This page will contain news stories about snakehead fish, as they become available.Snakehead (fish) |
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| Channa Parachanna |
A family with two genera (Asia: Channa, Africa: Parachanna) which consists of 30 scientific valid species of freshwater fish. The predatory fish is distinguished by a long dorsal fin, small head with large head scales on top, large mouth and teeth. One of its main features is its physiological necessity to breath atmospheric air. It does so with its suprabranchial organ which is a primitive form of a labyrinth organ. In both continents, they are considered a valuable food fish. Larger species like Channa striata, Channa maculata or Parachanna obscura are breed in aqua cultures. The snakehead feeds on plankton, aquatic insects, and mollusks when small. When an adult, it mostly feeds on other fish or frogs. In rare cases, small mammals such as rats are taken. The size of the snakehead species differs greatly. So-called dwarf snakeheads like Channa gachua grow to 10 inch maximum. Most snakeheads grow up to 2 or 3 ft.. Only two species (Channa marulius and Channa micropeltes) can reach a length of more than 1 meter and a weight of more than 6 kilograms.
Snakeheads are also sold as pets.
Snakeheads prompting fears that it could become an invasive species and cause ecological damage.
Snakehead fish became infamous in the US because of their appearance in a pond in Crofton, Maryland (2002). They are prohibited in several other countries like Australia because their introduction to new ecosystems may displace indigenous species. Humans have been introducing snakeheads to non-indigenous waters for over 100 years. In parts of Asia and Africa, the snakehead is considered a valuable food fish and is produced in aquacultures. Due to this fact it was introduced either on purpose (fisheries motivation) or by ignorance (as was the case in Crofton).
Some examples of the introduction of snakeheads to non-indigeneous waters include:
A comprehensive work on the dangers of the introduction of snakeheads to non-indigeneous waters is the work of Prof. W. Courtenay.
On October 9, 2004 a fisherman caught one in Lake Michigan at Burnham Harbor in Chicago, Illinois. In July 2005 a snakehead was spotted in the waters of Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, New York City. They have also been spotted in Washington, California, Texas, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
When the process begins, officials will apply the herbicides diquat dibromide and glyphosate (tradenames such as Roundup, Rodeo) to the pond to eliminate aquatic vegetation. These chemicals cause oxygen levels to drop, and a subsequent fish kill occurs. The herbicides are sprayed on and into the water from boats.
Approximately one to two weeks after the application of the herbicides, application of the piscicide Rotenone eliminates remaining fish. Dead fish are removed daily; however, unpleasant odors from decaying organic material are to be expected. Like the herbicides, Rotenone will be sprayed on and into the water from boats.
http://www.biodiversitypartners.org/state/fl/snakehead.shtml
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http://www.biodiversitypartners.org/state/fl/snakehead.shtml. It is likely that these trials will be extended in order to supply additional evidence of cardiovascular safety. Like the herbicides, Rotenone will be sprayed on and into the water from boats. Newer and more specific COX-2 inhibitors, including etoricoxib (Arcoxia) and lumiracoxib (Prexige), are currently undergoing Phase III/IV clinical trials. Dead fish are removed daily; however, unpleasant odors from decaying organic material are to be expected. (Solomon et al., 2005; Nussmeier et al., 2005). Approximately one to two weeks after the application of the herbicides, application of the piscicide Rotenone eliminates remaining fish. Recent studies have demonstrated the increased risk of cardiovascular events associated with the use of celecoxib, valdecoxib and parecoxib. The herbicides are sprayed on and into the water from boats. It is currently unknown whether the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events is common to all COX-2 inhibitors. These chemicals cause oxygen levels to drop, and a subsequent fish kill occurs. Food and Drug Administration does not do enough to monitor product safety and that the rofecoxib withdrawal is an argument against tort reform; others argue that litigation is an imperfect means of regulation that would overdeter companies for complying with FDA requirements, and that large awards like that in Ernst would inhibit research and development. When the process begins, officials will apply the herbicides diquat dibromide and glyphosate (tradenames such as Roundup, Rodeo) to the pond to eliminate aquatic vegetation. Some argue that the U.S. They have also been spotted in Washington, California, Texas, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. The recall and litigation over rofecoxib has provoked debate over drug safety in the United States. In July 2005 a snakehead was spotted in the waters of Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, New York City. Several other trials are docketed for the first few months of 2006, including the first cases involving long-term use of rofecoxib. On October 9, 2004 a fisherman caught one in Lake Michigan at Burnham Harbor in Chicago, Illinois. The trial is not expected to be completed for several months. Courtenay. The plaintiff, a 71-year-old smoker with heart disease, had a fatal heart attack three weeks after finishing a one-week sample of rofecoxib. W. Merck began trial in Rio Grande City, Texas. A comprehensive work on the dangers of the introduction of snakeheads to non-indigeneous waters is the work of Prof. In January 2006, Garza v. Some examples of the introduction of snakeheads to non-indigeneous waters include:. The case will be retried in February 2006 in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the Vioxx multi-district litigation (MDL) is based. Due to this fact it was introduced either on purpose (fisheries motivation) or by ignorance (as was the case in Crofton). According to the Wall Street Journal, the jury hung by an eight to one majority, favoring the defense. In parts of Asia and Africa, the snakehead is considered a valuable food fish and is produced in aquacultures. The trial ended in a hung jury and a mistrial was declared on December 12, 2005. Humans have been introducing snakeheads to non-indigenous waters for over 100 years. Merck, began on November 29, 2005 in Houston, Texas. They are prohibited in several other countries like Australia because their introduction to new ecosystems may displace indigenous species. The first federal trial on rofecoxib, Plunkett v. Snakehead fish became infamous in the US because of their appearance in a pond in Crofton, Maryland (2002). The jury ruled that Merck had adequately warned doctors and patients of the drug's risk.[3]. Snakeheads prompting fears that it could become an invasive species and cause ecological damage. Merck argued that there was no evidence that rofecoxib was the cause of Humeston's injury and that there is no scientific evidence linking rofecoxib to cardiac events with short durations of use. . The plaintiff experienced a mild myocardial infarction and claimed that rofecoxib was responsible, after having taken it for two months. Snakeheads are also sold as pets. Merck, a personal injury case, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Only two species (Channa marulius and Channa micropeltes) can reach a length of more than 1 meter and a weight of more than 6 kilograms. On November 3, 2005, Merck won the second case Humeston v. Most snakeheads grow up to 2 or 3 ft. This award was likely be capped at no more than USD$26.1 million because of punitive damages limits under Texas law.[2] As of January 2006, the plaintiff had yet to ask the court to enter a judgment on the verdict. So-called dwarf snakeheads like Channa gachua grow to 10 inch maximum. The jury awarded Carol Ernst, widow of Robert Ernst, USD$253.4 million in damages. The size of the snakehead species differs greatly. Merck argued that the death was due to atherosclerosis, which had not been shown to be associated with rofecoxib use. In rare cases, small mammals such as rats are taken. On August 19, 2005, a jury in Texas voted 10-2 to hold Merck liable for the death of Robert Ernst, a 59-year old man who allegedly died of a rofecoxib-induced cardiac arrhythmia. When an adult, it mostly feeds on other fish or frogs. Merck, was scheduled in Alabama in the spring of 2005, but was postponed after Merck argued that the plaintiff had falsified evidence of rofecoxib use.[1]. The snakehead feeds on plankton, aquatic insects, and mollusks when small. The first wrongful death trial, Rogers v. Larger species like Channa striata, Channa maculata or Parachanna obscura are breed in aqua cultures. As of early 2006, there had been over 9,600 cases and 190 class actions filed against Merck over adverse cardiovascular events associated with rofecoxib and the adequacy of Merck's warnings. In both continents, they are considered a valuable food fish. The advisory panel 17-15 ruling allowed the drug to return to the market despite being found to increase heart risk. It does so with its suprabranchial organ which is a primitive form of a labyrinth organ. and Canada encouraged the return of Vioxx to the market, stating that Vioxx's benefits outweighed the risks to patients. One of its main features is its physiological necessity to breath atmospheric air. In 2005, advisory panels in both the U.S. The predatory fish is distinguished by a long dorsal fin, small head with large head scales on top, large mouth and teeth. meta-analysis (Merck & Co., 2004). A family with two genera (Asia: Channa, Africa: Parachanna) which consists of 30 scientific valid species of freshwater fish. Merck responded by issuing a rebuttal of the Jüni et al. Student writes article on Snakehead problem in Florida. The Lancet published an editorial which condemned both Merck and the FDA for the continued availability of rofecoxib from 2000 until the recall. ITIS entry. The authors concluded that, owing to the known cardiovascular risk, rofecoxib should have been withdrawn several years earlier. Overview of Northern Snakehead biology. On November 5 the medical journal The Lancet published a meta-analysis of the available studies on the safety of rofecoxib (Jüni et al., 2004). snakeheads.org world's largest website for snakeheads. FDA analysts estimated that Vioxx caused between 88,000 and 139,000 heart attacks, 30 to 40 percent of which were probably fatal, in the five years the drug was on the market. Its introduction to Czechoslovakia by the government in the 1960s failed due to cold winters. In addition to its own studies, on September 23, 2004 Merck apparently received information about new research by the FDA that supported previous findings of increased risk of heart attack among rofecoxib users (Grassley, 2004). It was introduced to Japan about 100 years ago due to fisheries motivations. Merck publicly announced its voluntary withdrawal of the drug from the market worldwide on September 30, 2004. Channa argus, which is native to northern China (Amur River), was introduced to Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan). In sum, the APPROVe study suggested that long-term use of rofecoxib resulted in nearly twice the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke compared to patients receiving a placebo. In this case the origin and reason of the introduction is unknown, but most probably due to human intervention. (Swan, 2004). Channa asiatica, which is native to southern China, was introduced to Taiwan and to southern Japan. (Bresalier et al., 2005) Previous Phase III clinical trials had also not shown this trend. In Fiji, the introduction failed. The results from the first 18 months of the APPROVe study did not show an increased relative risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Channa striata was introduced to islands east of the Wallace line by governmental programs in the later half of the 20th century. In patients taking rofecoxib, versus placebo, the relative risk of these events was 1.92 (rofecoxib 1.50 events vs placebo 0.78 events per 100 patient years). It can still be found there today. The APPROVe study was terminated early when the preliminary data from the study showed an increased relative risk of adverse thrombotic cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke), beginning after 18 months of rofecoxib therapy. Channa maculata was introduced to Madagascar and to Hawaii around the end of the 19th century. An additional aim of the study was to further evaluate the cardiovascular safety of rofecoxib. Celecoxib had already been approved for this indication, and it was hoped to add this to the indications for rofecoxib as well. In 2001, Merck commenced the APPROVe (Adenomatous Polyp PRevention On Vioxx) study, a three year trial with the primary aim of evaluating the efficacy of rofecoxib for the prophylaxis of colorectal polyps. There was no difference in risk for patients with normal cardiovascular risk. In sum, the VIGOR study suggested that medium-term use of rofecoxib resulted in nearly four-times the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke in patients already at high risk of adverse cardiovascuar events compared to patients receiving a placebo. The results of the VIGOR study were submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2001, which led to the introduction, in April 2002, of warnings on Vioxx labelling concerning the increased risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack and stroke). Merck's scientists interpreted the finding as a protective effect of naproxen in reducing the risk of MI in high cardiovascular risk patients by 80 percent (which some commentators have noted would make naproxen three times as effective as aspirin). (Bombardier et al., 2000). Once this risk was noted, Merck notified investigators in other rofecoxib studies to modify allow high-risk patients to take low-dose aspirin. The difference in overall risk was accounted for by the patients meeting the criteria for low-dose aspirin prophylaxis of secondary cardiovascular events (previous myocardial infarction, angina, cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack, or coronary bypass), but who were excluded from taking low-dose aspirin in the initial design study. Nor was there any significant difference in the rate of myocardial infarction between the rofecoxib and naproxen treatment groups in patients without high cardiovascular risk. There was no significant difference in the mortality from cardiovascular events between the two groups. The VIGOR study, published in 2000, had indicated a significant 4-fold increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) in rofecoxib patients when compared with naproxen patients (0.4% vs 0.1%, RR 0.25) over the 12 month span of the study. (Reddy & Corey, 2005). Some researchers have speculated that the cardiotoxicity may be associated with maleic anhydride metabolites formed when rofecoxib becomes ionised under physiological conditions. Rofecoxib, however, does appear to increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events with long-term use (see below). Aside from the reduced incidence of gastric ulceration, rofecoxib exhibits a similar adverse effect profile to other NSAIDs. Main article: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. (Bombardier et al., 2000). This was largely based on the VIGOR (Vioxx GI Outcomes Research) study, which compared the efficacy and adverse effect profiles of rofecoxib and naproxen. Interestingly, at the time of its withdrawal, rofecoxib was the only coxib with clinical evidence of its superior gastrointestinal adverse effect profile over conventional NSAIDs. This specificity allows rofecoxib and other COX-2 inhibitors to reduce inflammation and pain while minimizing undesired gastrointestinal adverse effects - peptic ulcers - that are common with non-selective NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen. Being COX-2 selective means that these drugs act specifically on one form of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, namely the COX-2, whereas previous NSAIDs inhibited both COX-1 and COX-2. Rofecoxib belongs to the group of NSAIDs known as COX-2 selective inhibitors or coxibs (CycloOXygenase-2 InhiBitors). . Rofecoxib was available on prescription as tablets and as an oral suspension. In the year before withdrawal, Merck had a sales revenue of US$2.5 billion from Vioxx. Worldwide, over two million people were prescribed rofecoxib at the time. Rofecoxib was one of the most widely used drugs ever to be withdrawn from the market. under the trade names Vioxx, Ceoxx and Ceeoxx, it was voluntarily withdrawn from the market in 2004 because of concerns about increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Formerly marketed by Merck & Co. Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, acute pain conditions, and dysmenorrhoea. Urgent Medicine Recall VIOXX® (rofecoxib) - Merck Announces Voluntary Worldwide Withdrawal of VIOXX. (1 October 2004). Swan L, Merck Sharp & Dohme (Australia) Pty Ltd. PMID 15713944. N Engl J Med 2005;352(11):1071-80. Cardiovascular risk associated with celecoxib in a clinical trial for colorectal adenoma prevention. Solomon SD, McMurray JJ, Pfeffer MA, Wittes J, Fowler R, Finn P, et al. [4]. Facile air oxidation of the conjugate base of rofecoxib (Vioxx™), a possible contributor to chronic human toxicity Tetrahedron Lett 2005, 46: 927. Reddy LR, Corey EJ. PMID 15713945. N Engl J Med 2005;352(11):1081-91. Complications of the COX-2 inhibitors parecoxib and valdecoxib after cardiac surgery. Nussmeier NA, Whelton AA, Brown MT, Langford RM, Hoeft A, Parlow JL, et al. 5. Press Release. Published in The Lancet on Nov. Response to Article by Juni et al. Merck & Co., (5 Nov 2004). Lancet (published online). Risk of cardiovascular events and rofecoxib: cumulative meta-analysis. Jüni P, Nartey L, Reichenbach S, Sterchi R, Dieppe PA, Egger M (2004). Grassley questions Merck about communication with the FDA on Vioxx. Press Release. Grassley CE (15 Oct 2004). PMID 15713943. N Engl J Med 2005;352(11): 1092-102. Cardiovascular events associated with rofecoxib in a colorectal adenoma chemoprevention trial. Bresalier RS, Sandler RS, Quan H, Bolognese JA, Oxenius B, Horgan K, et al. PMID 11087881. N Engl J Med 2000;343(21): 1520-8. Comparison of upper gastrointestinal toxicity of rofecoxib and naproxen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Bombardier C, Laine L, Reicin A, Shapiro D, Burgos-Vargas R, Davis B, et al. |