Wildlife Disease News Digest

TOP STORIES

Genetic breakthrough in fight against honeybee killer

A breakthrough in the battle against a deadly mite responsible for decimating the honeybee population has been welcomed by conservation groups.

The varroa mite is the biggest killer of honeybees and has become resistant to medication developed to destroy it.

But now scientists have identified a genetic technique that could stop the mite in its tracks.

Guardian - www.guardian.co.uk

22 Dec 2010

Photo credit: AP

>>> FULL ARTICLE

Hooded crane in Kagoshima confirmed as infected with avian flu

A hooded crane found in Japan's largest crane wintering place in Izumi Plains, Kagoshima Prefecture, was confirmed Tuesday as having been infected with an H5N1 strain of highly infectious avian influenza, the Environment Ministry said.

But the ministry said it is unclear whether the strain is highly lethal. The dead bird was being tested at Tottori University in Tottori Prefecture after it tested positive in a preliminary test.

Three others that are dead and tested positive in a preliminary test on Tuesday will be sent to the school for detailed tests.

Mainichi Daily News - mdn.mainichi.jp

22 Dec 2010

Location: Izumi-Takaono National Wildlife Protection Area, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan - Map It

>>> FULL ARTICLE

Summary of 2010 Newcastle Disease virus outbreaks in wild birds in upper Midwest and the Northeast

This bulletin summarizes 2010 Newcastle Disease die-offs, compares this year’s outbreak with past outbreaks, and reports the first recorded finding of virulent Newcastle Disease virus (vNDV) in double-crested cormorants in Maryland, which expands the known geographic range of vNDV in wildlife.

This is the first time vNDV has been identified in double-crested cormorants in Maryland, which is a particular concern because of the high density of domestic poultry in this area.

In early September 2010, the USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) issued a bulletin about virulent Newcastle Disease virus (vNDV) that was found in double-crested cormorants in the North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Saskatchewan.

USGS National Wildlife Health Center - www.nwhc.usgs.gov

20 Dec 2010

>>> FULL BULLETIN

>>> VIEW ALL WILDLIFE HEALTH BULLETINS

Reported Wildlife Mortality Events to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center Updated

USGS and a network of partners across the country work on documenting wildlife mortality events in order to provide timely and accurate information on locations, species and causes of death. This information was updated on December 21, 2010 on the USGS National Wildlife Health Center web page, New and Ongoing Wildlife Mortality Events Nationwide. Quarterly Mortality Reports are also available from this page. These reports go back to 1995.

USGS National Wildlife Health Center

22 Dec 2010

Area: United States

>>>Updated Wildlife Mortality Event Table

WDA Student Awards Competition - 2011

Each year the Wildlife Disease Association (WDA) sponsors student awards competitions. At the 2011 WDA meeting in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada (August 14-19, 2011), students are encouraged to compete for four awards.

Wildlife Disease Association Graduate Student Research Recognition Award
DEADLINE: Applications must be received no later than Friday, April 1, 2011.
Wildlife Disease Association Graduate Student Scholarship
DEADLINE: Applications must be received no later than Friday, April 1, 2011.
Wildlife Disease Association Terry Amundson Student Presentation Award
DEADLINE: Applications must be received no later than Friday, April 15, 2011.
Wildlife Disease Association Student Poster Award
DEADLINE: Applications must be received no later than Friday, April 15, 2011.

Additional information concerning application requirements and judging criteria are available on the WDA website at: http://www.wildlifedisease.org/Student_Awards.htm.

>>> TO APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

>>> WDA student membership information

OTHER WILDLIFE HEALTH RELATED NEWS