Deer Hunters Asked to Collect Heads to Help Monitor Disease
Edmonton Journal
16 Sep 2006
Mike Sadava
Hunters who bag a deer in certain areas close to the Saskatchewan border are being told to bring the head of the animal to the nearest Fish and Wildlife office. The measure is being taken to keep tabs on the possible spread of chronic wasting disease, which attacks the central nervous system and body of deer and elk and eventually kills them.
The disease, which is similar to mad cow disease in cattle, was first discovered in Alberta's wild deer population about a year ago and so far 13 cases have been confirmed in the eastern part of the province. In previous years hunters have been asked to bring in the heads for testing on a voluntary basis, but this is the first time that it is mandatory.
The requirement applies to deer shot around Empress, where all the cases of the disease have been confirmed, as well as the Lloydminster and Wainwright areas, where no cases have yet been confirmed but they are close to parts of Saskatchewan where the disease has turned up, said wildlife disease specialist Margo Pybus.
New Jersey Logs First Equine Deaths Due to WNV, EEE [Press Release]
The Horse.com
19 Sep 2006
New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Charles M. Kuperus today announced that the death of a 6-year-old mare in Burlington County has been attributed to Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and the death of a 14-year-old mare in Middlesex County was caused by West Nile virus.
These are the first two deaths to occur from these equine illnesses this year. Both horses were not vaccinated for the mosquito-borne infections they succumbed to. The Middlesex County horse became ill on September 6th and was euthanatized on September 7.
The Burlington County horse became ill on September 8th and was euthanatized on September 9th. Secretary Kuperus said even though we are seeing less and less cases every year, owners still need to be diligent in vaccinating their animals. "We strongly recommend that horse owners take preventative steps to protect their animals from the potentially deadly diseases of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis," said Secretary Kuperus.
USAHA and University of Wyoming Release the Laramie Agenda, "A Report on Research Needs for Elimination of Brucellosis in Free-Ranging Elk and Bison" [Press Release]
USAHA News
14 Sep 2006
The United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) and the University of Wyoming announced the availability of the Technical Report and accompanying Laramie Agenda that document the findings of a three-day working symposium held a year ago at the University on August 16-18, 2005 (http://www.uwyo.edu/enr/ienr/Projects/BrucellosisSymposium.asp).
Scientific experts invited to the working symposium addressed the research needs for vaccines, vaccine delivery systems and diagnostic tools for use in addressing the problem of brucellosis in elk and bison. "The nation is at a crossroads regarding this issue (brucellosis)," said USAHA Immediate Past President Rick Willer, who appointed the special committee that planned the working symposium.
"We have to make an investment in research for better tools to successfully address this disease in elk and bison," he added. Current USAHA President Bret Marsh, chair of the special committee appointed by Willer, stated that "although the decision is difficult, the choice is clear. USAHA firmly believes we can eliminate this disease providing we make the investment in the needed research now."
Human Trichinellosis Acquired from Wild Boar Meat : a Continuing Parasitic Risk in France
Eurosurveillance
14 Sep 2006
De Bruyne, et. al.
Since the beginning of 2006, the French Trichinella National Reference Centre has been notified of three incidents of trichinellosis due to the consumption of wild boar : one in the Midi-Pyrénées region (2 cases in the Department of Haute Garonne), and two in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region (outbreaks of three and six cases, all in the Department of Var).
In comparison with the 20 incidents of trichinellosis notified or published in France since 1975, this recent series of incidents seen over a period of six months shows a significant increase in frequency.
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