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Gas Prices Are Finally Falling in Canada — Here's How Much You're Saving and What Comes Next

After weeks of painful price spikes driven by the U.S.-Iran conflict, Canadians are finally catching a break at the pump. The national average gas price dropped to 169.1 cents per litre on Monday, April 20 — down from a peak near 198 cents — as two things happened at once: Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, and Prime Minister Mark Carney's federal fuel excise tax suspension came into effect. National Average 169.1¢/L ▼ Down from ~198¢/L peak Gas savings (excise tax) 10¢/L off gasoline until Sept. 7 Diesel savings 4¢/L off diesel until Sept. 7 WTI Crude (current) ~$87 ▼ Down from $120 peak What just happened — and why Since the U.S.-Iran conflict began in late February, Brent crude surged more than 55%, briefly topping $120 a barrel — the largest oil supply shock in the history of global markets, according to the Interna...

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Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Jump from Animals to Humans

 

Zoonotic diseases are those that naturally transfer from vertebrate animals to humans. These infections can pose risks to human health, and some of the most notable examples include:

  1. COVID-19: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus originated from animals, likely bats, and spread globally. Although the risk to humans is generally low, the virus continues to impact lives worldwide.

  2. Avian Flu (H5N1): Also known as bird flu, this zoonotic disease has affected both birds and humans. While human cases are relatively rare, scientists remain concerned about its potential to spread further.

  3. Ebola Virus: Ebola outbreaks have occurred in Africa, with the virus crossing from animals (likely bats or primates) to humans. These outbreaks can be severe and deadly.

  4. Salmonellosis: Caused by Salmonella bacteria, this zoonotic infection often results from consuming contaminated food or water. It can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in humans.

Understanding zoonotic diseases is crucial for preventing future outbreaks. Factors like climate change and increased human-animal interactions contribute to their emergence. As we navigate these risks, vigilance and research remain essential to safeguarding public health. 

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