U of M part of $185 million funded team tasked to improve global response to emerging pandemics Oct 31, 2009
"The University of Minnesota was sought out because of our range of expertise in zoonotic diseases that crosses disciplines and our focus on the connection between animal and human health," said Frank B. Cerra, M.D., senior vice president for health sciences at the University of Minnesota. "We are one of only a handful of places in the country that has this range of disciplines.". (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Opinion: Foer on eating animals Oct 29, 2009
It's the No. 1 cause of animal suffering, a decisive factor in the creation of zoonotic diseases like bird and swine flu, and the list goes on ... At a remarkable 2004 conference, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) put their tremendous resources together to evaluate the available information on "emerging zoonotic diseases" or those spread by humans-to- animals and animals-to-humans ... At... (CNN)
Earlier flu viruses provided some immunity to current H1N1 influenza, study shows Oct 15, 2009
Funding for this study was provided by grants from the Department of Homeland Security's National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense, and by the UC Davis Center for California Food Animal Health. About UC Davis. (EurekAlert!)
Protecting Humans And Animals From Diseases In Wildlife Oct 10, 2009
Sixty one per cent of known pathogens are zoonotic diseases that have crossed over from animals to humans but our knowledge and understanding of the prevalence of disease in wildlife and the ecology, transmission and evolution of disease in animals is still limited ... Climate change, deforestation, pollution, pathogen evolution and the rapid global movement of people, animals and animal products have all put humans at increasing risk of major epidemiological shifts in existing zoonotic diseases... (Science Daily)
A career that helps pet owners answer questions when a pet passes Oct 4, 2009
They are also watching closely for signs of foreign or zoonotic diseases. Kuhnt offers some practical advice for those who want to pursue a similar career path. (Lake City Reporter, FL)
Species-jumping Diseases: Better Global System Needed To Effectively Prevent, Detect, Respond To Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Sep 23, 2009
The report provides a detailed plan for establishing and funding a comprehensive, globally coordinated system to identify novel zoonotic disease threats as early as possible wherever they arise so appropriate measures can be taken to prevent significant numbers of human illnesses and deaths, and livestock losses ... U.S. federal agencies -- particularly the U.S. Agency for International Development -- should spearhead efforts to develop this system and work with international partners to provide... (Science Daily)
Experts: U.S. should take lead to halt outbreaks Sep 23, 2009
Humans ill-equipped to fight infectious diseases that originate in animals. Learn how these tiny germs cause diseases. (MSNBC -- Health)
Global Cooperation Urged to Control Species-Crossing Disease Sep 23, 2009
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) should be among the federal government agencies that lead efforts to develop a worldwide system, said the authors of the report, who developed a detailed plan for establishing and funding a comprehensive system to identify new zoonotic disease threats as early as possible in order to reduce the risk to humans and the impact on livestock. "Zoonotic diseases are like wildfires, which flare up unexpectedly and can take a significant toll on... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
"Team Diarrhea" Follows a Trail of Sickness Caused by Tainted Food Sep 17, 2009
They're paid less than their full-time professional counterparts in the health department, but these students gain critical public health experience and "they stretch our resources a ton," says Kirk Smith, supervisor of the MDH's Food-borne, Vector-borne, and Zoonotic Diseases Unit. By law, Minnesota doctors must submit stool culture from suspected cases of any enteric (intestinal) illness such as Escherichia Coli , , , and a host of others to the MDH laboratory. (Scientific American)
20% of cattle in Upper West suffer from sleeping sickness Aug 27, 2009
Dr Alexis Nangbei-fubah, Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to join his outfit to organize integrated programmes to fight all zoonotic diseases, a term used for diseases transmitted from animals to humans, in the region. Some of these diseases, including anthrax, rabies, tape worm, tuberculosis, and avian flu, are very fatal and all efforts must be made to ensure that they never emerge to endanger the lives of the people, especially... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
H3N2 Influenza Unlikely to Spread Between Humans, K-State Infectious Disease and Diagnostics Experts Say; Swine Exhibits at Fairs are Safe With Proper Hygiene Aug 11, 2009
Anderson said that the K-State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and researchers in K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine welcome opportunities to work on infectious zoonotic diseases with state agencies like the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Animal Health Department, as well as federal researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "At K-State, we're ready for the unknown," Anderson said. (PR Newswire)
Ouchless wildlife plague vaccine, shipwrecks and coral reefs and more Aug 4, 2009
"Now, though, a new wave of social environmentalism and public concerns about emerging zoonotic diseases are placing increased pressure on wildlife agencies to address disease 'crises' involving wildlife," Friend says. He emphasizes, however, that emerging zoonotic diseases often result in double jeopardy for wildlife: not only do wildlife often suffer direct negative effects from a disease, they also endure indirect effects associated with actions taken to reduce human risks by suppressing... (EurekAlert!)
K-State researcher, collaborators study virulence of pandemic H1N1 virus Jul 31, 2009
Richt is among the K-State researchers who study zoonotic disease -- those that can be transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa. Zoonotic diseases will be a focus of the National Agro and Bio-Defense Facility that has been designated for Manhattan ... "Our strength at K-State is that we are very familiar with zoonotic diseases and we can contribute by working on models for animal and human diseases," Richt said. (EurekAlert!)
Eleven Veterinary Students Win Top Awards at Morris Animal Foundation's Annual Research Competition Jul 29, 2009
"Wildlife-Human Interactions and Zoonotic Disease in Kabarole District, Uganda: The Case of Monkeypox". 2nd Place for Companion Animals, $2,500 each (tie). (PR Newswire)
Risky business Jul 28, 2009
This flourishing trade - both legal and illegal - of domesticated animals, wildlife and wild animal parts is often marked by unsanitary conditions that can give rise to zoonotic diseases (those transmitted from animals to people) ... Not surprisingly, predicting outbreaks of zoonotic diseases is an increasingly complex, but critically important, undertaking. (BBC News -- Science)
Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs Jul 4, 2009
Canine scabies is noteworthy because of the fact that it is also a zoonotic disease which can easily be passed to people. Symptoms of Canine Scabies or Sarcoptic Mange. (Suite101.com)
Canine and Feline Rabies Jun 6, 2009
Rabies is invariably fatal and is a zoonotic disease (a disease which can be passed from animals to people and from people to animals). Because people can become infected through pets, rabies is considered to be one of the most important zoonotic diseases in existence, posing serious public health risks. (Suite101.com)
WB chalks out $500 mln for pandemic flu prevention Jun 3, 2009
"In light of the uncertainties surrounding the future spread and severity of flu outbreaks, we feel that it is important to provide countries with rapid support to respond to pandemic threats, and to build up their capacity to prevent and control zoonotic diseases.". The World Bank recently mobilized more than 205 million dollars in "fast-track" funds to Mexico to help it fight the spread of the influenza A/H1N1 with 25 million dollars for drugs and supplies and another 180 million dollars for... (Xinhuanet, China)
Central Africa: Scientists Find More Signs of Bats' Role in Ebola May 30, 2009
The research was published in March in Vector-borne and Zoonotic diseases. Link to full paper in Vector-borne and Zoonotic diseases [230kB ... Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases doi 10. (allAfrica.com)
West Africa Veterinary and Epidemiologists meet on zoonotic diseases May 28, 2009
Speaking at the opening of a three-day international workshop for stakeholders in the promotion on Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programmes (FELTP) in West Africa, the Chief Director said the government of Ghana was determined to commit some resources to assist the FELTP to control zoonotic diseases plaguing Africa ... It will also develop a strategy to advocate for countries to invest in the training and placement of FELTP. The workshop on the theme, "Strengthening Africa's... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Veterinarians at high risk for viral, bacterial infections from animals May 15, 2009
Internationally, the authors noted, there are major differences between zoonotic disease prevalence, the quality of veterinary education and the availability of protective resources. "To really make a difference in controlling emerging infectious diseases, we need to think globally and develop measures that protect veterinarians here and abroad," Baker said. (EurekAlert!)
New virus, old tale: animals share bugs with us May 7, 2009
A zoonotic disease is one that spreads from animals to humans, or vice versa ... "People are getting diseases from animals more frequently. I'm not sure the diseases themselves are getting worse." Public health measures careful surveillance of zoonotic diseases can counterattack the problem, she said ... Zoonotic diseases can also come from wild animals, and new pathogens can emerge as human beings penetrate remote, isolated regions of the planet, said Thomas J. Inzana, a bacteriologist... (Huntington WSAZ-TV, WV)
Does new swine flu virus kill by causing a 'cytokine storm'? May 6, 2009
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. (), is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research, and Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science. Its biotechnology trade magazine, Genetic Engineering chnology News (GEN), was the first in its field and is today the industry's... (EurekAlert!)
Doctor Is In May 2, 2009
By Bruce S. Ribner, MD Diseases transmitted from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases. Even though we hear about a disease such as swine. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Why are we getting diseases from animals? Apr 30, 2009
By Bruce S. Ribner, MD Diseases transmitted from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases ... Zoonotic diseases can be caused by all types of pathogens, viruses, bacteria, and parasites, and can cause various symptoms such as diarrhea, muscle aches and fevers. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
UC Davis launches 'One Health' care for wild mountain gorillas and human neighbors Apr 28, 2009
It benefits from the expertise of 50 other participating UC Davis faculty members from many disciplines who are involved in the discovery and synthesis of information about emerging zoonotic diseases (those transmitted between people and animals) and ecosystem health. Its mission is to balance the needs of people, wildlife and the environment through research, education and service. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
As Swine Flu Scare Unfolds, Virologist Underscores Need For Research On Animal Pathogens Apr 28, 2009
But then again, we have much to learn about many other zoonotic disease viruses. From SARS to Bird Flu, most of the emerging diseases affecting people today come from pathogens most often associated with animals, according to Meng, who is among a growing legion of scientists trying to convince the federal government to invest more money in studying animal pathogens as part of an overall effort to protect humans from disease. (Science Daily)
Zoonotic Diseases: Getting Sick Fro... Apr 9, 2009
Zoonotic Diseases: Getting Sick From Your Pet: How to Protect Against Diseases Which Can Pass from Pets to People ... Zoonotic Diseases: Getting Sick From Your Pet ... Zoonotic Diseases: Getting Sick From Your Pet. (Suite101.com)
Getting People to Coexist With Cats Apr 5, 2009
For Mt. Sinai, which has made global health a priority for its medical students, the Panthera project presents an opportunity to explore another consequence of the increasing proximity of animals and people: zoonotic diseases, which can pass back and forth between wildlife and human beings ... Sinai's researchers will be able to monitor the population in the Pantanal for zoonotic diseases, providing a needed early warning system for new and emerging pathogens. (Time.com)
New Device Helps Control Disease-causing Ticks Apr 4, 2009
The study will appear in an upcoming issue of the journal Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. Adapted from materials provided by. (Science Daily)
Soeharsono: When smuggling becomes a public health issue Feb 26, 2009
For more than a quarter of a century, he hunted down the zoonotic diseases that make the leap from animals to humans - he knows how murderous they can be - at least six people have died in Bali from rabies since last November - and how simple to stop them dead in their tracks when everyone plays by the rules. Trained at the world's leading Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine in Edinburgh, Soeharsono spent his working life in animal disease diagnostics "basically I'm a lab man" at Bali's... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Study not born from anti-shelter bias Feb 23, 2009
More people in the community are aware of zoonotic diseases and our need to treat and prevent them wherever we can. When people are concerned about the cost of a animal, it helps to know why all of the de-wormings and other preventative measures were done prior to the animal becoming available for adoption or sale. (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
RS Humane Society changes policy, personnel Feb 19, 2009
A researcher from Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital will be coming to the shelter to provide training on infection control and zoonotic disease. The volunteer effort is climbing and is expected to continue to improve the shelter as members of the Humane Society have been asked to become active volunteers in the effort. (Green River Star, WY -- Local)
Veterinarian wants tougher pet rules Feb 14, 2009
Patricia Feeser, a veterinarian at High Desert Animal Hospital and the chair of the Rio Rancho Animal Welfare Task Force, told members of the task force during a meeting on Tuesday at City Hall that she wants the city to ban the sale or adoption of an animal infected with a zoonotic disease, which can pass from animals to humans ... Citing a concern for the health of Rio Rancho children and animals, she analyzed medical records of the past three years from her clinic looking at parasites and... (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
Fighting the Plague in the Great Plains with Gerbils Feb 11, 2009
The archive, housed by the Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases in Almaty, came to the attention of Western researchers in 1996, when Herwig Leirs, an ecologist at the University of Antwerp in Belgium, reviewed a funding application from the center. Leirs was astonished. (Scientific American)
Pandemic in the Shadows Feb 8, 2009
Statistically, the number of avian influenza infections among humans in Bali is not as high as in other parts of the country yet, but with the props in place on this ever-growing island, millions of possibilities exist for what might happen next; other than avian influenza, there are many other zoonotic diseases that pose a threat to local communities. -- Rony Zakaria. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
