The US Department of Agriculture on Thursday confirmed the country’s first case of virulent avian flu in commercial poultry since 2017.The agency found H7N3 avian influenza, a virulent or highly pathogenic strain, in a turkey flock in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, according to a statement. No human cases of the virus have been detected and there is no immediate public health concern, the USDA said.The worst-ever US outbreak of avian flu in 2014 and 2015 killed about 50 million birds, most of which were egg-laying hens in Iowa.Bird flu viruses currently spread swiftly in wild birds and poultry, and can at times jump into humans. Global health and infectious disease specialists cite as one of their greatest concerns the threat of a human flu pandemic caused by a bird flu strain that makes such a jump and mutates into a deadly and airborne form that can pass easily between people, according to a report from Reuters last year.Last month, Saudi Arabia reported an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N8 bird flu virus on a poultry farm, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).Read more:Containment has failed. What is next for coronavirus?Coronavirus may not be the apocalypse, but it is a serious health crisisGovernments track coronavirus infections, but what about tracking immunity?
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: US detects its first case of virulent H7N3 bird flu in commercial poultry since 2017
Shops reopen in Bahrain as government rolls back restrictions
Bahrain is allowing stores to reopen if they follow social distancing guidelines but theaters and tourist locations remain closed and food delivery and takeout remain the order of the day for restaurants.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Shops reopen in Bahrain as government rolls back restrictions
Khamenei blames Western culture, atheism for coronavirus response failings
In a rare speech, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized the West for its poor response to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, as cases continue to grow in Iran.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Khamenei blames Western culture, atheism for coronavirus response failings
Race for wheat heats up between Damascus, opposition
The Syrian government in Damascus is competing with the opposition government in the northwest to buy wheat, facing increased demand and high prices.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Race for wheat heats up between Damascus, opposition
Firm hired to build Falconcity of Wonders pyramid hotel
Falconcity of Wonders awards the Saam Vega hospitality project to Evolve Contracting
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Firm hired to build Falconcity of Wonders pyramid hotel
GEMS founder said to be in talks to sell stake in company
GEMS, which is backed by CVC Capital Partners, is offering deferments and discounts to parents of school children who can prove their financial situation
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: GEMS founder said to be in talks to sell stake in company
NMC Health goes into administration after succumbing to creditors
The Middle East's largest hospital operator will be run by administrators Alvarez & Marshal
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: NMC Health goes into administration after succumbing to creditors
Airbus cuts output by third amid Covid-19 pandemic
The rapid spread of the virus has caused unprecedented dislocation in the aviation market, with planes grounded worldwide and cash-strapped airlines deferring jet deliveries while seeking bailouts to survive
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Airbus cuts output by third amid Covid-19 pandemic
Kuwait announces 12 more coronavirus recoveries
The recovered individuals will be shifted to a hospital recuperation ward pending their discharge from the hospital over the course of the next two days
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Kuwait announces 12 more coronavirus recoveries
Israel warns after Syrian commander visit to Hezbollah positions: ‘We see you’
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a warning to its adversaries when a Syrian Armed Forces commander visited Hezbollah positions in Syria near the Israeli border.The IDF published the video taken from Israeli territory on its Twitter account, and with it a message.“We see you. Consider this a warning. We won’t allow Hezbollah to entrench itself militarily in Syria.”When re-posted by Avichay Adraee, a spokesman for the IDF, the video was accompanied with a threat.“The Syrian regime will be held responsible for any disrupting activity launched from its territory.”In his tweet, Adraee says the head of the Syrian Armed Forces 1st Corps, Ali Ahmad Asaad, continues to support Hezbollah’s presence on the borders.“This video we reveal today shows the commander of the first corps on a tour in sites known to be used by Hezbollah,” Adraee said.“Hezbollah’s presence in Syria generally, and in the Syrian part of the Golan [Heights] specifically, is aimed at creating a terrorist structure against Israel,” he added.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Israel warns after Syrian commander visit to Hezbollah positions: ‘We see you’