↑ 收起筛选 ↑
试题详情

Scientists are working to stop a deadly virus that infects(感染)pigs. The virus is causing huge losses for farmers in China and other Asian countries. Many farmers have tried to contain African swine flu by quarantining(隔离)pigs and destroying infected animals. But the spread of the disease into East Asia has stepped up the search for other ways to deal with the problem.

The virus had not been considered a major concern for researchers until it appeared in China last year. Chinese farmers raise about half of the world's pigs. Some researchers think the virus might have come from infected animals in Eastern Europe or Russia. Since then, it has spread to China, Vietnam and other Asian countries. Millions of pigs have been destroyed.

Although swine flu does not sicken people, it is very infectious and deadly to pigs. "Today's situation, where you have this global danger, puts a lot more emphasis on this research,” said Doctor Luis Rodriguez. He spoke to The Associated Press. Rodriguez leads the United States government laboratory for foreign animal diseases at Plum Island , New York. As a deadly virus kills pigs across Asia, scientists are accelerating efforts to develop a vaccine (疫苗).

Vaccines often are developed by killing a virus before it is put into an animal. The disabled virus does not make the animal sick, but it activates the body's natural defenses against disease. The immune(免疫的)system is then able to identify the virus and produce antibodies against it.

However, this method is not effective with all viruses including the one that causes African swine flu. For swine flu, scientists have been working on a different kind of vaccine. It is made from a weakened virus, not a dead one. The problem for researchers has been how to change the virus so it can be safely used.

Vietnam's government reported a few weeks ago that it was testing vaccines, but provided few details of its programs. In China, the government said scientists are working on a vaccine that genetically changes the virus. That is similar to a method being used by scientists in the United States.

1.Why did the virus cause the researchers' concern when appearing in China?

A.The virus may infect people.

B.The number of pigs raised in China is huge.

C.The virus may be completely out of control.

D.Chinese science and technology is not advanced.

2.Where might the virus come from?

A.Eastern Europe or Russia. B.Vietnam.

C.African countries. D.America.

3.What is the function of the disabled virus according to Rodriguez?

A.It makes people fall ill.

B.It destroys the immune system of animals.

C.It helps the body produce antibodies against disease.

D.It makes the body's natural defense against disease work.

4.What is the best title for the text?

A.The Emphasis of the Virus Research

B.Swine Flu Leads to the Deaths of Lots of Pigs

C.Scientists Hurry to Develop Vaccine for Swine Flu

D.New Results About Government Laboratory for Animal Diseases

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题

少年,再来一题如何?
试题答案
试题解析
相关试题