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)
Report: Rare Q Fever Killed 2 in Nevada, Infected 8... Mar 4, 2008
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, a species of bacteria that is distributed globally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1999, Q fever became a notifiable disease in the United States but reporting is not required in many other countries. (Fox News)
Thompson: Charting a course for the local economy Mar 2, 2008
" Eldridge, a former mayor of Athens-Clarke County, posed that question in September as representatives of the Department of Homeland Security came to town to talk about the planned National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, a federal installation that would study animal and zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Whether he intended it this way or not, Eldridge's question could have been - and maybe should have been - seen as a challenge to... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Predicting a Pandemic Feb 24, 2008
The map shows that the next new important zoonotic disease one that originates in an animal is likely to appear in the tropics, a region rich in wildlife species and under increasing pressure from people. "We need to set up 'smart surveillance' in these hotspots proactive monitoring that identifies the next HIV or SARS before it even emerges," said Daszak. (U.S. News & World Report)
Global Report Identifies Emerging Infectious Diseases Feb 22, 2008
So, for example, we could do climate change as well," he said. According to the authors, animals were the source of 60 percent of the new diseases in humans that they studied. Of these, 70 percent came from wild animals. They say the next animal-borne disease is likely to originate in the tropics. Jones says animal viruses jumped the species barrier to humans because they encroached on wildlife habitats and we're paying the price. "There is a cost for growing and using the environment and... (Voice of America)
Next human plague 'likely to come from animal contact' Feb 21, 2008
"Our hotspots map show that the next new important zoonotic disease is likely to originate in the tropics, a region rich in wildlife species and under increasing pressure from people," said Peter Daszak, executive director of the Consortium for Conservation Medicine at Wildlife Trust, New York. "The problem is, most of our resources are focused on the richer countries in the North that can afford surveillance.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Disease monitors 'looking in the wrong places' Feb 21, 2008
Of these zoonotic diseases, 72% came from wildlife as opposed to domesticated animals, the researchers found. Recent examples include Nipah virus in Malaysia, and the infamous SARS outbreak in Guangdong, China, which practically shut down international travel in Southeast Asia in 2002. (Nature News Service)
Lab backers tout defense role Feb 20, 2008
" Manufacturing biological weapons was outlawed by a 1972 treaty signed by the United States, he said. NBAF is slated to supplant Plum Island, off Long Island, N.Y., as the main lab for DHS and the USDA to study incurable animal and zoonotic diseases and find diagnostic procedures, treatments and vaccines. A UGA-owned 66-acre site off South Milledge Avenue is one of six finalists for the $450 million lab, along with sites in North Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Kansas and Plum Island. Homeland... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Texas achieves cattle Brucellosis-Free status Feb 7, 2008
Cattle brucellosis is a zoonotic disease (can be spread from animals to man) that caused significant human disease incidence until the eradication program reduced the incidence of the disease in cattle, and, sanitary practices and pasteurization procedures for milk were implemented to reduce transmission to humans. All other states in the United States are classified brucellosis-free, some for more than 25 years. (Fort Stockton Pioneer, TX)
Watchdog director callsto cancel NBAF lab project Jan 23, 2008
" Hammond disagreed with assertions from federal and University of Georgia officials that NBAF will include only zoonotic diseases, ones that are transmitted from animal to animal or animal to human, not ones that spread between humans. "There is no question in my mind" that flu strains will be handled, along with weaponized animal diseases like anthrax, he said. "They primarily affect livestock, but they also affect humans," he said. Corrie Brown, a UGA veterinary professor who once worked at... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Are Urban Vermin the Most Disease-Ridden Animals? Jan 18, 2008
But cast against the recent spread of infectious zoonotic diseases such as H5N1 bird flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) experts question the degree of concern over the disease-bearing potential of the birds that have colonized cities the world over ... Even so, zoonotic diseases represent a growing proportion of emerging infectious diseases; two British studies calculated that about 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic. (Scientific American)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
