Collaborative Biosecurity Research Initiative Launched to Target Animal and Public Health Threats Nationally Jan 16, 2008
The goals of the new Collaborative Biosecurity Research Initiative (CBRI) are to support interinstitutional research to: (1) develop countermeasures for foreign-animal diseases; (2) provide advanced test and evaluation capability for threat detection, vulnerability, and countermeasure assessment for animal and zoonotic diseases; (3) support licensure of vaccine countermeasures through essential animal-model testing and evaluation; and (4) strengthen biosecurity capabilities of institutions... (PR Newswire)
Rocky Mountain fever in LA Dec 24, 2007
Rocky Mountain fever in L.A. - The Money Times. Rocky Mountain fever in L.A.. (The Money Times)
Chipmunks And Shrews, Not Just Mice, Harbor Lyme Disease Dec 7, 2007
The majority of zoonotic diseases, those that can be transmitted from wild or domestic animals to humans, are generally assumed to have one natural animal host, Dustin Brisson, professor of biology in the School of Arts and Science at Penn, said. For Lyme disease, this host has been the white-footed mouse. (Science Daily)
Veterinarians unhappy with predicament Nov 17, 2007
Dr Darkwa, however, noted with concern the upsurge of rabies as well as other zoonotic diseases (diseases that spread from animals to humans) and emerging diseases like avian influenza and tuberculosis, which needed to be addressed. He therefore called on government to restore the rabies campaign that was previously organised by the service. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Plague Suspected In Death Of Man In Arizona Nov 11, 2007
Craig Levy, head of Arizona's Vector Borne and Zoonotic Disease Program, said at the time that. "The recent appearance of plague activity in two northern counties has us concerned that we may see plague in other areas as well.". (Medical News Today)
CDC Reports Prevalence of Worms Transmitted by Dogs and Cats to Humans is Higher Than Previously Understood Nov 6, 2007
The nonprofit CAPC was formed to educate pet owners about zoonotic disease and steps they can take to virtually eliminate the risk of pets making people sick. "The CAPC recommends that pet owners administer year-round preventive medicines that control internal and external parasites -- such as roundworms, heartworm, fleas and ticks -- for the life of their dog or cat no matter where they live," said Michael Paul, DVM, executive director of the CAPC. "If you prevent parasitic infections in... (PR Newswire)
Health director feels at home Oct 27, 2007
The topic areas we deal with are everything from asbestos to zoonotic diseases it literally covers the complete A to Z range. And it s a very interesting field because you never know when that phone rings what the question is going to be about, what type of problem you re going to be dealing with [and] what you might have to respond to that day. (Concord Journal, MA)
Edits To Global Warming Testimony Slammed Oct 26, 2007
Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases ("[C]limate change could aid in the establishment of exotic vector-borne diseases imported into the United States.") ... In addition, climate change is likely to alter the current geographic distribution of some vector-borne and zoonotic diseases; some may become more frequent, widespread, and outbreaks could last longer, while others could b 00004000 e reduced in incidence. (CBS News)
US Agency Denies Interference in Climate Testimony Oct 25, 2007
It reads: "In the United States, climate change is likely to have a significant impact on health, through links with the following outcomes: -- Direct effects of heat, -- Health effects related to extreme weather events, -- Air pollution-related health effects, -- Allergic diseases, -- Water- and food-borne infectious diseases, -- Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases, -- Food and water scarcity, at least for some populations, -- Mental health problems, and -- Long-term impacts of chronic diseases... (Planet Ark, United States)
Scientists discover hantavirus mechanism Oct 11, 2007
The research could pave the way for new therapies for treating hantavirus and other so-called zoonotic diseases transmitted to humans by animals - a huge class that includes SARS, rabies, influenza and AIDS.. "We are blessed with the fact that many zoonotic diseases have hosts" that are immune to ill effects of the disease, said University of New Mexico researcher Dr. Brian Hjelle. (Herald Online, SC -- Health)
New Construction To Come To Plum Island Oct 11, 2007
Scientists and lab technicians would study zoonotic diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans, as previously reported. If Plum Island were selected for the new NBAF site, additional construction would be required and cost about $451 million. (Suffolk Life Newspapers, NY)
Some sure, some not, of lab's safety Sep 16, 2007
" Despite the precautions, Plum Island and other, similar labs are not immune to human error. The Sunshine Project has identified at least 11 cases of security failures or researchers who came into contact with illnesses like anthrax since 2003. Always a risk Two weeks ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stopped work at a Texas A the Homeland Security-funded National Center for Foreign and Zoonotic Disease Defense, after the Sunshine Project discovered safety lapses through... (Athens Banner-Herald)
K-State Researchers Bringing Expertise to Kansas City Symposium on Disease and National Security Sep 13, 2007
Ganta will discuss the future direction of zoonotic diseases caused by tick-transmitted rickettsiales. The symposium's keynote address will be delivered by Alfonso Torres, associate dean for public policy at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, who will present "Globalization of Biosecurity Concerns: Are We Prepared?" K-State's experts at the symposium also will be joined by other veterinarians from the University of Missouri and the National Veterinary Services Laboratories... (PR Newswire)
Bishop Opposes Enhanced Facility On Plum Island Sep 13, 2007
Thursday, September 13. The United States Department of Homeland Security is looking at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center as a prospective site for the biosafety level four facility. (Suffolk Life Newspapers, NY)
Enhanced Defense Facility Proposed For Plum Island Aug 30, 2007
Though Plum Island is not one of the leading prospective locations, representatives from the US Department of Homeland Security hosted a public scoping meeting to provide information to and solicit comments from the Southold Town community on August 23. The two main concerns voiced by residents were how the government planned to secure the island and protect residents on the East End. (Suffolk Life Newspapers, NY)
The dark side of the backyard Jul 27, 2007
While you shouldn't view the backyard with mounting paranoia, you should be aware summer is prime time for some nasty zoonotic diseases those passed from animals to humans that lurk in the bird bath and fester on the deck. The summer's biggest public health threat in the GTA is West Nile, which is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. (Toronto Star)
Texas A&M says communication lapsed in bioagent case Jul 4, 2007
Texas A&M heads the National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense, which is funded by an $18 million U.S. Department of Homeland Security biodefense research grant. The university is also vying to host the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, a federal lab to be awarded in 2008. (Houston Chronicle)
Biodefence work halted at US university Jul 4, 2007
Texas A&M's National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense is supported by a three-year $18-million grant from the Department of Homeland Security. The university is one of 18 sites bidding to host a $450-million federal complex of labs called the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. (Nature News Service)
At petting zoos, simple disease prevention guidelines frequently ignored Jun 12, 2007
Dr. Weese observed: It was a common occurrence to see people with items such as baby bottles, pacifiers, and baby toys in the petting zoo, which is of concern because these items would be put in the mouths of babies, who are at higher risk for acquiring certain zoonotic disease ... Simple measures can be undertaken to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, said Dr. Weese. (EurekAlert!)
Cute and cuddly - and loaded with E. coli Jun 9, 2007
Farm animals can be carriers of nasty critters such as E. coli, salmonella and other zoonotic diseases. But visitors are not taking adequate measures to protect themselves from infection, according to a new Canadian study published in the Journal of Infectious Disease. (Globe and Mail)
County continues rabies warning Jun 6, 2007
"It's important that parents tell children to stay away from bats," said Craig Levy, head of the Arizona Department of Health Services' Vector Borne and Zoonotic Disease section. "Anyone who comes across a bat should leave it alone.". (Douglas Daily Dispatch, AZ)
Bringing Order To 'What If?' Jun 2, 2007
As an example problem, the ISI team is now working to integrate into RAW risk analysis resources used in foot and mouth disease research being undertaken at one of the other centers, the Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense, (FAZD), located in Texas, and will be reaching out to the other 6 centers for subject matter. The system, says Orosz, "it is designed so that you don t have to be a computer scientist to use it.". (Science Daily)
Veterinarians At Increased Risk Of Avian Influenza Virus Infection Jun 1, 2007
"As federal officials continue to plan for a pandemic event, it is increasingly important to identify the best ways to protect veterinarians and other agricultural workers most at risk for zoonotic diseases.". The study is published in the July 1 issue of the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. (Science Daily)
Landmark study details demographic, ecological and genetic spread of rabies in raccoon outbreak May 18, 2007
"These results provide important insights into the geographic scale of rabies persistence and will be increasingly important in understanding the epidemiology of rabies and other emerging zoonotic diseases, those diseases that can be transmitted between animals and people, in a geographic context," says Dr. Real. "We can then use these insights to predict where and when zoonotic disease outbreaks will occur so we can target surveillance and intervention," he says. (EurekAlert!)
US Counties take measures to combat W. Nile virus May 11, 2007
Mosquitoes are breeding earlier this year because of warm weather and recent rains, said Craig Levy, head of the Arizona Department of Health Services Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases section. While we cant predict how severe the West Nile season will be this year, Arizonans should begin taking steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites. (The Money Times)
West Nile Virus found in a mosquito sample from Yavapai County May 9, 2007
"We've been conducting ongoing surveillance in Maricopa County for some time now," said Craig Levy, head of the Arizona Department of Health Services Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases section. "But there have been no positive samples found in Maricopa County so far this year.". (Douglas Daily Dispatch, AZ)
Pet Diseases Can Make People Sick Too May 8, 2007
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns of dozens of zoonotic diseases. These are ailments that can be passed from animals to humans. (NBC 11, CA)
Officials watch West Nile virus as Yavapai County reports Arizonas first case of 2007 May 8, 2007
We ve been conducting ongoing surveillance in Maricopa County for some time now, said Craig Levy, head of the Arizona Department of Health Services Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases section. But there have been no positive samples found in Maricopa County so far this year. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Vaccinations: Learn the basics of preventing rabies Apr 14, 2007
This zoonotic disease, a disease or infection that can be transmitted between animals and man, is extremely dangerous to humans and presently exists in some of our wildlife. Mammals such as raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats exist in high populations in the eastern United States, including Maryland, and may at some point come into close contact with humans or pets. (Carroll County Times)
Rabies vaccinations to cost more, but still essential, vet says Mar 18, 2007
"It is the law. You have to have it done. Rabies is a significant zoonotic disease, meaning people can catch it. Due to the wildlife in this area -- raccoons, foxes, plus stray animals -- rabies is here. It's important that everybody get their animals vaccinated in order to control it," Harley said. "Over the past few years, Orangeburg County hasn't had as many cases as we used to have," he said, but vaccinations are still critical. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
A Visit With Gorillas Feb 27, 2007
Send news tip to FOXNews. Monday, February 26, 2007. (Fox News)
REVISED: Kansas Bioscience Authority Commends Governor Sebelius for Naming Task Force to Advocate the Importance of NBAF for National Safety, Security Jan 27, 2007
NBAF is a $450 million, state-of-the-art national laboratory being commissioned by the Department of Homeland Security to research and develop diagnostic capabilities for foreign animal and zoonotic diseases that can affect public health, animal health, or the food supply. "The Governor's action is a powerful and credible expression of Kansas' commitment to this national facility," said Tom Thornton, President and Chief Executive Officer of KBA. The Governor and KBA collaborated to identify a... (PR Newswire)
University studies FMD for prevention plan Jan 9, 2007
This project is being conducted in collaboration with the National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Diseases (FAZD) and is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most highly contagious diseases affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, swine, sheep, goats and deer. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Rift Valley Fever death toll rises to 43 Dec 30, 2006
The zoonotic disease, transmitted by mosquitoes or contact from animals to human beings, was first detected in Garissa and Ijara districts a fortnight ago. Six people died of the viral disease in Ijara District while four herdsmen from neighbouring Tana River District bled to death before they were taken to Garissa Provincial General Hospital. (Standard)
Snuggling Skunks: Is It Better To Brave Winter Alone Or In A Group? Dec 22, 2006
-- Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that causes acute encephalitis in animals. In non-vaccinated humans, rabies is almost invariably fatal after neurological symptoms have developed, but prompt. (Science Daily)
Exotic Pet Craze Unleashes Threat Of Disease In U.S. Dec 1, 2006
" Some of the scariest diseases to emerge since 2001 also have been tied to exotic animals: One of the first times the deadly Asian bird flu reached the West was in eagles smuggled aboard a plane to Europe. Likewise, severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, is thought to have jumped to people from caged civet cats in a Chinese market. The cats are thought to have gotten the virus from bats. Carroll, the disease hunter, knows the dangers well. For the past three years, he has traveled the... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- News)
Disease Threat From Exotic Pets Could Rival Terrorist Attack Nov 28, 2006
The Journal of Internal Medicine this month estimated that 50 million people worldwide have been infected with zoonotic diseases since 2000 and as many as 78,000 have died. U.S. experts don't have complete totals for Americans, but partial numbers paint a serious picture. (Fox News -- Views)
Exotic Pets in U.S. May Pose Health Risk Nov 27, 2006
Zoonotic diseases those that jump to humans account for three quarters of all emerging infectious threats, the CDC says ... The Journal of Internal Medicine this month estimated that 50 million people worldwide have been infected with zoonotic diseases since 2000 and as many as 78,000 have died. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
OSU vet hospital renovation to start Nov 22, 2006
One of the most important benefits of the expansion will be our ability to better treat and prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases those diseases that can move between animals and humans, said Tom Riebold, a professor in the college s clinical sciences department. One prime example is cryptosporidosis, a disease caused by a parasite that can severely sicken and even kill people. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Beyond Bird Flu And Mad Cow Nov 11, 2006
Although those two new diseases have affected a relatively small number of people, more common zoonotic diseases like dengue fever and rabies kill tens of thousands of people each year worldwide and appear to be on the rise, the researchers write ... The results showed one of the most widely publicized emerging zoonotic diseases, H5N1 bird flu, killed nearly half of the 145 people infected with the virus during the study period ... To prevent emerging zoonotic diseases from becoming major public... (CBS News)
China Limits Dog Ownership Nov 10, 2006
It's one of the best-known zoonotic disease issues that exists. We have very constructive options in handling a legitimate problem. (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- News)
China sets '1 dog per household' limit in Beijing to stop advance of rabies Nov 9, 2006
Pacelle noted that "one dog can contract rabies just as two dogs can contract rabies if there's no prevention. Again this is not an emerging disease ... It's one of the best-known zoonotic disease issues that exists. We have very constructive options in handling a legitimate problem.". Authorities prompted an outcry in July and August when they launched several mass slaughters of dogs. (AZCentral -- News)
Study: 50 million people struck by animal diseases Nov 9, 2006
However, malaria is not a zoonotic disease, because the virus depends on a human host for part of its life cycle. Over time, viruses can develop the needed "machinery" for efficient transmission not only from the animal host to humans, but from human to human. (Xinhuanet, China)
N.S. Coalition: NYC Sprayed Sep 20, 2006
al., Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Volume 6, Number 2, June 2006. Update: Lawsuit against NYC Government. (Zmag.org)
West Nile virus lacks bite Sep 6, 2006
But more mosquitoes don't necessarily translate into more cases of West Nile virus, said Craig Levy, program manager of the Arizona Department of Health Service's vector-borne and zoonotic diseases section. "This year we are being, in some areas, horribly hard-hit with nuisance mosquitoes that are coming because we had a pretty good monsoon this year, compared to the last couple," Levy said. (AZCentral -- News)
Rats spread disease to people and pets Aug 31, 2006
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread between animals and people. It is caused by bacteria that travel to the kidneys and are shed in the urine of rats, raccoons, opossums, deer, voles, skunks, mice, other rodents, livestock and wildlife. (Buffalo News -- Opinion)
Experts warn of agro-terror Aug 25, 2006
The sharp criticism of federal efforts got a friendly reception from the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on the Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack, which met in Athens to address "agro-terrorism's perfect storm" the introduction of so-called zoonotic diseases, like avian influenza. Bidding for defense facility. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Breaks in hibernation help fight bugs Aug 17, 2006
The researchers suggest that an understanding of how pathogens interact with their hibernating hosts could provide valuable insight into the spread and emergence of zoonotic diseases. . (EurekAlert!)
Newswatch, Police/Fire Aug 16, 2006
"Throughout his career, Dr. Miyahara has been committed to a stronger, internationally united profession that meets current and future challenges confronting the worldwide medical community such as zoonotic diseases and bioterrorist threats," the association said in a news release. It said Miyahara has shared his ideas and concerns with Pacific colleagues as an officer of the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association and as Hawaii's delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association since the... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Kentucky a finalist for federal research laboratory Aug 10, 2006
The federal government plans to build the facility to meet increasing demand for research on foreign animal and zoonotic diseases, according to a news release. Kentucky's bid for the facility is led by a consortium that includes the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville and University of Tennessee, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and several economic development organizations from Kentucky. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Moving wildlife detrimental to oral rabies vaccination project Aug 8, 2006
"In many instances, translocation leads to the death of the affected animal and promotes the spread of zoonotic diseases," Lowney added. . (EurekAlert!)
HK revises Mainland poultry supply ban period Jul 31, 2006
Members of the Center for Health Protection Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases of Hong Kong discussed the issue Friday and agreed that if human bird flu cases are detected in the neighboring Guangdong Province again and no bird flu outbreak is seen in the poultry population, the general suspension period of mainland live poultry supply can be cut to 14 days. The bureau previously imposed a 21-day suspension period after a human bird flu case is found in Guangdong. (Xinhuanet, China)
Asia vows to combine efforts to fight bird flu Jul 29, 2006
"In these days, where zoonotic diseases have the potential to become pandemics, the health and the agriculture departments have to coordinate," he told Reuters on the sidelines of the meeting. Zoonotic diseases are animal diseases which can be transmitted to humans. (Reuters India)
Wild birds spread type of bird flu to hunter Jul 28, 2006
"So he has had a lot of exposure," said Gill, zoonotic disease specialist at Iowa's Hygienic Laboratory in Iowa City. In addition, H11N9 antibodies were seen in two of 68 Iowa Department of Natural Resources workers who were studied. (MSNBC -- Health)
Improved Vaccine Helps Protect Dogs Against Leptospirosis Jul 20, 2006
"During the summer months when leptospirosis is most prevalent, the number of cases I see significantly increases." Often considered the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world, leptospirosis is caused by bacteria that live in water, mud or moist soil. The bacteria are spread by the urine of infected animals and once in water or damp soil, they can survive for months under suitable conditions. (PR Newswire)
Adoptathon, fundraiser part of CRHS celebration Jun 23, 2006
2 to 3 p.m. Dr. Doug Kratt with a Zoonotic disease presentation. Advertisement. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Read More... Jun 10, 2006
According to Fair and Petting Zoo Safety, a Web site which provides information on outbreaks of zoonotic diseases at fairs and petting zoos, "ingestion or perhaps even inhalation of contaminated dust particles may be how fair attendees become infected with the bacteria.". Health inspectors have suspected this for years. (Disinformation)
More of this story May 21, 2006
As biosecurity has become both a media buzzword and a major focus of government and private disaster-contigency planning, veterinarians and farmers are at the frontline of defense in minimizing the spread of zoonotic diseases that are communicable between animals and humans ... Linking vets to the wider public health system is important because so many of the zoonotic diseases anthrax and its ilk also have the potential to be used as bioterrorism agents, said Dr. Bryan Cherry, the state... (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Pets could spread new infections: researchers May 17, 2006
Weese, who specializes in zoonotic diseases (diseases that can pass from animals to humans) and veterinary infection control, said he and colleagues had concerns about the possible role of pets during Toronto's SARS crisis, when thousands of people were asked to quarantine themselves in their homes. "We broached the subject a couple of times. The problem is, you can't address this during a crisis," he said, noting human concerns pushed animal issues to the side. (CTV.ca)
Family pets should be in pandemic strategies, experts say May 16, 2006
Dr. Weese, who specializes in zoonotic diseases (diseases that can pass from animals to humans) and veterinary infection control, said that he and colleagues had concerns about the possible role of pets during Toronto's SARS crisis, when thousands of people were asked to go into quarantine. "We broached the subject a couple of times. The problem is, you can't address this during a crisis," he said, noting that human concerns pushed animal issues to the side. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Ghanaians urged to recognize role of Veterinarians in nation's economy May 12, 2006
She pointed out that veterinarians "were key players in research, food safety, zoonotic disease, animal health and environmental issues", and had in the past, successfully controlled "devastating animal diseases" such as Newcastle and rinderpest. Dr Attah was speaking at the Regional World Veterinary Day celebration and bird flu awareness creation, at Elmina, under the theme "Celebrate Our Diversity, The Bird Flu Scare". (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Rockfish are big and plentiful May 11, 2006
com - Rockfish are big and plentiful. Star Directory Online Yellow Pages'; this. (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, VA)
U.S. Researchers Aid Egypt in Identifying Human Bird Flu Cases May 5, 2006
The laboratory wanted to be extra sure, of its finding of H5N1, said Major Samuel L. Yingst, a veterinarian and the deputy head of the virology and zoonotic disease program at the NAMRU labs in Cairo, Egypt. NAMRU also has been the confirming laboratory in animal cases that have occurred in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Jordan and Ukraine. (U.S. Department of State -- News)
Application Filed To Replace Plum Island Apr 19, 2006
In its present state, the facility is not classified to handle bio-safety level four duties, which includes the capability to study zoonotic diseases diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The ability to handle these diseases is especially important to the government as worries increase over the spread of avian flu. (Suffolk Life Newspapers, NY)
Defra is like a dead swan. Discuss Apr 12, 2006
The Rapid PCR is being used in many countries where zoonotic diseases (the ones that can be passed from animals to humans) have occurred ... There is brilliant work being done in research centres in Britain on zoonotic diseases and the vaccines needed to control them, but it rarely seems to filter upwards to Defra ... This is all the more worrying when it comes to the new generation of zoonotic diseases that are bound to follow avian flu. (TimesOnline)
