquarium shop business, the fish flakes to feed the ornamental fishes. The sale of various types of fish and other sea creature is a separate business enterprise on its own,you can decide to invest in this aspect and be a major distributor of various types of fish. The fishes must be kept in clean containers and must be fed, the making of fish flakes may be on a small scale or on a large scale for distribution to a wide array of clients ,local and international.The flakes are usually floating feed,and they come in various shapes,sizes and colors. The more unique your feed,the packaging and distribution network the more profit you will make and the more clients you will have. The urban farmer has the advantage of operating in the confines of their home,because you do not need any heavy machinery. The making of the flakes is simple and easy to make; send a mail to get the book on how to make fish flakes and smile.

How to start an aquarium business.

Thinking of starting an home based business that is not capital intensive? welcome to the aqua world.

Starting an aquarium shop/store is easy and can easily be operated from the confines of your home. The basic skill you need is love for the sea-life and a spark of creativity to bring you projects to life.The size of your business will depend on your target audience, their taste and purpose.

The service is centered around fish and other water creatures that you can incorporate into your tank to add color and beauty to the tank. #urban farming .

Fish types to choose from are wide and the choice of what you stock depends mainly on what is available in your locality,taste and the expression you are willing to create.Turtles, are also a beauty to behold in the ponds. 

 Starting off; tank housing/containers are the major piece for the project.

The tanks could be plastic bottles,plastic drums,glass troughs,glass vats,wooden boxes,glass columns and slide trays.A host of water holding containers can be used,it all depends on your creativity. 

 The size of the project and the nature of client will also determine the type of vats.

Did you know you could incorporate a fish tank in an existing fountain? The next thing will be the accessories to make the tank stand out.

These include; pumps,filters, lights, decorations,plants,sand, and various toys. #aquarium The aquarium is ready ; Clean your vat/container. pour in your sand. put the desired accessories. put in your fish. Turn on the lights and your aquarium is ready. 

 The business opportunities are as follows :

1) sale of vats/containers

 2) sale of accessories. 

 3) sale of fish and other creatures for the tank. 

 4)consultancy on setting up ,managing and maintaining a fish. #aquarium

 5) sale of fish flakes.

 These vats could also be used to raise fingerlings and sell as juveniles or you can raise fingerlings to market size using bigger and large number of vats depending on stock size.

This will open up another business for sale of fish feed and catfish @ harvest time.

FACTS ABOUT ZIKA VIRUS.

An RNA virus of flaviviridae family and genus flavi virus.Transmission is through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.The mosquitoes are urban dwellers and aggressive day time feeders,feeding both in door and outdoor.The zika virus infection is an emerging mosquito borne illness,1st identified in Uganda in 1947. 1 in every 5 people infected with the zika virus become ill,and the common symptoms of zika are 1) fever 2)rash 3)joint pain 4)red eyes,while other signs include muscle pain and headache.The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to weeks. Pregnant women infected with the virus have babies with small brains,resulting in delayed development. The symptoms of the zika virus are similar to that of dengue and chikungunya. The zika virus remains in the blood of an infected person for 2-7 days but can be longer in some people. There are no vaccines or medication to prevent the zika virus infection,rather symptoms are treated symptomatically following these steps 1) get plenty of rest. 2) drink plenty of fluid to prevent dehydration and 3) use acetaminophen to relieve fever and pain. An infected mosquito can spread virus to other people.People living in areas with high mosquito population should protect themselves by using screened doors,windows ,insecticides and insect repellent. # stay safe # insecticides # treated nets

ZIKA VIRUS # PREGNANT WOMEN AND UNBORN BABIES.

Birth deformity linked to zika virus,thus pregnant women are advised to stay away from zones with outbreaks and those returning from such areas are advised to hold on before making babies.The adaptability of the Aedes aegypti to urban life coupled with global travelling make it a global threat. Be protected,use environmentally friendly insecticides and screened nets. Photo credit; C.D.C.

VECTOR CONTROL AND ZIKA VIRUS.

When the life cycle of the mosquito is understood, then specific interventions can be instituted to kill them.The elimination of stagnant water where some of the stages occur is very important,the spraying of drains with kerosene, cleaning and removing trash from environment will also prevent development of mosquito. The use of insecticides, treated nets and treated clothes are also important.Living quarters surrounded by large bodies of water must be screened to prevent mosquito bites. The Aedes egypti is the identified specie that transmits the zika virus,its also responsible for yellow fever,dengue and chikungunya. The simple protocol of cleaning your environment,removing water collecting containers,using insecticides, clearing drains ,using treated nets and also the use of insect repellent on skin in susceptible environment will keep you safe and free from mosquito bites. Photo credit; internet.