RSOE EDIS - Biological Hazard in Israel on Saturday, 29 October, 2011 at 04:23 (04:23 AM) UTC. EDIS CODE: BH-20111029-32865-ISR

Mysterious Disease Affecting Kinneret 

[Sea of Galilee] 

Biological Hazard in Israel on Saturday, 29 October, 2011

Description
The 1st stage of a mysterious disease affecting Kinneret [Sea of Galilee] fish begins in one of its eyes, which starts to pop out, and gets destroyed leaving an empty hole in the socket. Then the 2nd eye is affected. In the 3rd stage, the blind fish blacken and starves. Red spots appear on its body and then it dies. So far, there is no official answer whether the disease is an unknown virus, or a mutation of a virus, a bacteria or a parasite. Initial signs of the problem were discovered 10 years ago in small numbers. The phenomenon was 1st noticed by Menachem Lev, a fisherman from Kibbutz Ein Gev, a local expert on everything that happens in the Kinneret. The plague 1st affected St. Peter's Fish [Tilapia, Sarotherodon galilaeus galilaeus], which is considered sacred by Christians (from the story of the bread and the fishes). About a million Christian pilgrims visit Israel every year. Most of them visit the Kinneret and eat St. Peter's fish; the Ein Gev restaurant alone serves more than 300 000 fish dinners to pilgrims every year. The problem has worsened since then, and it is not only St. Peter's Fish that are affected by the disease, but also the Jordan River tilapia raised in fish ponds in the Hula Valley, silver carp, carp, and mullet. 12-15 percent of the fish in the lake have already contracted the disease. The Ministry of Agriculture denies the presence of this serious disease in the Kinneret. However, as a result of the numerous occurrences, a number of tests have been conducted in the last few weeks to identify the problem. The ministry's Fish Division laboratory at Nir David has concluded that the cause is not bacteriological. Its preliminary report in September 2011 found the characteristic symptoms in fishes' eyes. If the problem is a parasite, this will cause a major kashrut [approval as "Kosher" according to Jewish ritual-religious guidelines] problem and the Rabbinate is liable to ban fish from the Kinneret. The Water Authority believes that the disease is genetic in origin. Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Services fish health director Dr. Avi Eldar is trying to discover whether a new or mutated virus is the cause of the disease. The Veterinary Services has not found an unambiguous answer, and Dr. Eldar has contacted a lab in Italy, which has not yet given its answer. In the absence of information about the source of the plague, or whether eating infected fish risks human health, Prof. Moshe Gefen, a leading researcher of Kinneret fishes, warned about the problem 5 years ago. He now advises intensive fishing of the lake in order to remove as many infected fish as possible, test the water of all Hula Valley fish ponds whose water flows into the Kinneret, and intensify the investigation into the disease. Most of all, he advises determining whether the cause is viral, because if it is, it is a potential human health hazard. He also advises improving the genetic diversity of the fish in the Kinneret. The quantity of fish caught in the Kinneret has plummeted in the past decade from 1800 tons a year to 400 tons. The average wholesale value of the catch is NIS 25 000 [USD 6942] per ton.
Biohazard name:	Fish Die-off (Unidentified disease)
Biohazard level:	0/4 ---
Biohazard desc.:	This does not included biological hazard category.

Link: RSOE EDIS - Biological Hazard in Israel on Saturday, 29 October, 2011EDIS CODE: BH-20111029-32865-ISR


Link: Unknown disease killing Kinneret fish - Globes


Link: wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinneret

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World Events As it Happens!

RSOE EDIS - HAZMAT in USA on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011 at 05:40 (05:40 AM) UTC. EDIS CODE: HZ-20111012-32649-USA

RSOE EDIS - HAZMAT in USA on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011 at 05:40 (05:40 AM) UTC. EDIS CODE: HZ-20111012-32649-USA

RSOE EDIS - Vehicle Accident in New Zealand on Thursday, 06 October, 2011 EDIS CODE: VI-20111006-32565-NZL

RSOE EDIS - Vehicle Accident in New Zealand on Thursday, 06 October, 2011 at 03:06 (03:06 AM) UTC. EDIS CODE: VI-20111006-32565-NZL

RSOE EDIS
Event Report

Event Description

Description

A hazardous substance aboard the stranded cargo ship Rena could give off highly flammable hydrogen gas if it comes into contact with water. The 236-metre cargo vessel struck the Astrolabe Reef, near Tauranga Harbour, around 2:20am yesterday. The Astrolabe Reef is about 4 nautical miles north of Motiti Island - about 12 nautical miles off the coast. A 2km oil slick has been confirmed as coming from the vessel. Maritime New Zealand spokesman James Sygrove this afternoon said the vessel was carrying four containers of the alloy ferrosilicon, a solid substance which was a potential fire risk. "If it comes into contact with water it gives off hydrogen gas, which is reasonably flammable. It would obviously need a spark to go up, but that's a risk we have to look into,'' he said. Mr Sygrove said so far the containers had been located on the ship and it was not yet known if they were at imminent risk. Investigators were assessing that. Ferrosilicon is used in industrial processes like steel deoxidation, alloy manufacture, and military production of hydrogen gas for balloons. Appropriate packaging was used to minimize the risk of contact with water. Meanwhile, an oil dispersant operation may be launched this afternoon. An aerial observation flight this morning identified the slick, which stretches from 1500 to 2000 meters from the vessel in a narrow ribbon. The Rena was carrying about 1700 tonnes of fuel oil and about 70 tonnes of marine diesel. An assessment team has now gone to the area in a vessel to conduct a closer analysis of the slick. The team will also conduct dispersant field tests to assess the potential effectiveness of a dispersant operation. If the tests are successful, the operation is likely to start today. National on-scene commander Rob Service said the on-water assessment would provide a clearer picture of what the oil spill response team was dealing with. A dispersant operation would be a viable option if it was found there was a significant amount of oil in the water. Dispersant works by diluting the oil in the water and assisting its natural breakdown. Mr Service said dispersant operations were only undertaken after careful consideration of the impact on the environment. About 25 members of the assessment team arrived in Tauranga yesterday, working with members of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and other environmental agencies. Supplies from the national oil spill response equipment stockpile arrived in Tauranga overnight and are ready for deployment. A wildlife response plan is also in action with specialist oiled wildlife wash and rehabilitation equipment mobilized and underway from Massey University. The equipment is due to arrive in Tauranga this afternoon, and a wildlife center will be set up. Mr Service said wildlife teams were on standby to join those already in Tauranga to assist with field monitoring and response if and when required. A Transport Accident Investigation Commission inquiry has been launched to find out how the ship became grounded on the reef at near-high tide. Spokesman Peter Northcote said the inquiry could take up to a year to complete, but interim reports or urgent safety recommendations could come sooner if needed. "This event, involving such a large ship and finding itself on a reef where it shouldn't have been, automatically qualifies itself for investigation,'' he said. Two investigators boarded the Rena this morning, including the commission's chief investigator, who was a maritime engineer and former mariner. Mr Northcote said they were securing data recorder information and conducting interviews with the ship's master and crew. "They're expected to remain on board certainly today, they may stay on board overnight and continue their on-board work tomorrow.'' Crews were usually cooperative and happy to talk, Mr Northcote said. Useful information would be gathered from the salvage operation, including divers' photography and an understanding of the state of the vessel on the reef. The salvage would not affect the investigators' work but could fall under the scope of the investigation, as would the environmental impact of the accident.

Vehicle Accident in New Zealand on Thursday, 06 October, 2011 at 03:06 (03:06 AM) UTC.

Base data
EDIS Number:	VI-20111006-32565-NZL
Event type:	Vehicle Accident
Date/Time:	Thursday, 06 October, 2011 at 03:06 (03:06 AM) UTC
Last update:	---
Cause of event:
Damage level:	Severe
Geographic information
Continent:	Australia & New-Zealand
Country:	New Zealand
County / State:	Coral Sea
Area:	Astrolabe Reef
City:
Coordinate:	S 19° 49.000, E 165° 35.000
Number of affected people / Humanities loss
Foreign people:	Affected is unknown.

RSOE EDIS - Biological Hazard in USA on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011 at 03:24 (03:24 AM) UTC. EDIS CODE: BH-20111012-32647-USA

RSOE EDIS - Biological Hazard in USA on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011 at 03:24 (03:24 AM) UTC. EDIS CODE: BH-20111012-32647-USA

Biological Hazard in USA on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011 at 03:24 (03:24 AM) UTC. Description A total of 2,356 birds have died as a result of an avian botulism outbreak at the Six Man Club south of Naval Air Station Fallon, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The botulism, which does not affect humans, emerged from one of the ponds at the private hunting club due to hot weather and stagnant water in August. Since then, the outbreak has spread to all 10 ponds at the club and has killed ducks, ibis and numerous other species including a red-tailed hawk. According to Kyle Neill of the Nevada Department of Wildlife, 1,339 ducks and 755 coots have died as a result of the outbreak. He added 414 birds have died since Friday. The outbreak has not spread to Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge or Carson Lake, according to the USFWS. According to state records, this could be one of the worst botulism outbreaks since 1949. According to Mike Goodard of the USFWS, teams of individuals from the service and the Nevada Department of Wildlife have been on-site to clean up the dead birds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NDOW teams use air boats to roam the ponds and scoop of birds with fishing nets. Goodard said no one from the Six Man Club has joined in the recovery efforts. On Friday, more than 200 dead birds were found and removed to one of several pits on the property. In addition, the USFWS has created a “Duck Hospital” at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge and also has another pit for dead birds. The one open pit at the club was about 5 feet deep and 8 feet in length and littered with hundreds of carcasses with thousands of flies swarming the bodies. The other pits on the property had been filled with dirt to cover the carcasses. Bill Henry, a wildlife biologist for the USFWS, said the botulism originated from the ground, where it became active once the first pond was filled with water. The water, which remained stagnant, became warm due to hot summer temperatures. “All this good habitat is causing all this death,” Henry added. The botulism then moved into the drinking source for the birds and once the initial birds died, flies laid eggs, which soon became maggots. Henry said the maggots can ingest the botulism without being affected, but the birds will eat the maggots, become infected and eventually die if they are not rescued in time. He added the disease creates paralysis starting with the feet and then moves to the body and eventually the head and neck. The result of death is by drowning or heat exhaustion, Henry said. He added it can take less than 12 hours for a healthy bird to ingest water or maggots before dying. However, many ill birds have been saved at the refuge's “Duck Hospital.” Clean and cool water flushes the botulism out of the birds' system. Eventually the birds are released back into the wild. But the crux of the outbreak, according to USFWS officials, has been the approach by the Six Man Club. Goodard said the service contacted the club when the outbreak originated and recommended draining the pond. Instead, the club used its water allotment to fill the nine other ponds in an attempt to cool the infected pond and erase the botulism. However, that maneuver backfired and the outbreak has spread to all 10 ponds. “We suggested to drain the pond, but other choices were made,” Henry said. Goodard and Henry said they have not been in contact with the club's owners and that another recommendation to haze — or scare — birds away has fallen on deaf ears. Federal and state officials have tried to keep birds away from the ponds, but the vast size of the club makes the project difficult. Chris Nicolai, a migratory bird biologist for the USFWS said an outbreak in 1988 claimed 6,000 to 10,000 birds. He added last that Thursday and Friday were the worst two days since the outbreak began with more than 400 dead birds collected. To stop the spread of botulism, Goodard said cool weather is needed to drop the water temperature in the ponds. The forecast for this week calls for temperatures in the mid-70s with evening lows in the high 30s to low 40s. The water fowl hunting season opens Saturday. “Thursday might be our last day (cleaning up),” Neill added. “It's toned down the last couple days and hopefully the weather stays cool.” Clostridium botulinum, or avian botulism, is the cause of the current outbreak at the Six Man Club south of Naval Air Station Fallon. It affects water fowl and shorebirds. The bacteria is widespread in soil and requires warm temperatures, a protein source and an anaerobic (no oxygen) environment in order to become active and produce toxin. Decomposing vegetation and invertebrates combined with warm temperatures can provide ideal conditions for the botulism bacteria to activate and produce toxin. Biohazard name: Avian botulism Biohazard level: 2/4 Medium Biohazard desc.: Bacteria and viruses that cause only mild disease to humans, or are difficult to contract via aerosol in a lab setting, such as hepatitis A, B, and C, influenza A, Lyme disease, salmonella, mumps, measles, scrapie, dengue fever, and HIV. "Routine diagnostic work with clinical specimens can be done safely at Biosafety Level 2, using Biosafety Level 2 practices and procedures. Research work (including co-cultivation, virus replication studies, or manipulations involving concentrated virus) can be done in a BSL-2 (P2) facility, using BSL-3 practices and procedures. Virus production activities, including virus concentrations, require a BSL-3 (P3) facility and use of BSL-3 practices and procedures", see Recommended Biosafety Levels for Infectious Agents. Symptoms: Status: confirmed http://www.lahontanvalleynews.com USFWS

RSOE EDIS - HAZMAT in USA on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011 at 03:05 (03:05 AM) UTC. EDIS CODE: HZ-20111012-32644-USA

RSOE EDIS - HAZMAT in USA on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011 at 03:05 (03:05 AM) UTC. EDIS CODE: HZ-20111012-32644-USA

HAZMAT in USA on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011

Base data EDIS Number: HZ-20111012-32644-USA Event type: HAZMAT Date/Time: Wednesday, 12 October, 2011 at 03:05 (03:05 AM) UTC Last update: --- Cause of event: Damage level: Moderate Geographic information Continent: North-America Country: USA County / State: State of Ohio Area: Edgewood Middle School, Busenbark Road City: Trenton Coordinate: N 39° 28.523, W 84° 29.255 Number of affected people / Humanities loss Foreign people: Affected is unknown. Dead person(s): --- Injured person(s): 47

Event Description

HAZMAT in USA on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011

Description An emergency evacuation of Edgewood Middle School Tuesday morning caused more than a few tense moments for school officials, emergency responders and nearly 50 sickened students. Students were evacuated outside, but the source of the problem turned out to be coming from there, on a high school athletic field that had been sprayed with weed killer two hours earlier. While students were not on that field, what began as breathing problems and headaches for 11 students eventually spread to 47 students. It created tense moments for emergency workers who scrambled to find the source while tending to the sick. By the time six students were sent to hospitals and 41 more were evaluated, a crew that suited up in hazmat gear and sophisticated testing equipment pinpointed the trouble. That’s when the chaos at the Busenbark Road campus took yet another turn. Emergency workers at first thought, mistakenly, that some of the students had been evacuated onto the tainted fields and would have to be decontaminated. “That’s when we thought we’d have to strip everybody’s clothes off and the whole nine yards,” said Jeff Galloway, director of the Butler County Emergency Management Agency. Emergency and hazmat crews were called in shortly after 10 a.m. “The chemical is an irritant by inhalation,” said Galloway. “There was a situation here, but not a life threatening situation.” He said tests were performed inside the school and it was found to be clear of any residue. The herbicide that was identified has the trade name Momentum, which kills weeds and clover, but not grass. It is considered “slightly toxic with corneal involvement or irritation and moderate skin irritation,” according to warning labels. Galloway suggested that parents wash their children’s clothes, have them shower and send them outside to breathe clean air the rest of the day. For nearly four hours, firefighters from St. Clair Township, Hamilton and other nearby departments examined the 47 sick students to determine who needed to go to the hospital. “Our biggest concern was when we got here we didn’t realize that the problem was outside,” St. Clair Township Fire Chief Terry White said. Parents began arriving after hearing news reports of the evacuation. Some expressed concern. Others were in tears. But most were calm, said Butler County Sheriff’s Sgt. Richard Greer. School spokesman John Thomas initially had downplayed the situation to media as the hazmat team and other emergency crews were arriving on the scene. He said a couple students in one classroom who first complained of the odor and began coughing were sent to a district nurse. Teachers didn’t smell anything, he said. Even so, school officials decided to evacuate the room. Emergency management officials expanded the evacuation to the entire wing as children in other classrooms fell sick. Eventually the entire school was cleared. Ryan Lockard, a parent from Madison Township, dashed to the school to pick up his 11-year-old daughter who is in the seventh grade. The middle school holds grades 5 through 8. “It was scary at first but it seems like they handled it ok,” he said. Daughter Abbi Lockard was among the students evacuated to the front of the school. “It was all pretty calm,” she said. Fifth and sixth graders were evacuated first to the front of the school, followed by the rest of the building 30 minutes later, she said. The older students were sent to the adjacent high school campus. The middle school will reopen as usual on Wednesday.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

1. Report on the situation at Edgewood Middle School today 

1. Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Edgewood Schools

-- Attention --

First and foremost the safety of all students and staff was the most important thing in all the decisions. As mentioned in previous communication we were informed this morning that some students said they smelled an odor and they were coughing and not feeling well. The decision was made to contact the local fire department, which is common in situations like this. From there the first responders called others to the sight; police, ambulatory services and hazard material experts. When schools are involved it is important to take all precautionary procedures to insure the safety of all. Upon arrival, those in charge advised that we evacuate the building. At first just the 5th and 6th grade wing where the odor was determined to be, and later the rest of the building. Upon evacuation we followed the District Safety and Security plan which is to go to the high school gymnasium and auditorium. Around 12:00 pm the staff in charged was informed that the baseball and softball field, approximately 150 yards from the middle school, received a lawn care treatment this morning around 8:30 am. The treatment was a “weed and feed” application that is applied in the fall. The product that was applied is called LESCO Momentum. This product is used often for treatment of lawns, ball fields, etc. On a data sheet report under hazards identification it states the product has low inhalation toxicity and that inhalation of the product MAY aggravate existing chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis. Skin contact may aggravate existing skin disease. This was determined to be a possible cause. No students came in contact; however it is possible that the odor from the chemical reached the building. If your child is experiencing any the above problems or is coughing and or wheezing excessively, it is suggested to contact your physician. All totaled, approximately 30 students were looked at by the school nurse and the EMT’s and six chose to receive medical treatment at the hospital. Around 1:30 pm, after an extensive check of the building, we received an all clear for re-entry by staff and students by the first responders. All students were brought back and school and extra-curricular activities continued for the day. School will be in session tomorrow.

Links: Chemicals To Blame For Fumes At Edgewood School

http://www.edgewoodschools.com/

RSOE EDIS - Epidemic Hazard in Canada on October, 8, 2011 EDIS CODE: EH-20111008-32601-CAN

RSOE EDIS - Epidemic Hazard in Canada on Saturday, 08 October, 2011 at 03:25 (03:25 AM) UTC. EDIS CODE: EH-20111008-32601-CAN

Epidemic Hazard in Canada on Saturday, 08 October, 2011 at 03:25 (03:25 AM) UTC.

Description Hamilton public health is investigating whether four cases of legionellosis in the city’s east end came from a common source. The cases were reported to public health over the past several weeks. The first person became sick on Aug. 11 and reported it Aug. 23. The three other cases have been reported since Sept. 22. “Legionella is a seasonal thing so we do expect more cases at this time of the year. And, in fact, the number of cases is not large at all,” Dr. Chris Mackie, an associate medical officer of health, said Friday. But public health is trying to trace whether the disease came from the same source in the east end, he said, noting that one of the cases was contracted while the patient was travelling outside of the country. The elderly, people with lung conditions or immune disorders and smokers are more susceptible, Mackie said. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium, commonly found in large cooling systems. The bacteria live in water or wet soil and must be inhaled or aspirated to cause an infection. The city has looked into about the half a dozen cooling towers in the area and did not find concerns, Mackie said. A medical advisory was issued to Hamilton physicians, infection control officers, labs, intensive care units and other health care professionals to flag Legionellosis as a potential diagnosis for pneumonia cases. Biohazard name: Legionnaires Disease Biohazard level: 4/4 Hazardous Biohazard desc.: Viruses and bacteria that cause severe to fatal disease in humans, and for which vaccines or other treatments are not available, such as Bolivian and Argentine hemorrhagic fevers, H5N1(bird flu), Dengue hemorrhagic fever, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, hantaviruses, Lassa fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and other hemorrhagic or unidentified diseases. When dealing with biological hazards at this level the use of a Hazmat suit and a self-contained oxygen supply is mandatory. The entrance and exit of a Level Four biolab will contain multiple showers, a vacuum room, an ultraviolet light room, autonomous detection system, and other safety precautions designed to destroy all traces of the biohazard. Multiple airlocks are employed and are electronically secured to prevent both doors opening at the same time. All air and water service going to and coming from a Biosafety Level 4 (P4) lab will undergo similar decontamination procedures to eliminate the possibility of an accidental release. Symptoms: Status: confirmed