Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Hendra virus has mostly occurred in eastern Australia, primarily in Queensland and New South Wales, affecting areas where horses and flying foxes co-exist. Though human infection is rare, it can be a severe and often fatal disease. The virus can spread to people after contact with tissues or excretions of infected horses, like blood, urine, or birthing materials. With no human vaccine, organizations with employees in contact with horses should practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing, covering wounds, using personal protective equipment when handling horse fluids, and washing any exposed skin immediately.

Situation: Australia's Northern Territory reported its 1st ever confirmed detection of Hendra virus in a bat, following a positive test result on 12/11. Officials said the detection was not unexpected, as little red and black flying fox bats are the natural host of the virus, with over 20% of bats exposed to the virus in the state. Hendra virus primarily affects horses and can spread from horses to humans, prompting officials to urge horse owners to reduce risk through biosecurity measures, including vaccinating their horses, especially in areas near large bat populations. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Organizations in California should not sell or serve the affected recalled Vega Farms, Inc. in-shell brown eggs while a Salmonella outbreak investigation is ongoing. Anyone with this product at their workplace or home should dispose of it, including products that are not easily identifiable. People at high risk of Salmonella-related complications may wish to avoid all Vega Farms, Inc. egg products while this investigation is ongoing.

Situation: California issued an advisory due to a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak linked to the consumption of in-shell eggs distributed by Vega Farms, Inc. The outbreak totaled 63 cases, including 13 hospitalizations, as of 12/5. No deaths have been reported yet. Genetic testing linked the strain of Salmonella Enteritidis sampled from eggs at the facility to at least 1 sample from a case. The company issued a recall for the Vega Farms brand eggs, which may be sold at restaurants, grocery stores, co-ops, and in farmers' markets in Northern California. The recalled eggs include Vega Farms Brown Eggs (handler code #2136) with a sell-by date of 12/22/2025 and prior (Julian Date #328 and prior), which may be packaged as 1-dozen cartons and 30-egg flats for consumers and as 15-dozen cases containing 6 flats of 30 eggs each for foodservice packaging. Consumers were advised to discard or return any recalled eggs. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Organizations in Cochabamba, Bolivia, should reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor storage containers, as well as encouraging employees to prevent mosquito bites. Organizations should support pregnant employees who opt not to travel to areas at risk for chikungunya. Employees should consult a doctor about vaccination against chikungunya before traveling to affected areas. Vaccine eligibility and availability may vary by country.

Situation: Cochabamba health officials in Bolivia issued a health alert for a chikungunya outbreak, with 85 confirmed cases, mostly locally transmitted, and 40 suspected cases. Media sources reported up to 100 infections that are concentrated in the municipalities of Entre Ríos, Villa Tunari, and Puerto Villarroel, and that transmission continues to rise in the region. Officials recommended the elimination of mosquito breeding sites and the implementation of vector-control measures. [Confidence: Very High]