THE NEW ZOOnotic REVIEW: Tracking Diseases Shared Between Humans and Animals and Tracing Their Use as Biological Weapons, Past, Present and Future
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
LEPTOSPIROSIS, SEA LIONS - USA (OREGON)
A case study; http://www.scribd.com/doc/5004380/MYSTERIOUS-FEVER-by-Dr-Leo-Rebello
***********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
Date: 5 Nov 2010
Source: Gazette Times [edited]
A sharp increase in the number of sick and dead California sea lions
has been reported along the Oregon coast in recent weeks, and
necropsies conducted on dozens of the animals suggest that many may
have died from leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease found in a variety of animal
species and can be transmitted to humans, according to Jim Rice, an
Oregon State University scientist who coordinates the statewide
Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
"We are now getting calls for multiple sick or dead sea lions daily,
which is higher than normal," said Rice, an OSU Marine Mammal
Institute researcher who works at the university's Hatfield Marine
Science Center in Newport.
"The overall number of sea lions also has risen, so it's difficult to
compare mortality rates from year to year, but certainly we're seeing
an increase in animals that test positive for leptospirosis."
Rice and his colleagues at the stranding network have sent dozens of
dead animals to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in OSU's College
of Veterinary Medicine. And though not all of the animals have tested
positive, many showed clear signs of leptospirosis, which raises
concern about human health.
Kathy O'Reilly, who heads the bacterial section of the Veterinary
Diagnostic Lab, said leptospirosis can be virulent.
"There have been 50 to 100 cases per year in the United States
reported to the Centers for Disease Control," O'Reilly said, "and in
31 percent of the human cases, it is traced back to contact with
infected rats, and in 30 percent of the cases, it is tracked to infected dogs."
Dogs can be infected with leptospirosis through contact with stricken
sea lions. Rice said coastal visitors should always avoid sea lions
on the beach and during outbreaks of leptospirosis should keep their
dogs on a leash. The disease can be transmitted by direct contact, or
even through contact with damp sand, soil or vegetation contaminated
by the urine of infected animals. Rice said that in 2009, the network
had 350 reports of California sea lions stranded on Oregon beaches,
either dead or severely ill and presumed to have died. And Oregon is
on pace to surpass that total this year [2010], he pointed out.
"Typically, sea lions with leptospirosis are quite emaciated and
lethargic," Rice said. "Those that don't die on the beach may get
washed out to sea and die, or they may move elsewhere. It's possible
that some recover, but these are very sick animals."
The Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network is a collaborative
volunteer effort to respond to reports of sick or dead marine mammals
-- including whales, seals and sea lions -- and report data about the
strandings to the National Marine Fisheries Service. It is
headquartered at OSU's Marine Mammal Institute at the Hatfield Marine
Science Center and coordinated by Rice.
Partners in the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network include OSU,
Portland State University, the University of Oregon's Institute for
Marine Biology, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the
Oregon State Police, the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation and others.
Persons seeing dead or sick marine mammals on Oregon beaches are
encouraged to call the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888.
[Byline: Mark Floyd]
--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via
ProMED-mail
[Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by the spirochete
_Leptospira_ sp. There are over 17 species and various serovars. The
taxonomy can become confusing. Regardless of the taxonomy, this
bacteria infects both human beings and a variety of animals. It is
generally thought of as an infection within the kidneys, because it
can be transmitted by contact with infected urine, or through water
having urine from infected wild animals, rats, etc. There are some
serovars that may affect the liver as well.
The California sea lion (_Zalophus californianus_) is thought to be
infected with _L. interrrogans_.
When sea lions are infected, they demonstrate the unusual behavior of
drinking water. Most sea lions acquire the water they need through
the food they consume. When ill sea lions demonstrate the behavior of
drinking water, they are tested for leptospirosis if they are in a
marine habitat facility.
Animals who are sick and brought to a marine mammal facility where
they can be treated can recover from the disease. However, many
animals in the wild, not recognized as being ill, die and wash up on
shore and are then found.
California sea lions (_Zalophus californianus_) breed in rookeries
along the southern California coast during May and June (Zuerner et
al., 2009). The female sea lions typically stay close to the
rookeries to nurse their pups, but they may move as far north as
Monterey Bay; however, the males travel north and spend the winter
anywhere from California to south Alaska (Melin, 2002). Even though
they stay close to the coast, occasionally they leave to look for
food, and males can cover 644 km on a single trip (Weise et al.,
2006). Their ability to travel great distances gives the disease the
opportunity to spread geographically (Zuerner et al., 2009).
Terrestrial animals may get leptospirosis because sick or injured sea
lions either die at sea or are stranded on beaches where other
animals can come into contact with them. Leptospirosis has a latency
period of about 10-14 days between contact and developing signs,
leading researchers to believe that the animals are able to travel
during this latency period spreading the disease. Since some of the
population is continuously in a latency state of infection, the
distribution of infected animals spreads as animals disperse across
different geographical areas. Infected animals are often found near
fresh water estuaries, which potentially increases the chance of
transmitting the disease to humans, domesticated animals, and
terrestrial wildlife (Zuerner et al., 2009).
References:
Melin, S.R., (2002). The Foraging Ecology and Reproduction of the
California sea lion (_Zalophus californianus californianus_).
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Zuerner, Richard L., Cameron, Caroline E., Raverty, Stephen,
Robinson, John, Colegrove, Kathleen M., Norman, Stephanie A.,
Lambourn, Dyanna, Jeffries, Steven, Alt, David P., & Gulland,
Frances. (2009). Geographical dissemination of Leptospirosa
interrogans serovar Pomona during seasonal migration of California
sea lions. Veterinary Microbiology 137 105-110.
Photos of the California sea lion may be seen at:
,
,
.
The state of Oregon can be seen on the HealthMap/ProMED-mail
interactive map at:- Mod.TG]
[see also:
2004
----
Leptospirosis, sea lions - USA (CA) 20040926.2659]
................................................sb/tg/msp/mpp
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:
************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at.
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to
an individual moderator). If you do not give your full name
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For assistance from a human being, send mail to:
.
############################################################
############################################################
***********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
Date: 5 Nov 2010
Source: Gazette Times [edited]
A sharp increase in the number of sick and dead California sea lions
has been reported along the Oregon coast in recent weeks, and
necropsies conducted on dozens of the animals suggest that many may
have died from leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease found in a variety of animal
species and can be transmitted to humans, according to Jim Rice, an
Oregon State University scientist who coordinates the statewide
Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
"We are now getting calls for multiple sick or dead sea lions daily,
which is higher than normal," said Rice, an OSU Marine Mammal
Institute researcher who works at the university's Hatfield Marine
Science Center in Newport.
"The overall number of sea lions also has risen, so it's difficult to
compare mortality rates from year to year, but certainly we're seeing
an increase in animals that test positive for leptospirosis."
Rice and his colleagues at the stranding network have sent dozens of
dead animals to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in OSU's College
of Veterinary Medicine. And though not all of the animals have tested
positive, many showed clear signs of leptospirosis, which raises
concern about human health.
Kathy O'Reilly, who heads the bacterial section of the Veterinary
Diagnostic Lab, said leptospirosis can be virulent.
"There have been 50 to 100 cases per year in the United States
reported to the Centers for Disease Control," O'Reilly said, "and in
31 percent of the human cases, it is traced back to contact with
infected rats, and in 30 percent of the cases, it is tracked to infected dogs."
Dogs can be infected with leptospirosis through contact with stricken
sea lions. Rice said coastal visitors should always avoid sea lions
on the beach and during outbreaks of leptospirosis should keep their
dogs on a leash. The disease can be transmitted by direct contact, or
even through contact with damp sand, soil or vegetation contaminated
by the urine of infected animals. Rice said that in 2009, the network
had 350 reports of California sea lions stranded on Oregon beaches,
either dead or severely ill and presumed to have died. And Oregon is
on pace to surpass that total this year [2010], he pointed out.
"Typically, sea lions with leptospirosis are quite emaciated and
lethargic," Rice said. "Those that don't die on the beach may get
washed out to sea and die, or they may move elsewhere. It's possible
that some recover, but these are very sick animals."
The Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network is a collaborative
volunteer effort to respond to reports of sick or dead marine mammals
-- including whales, seals and sea lions -- and report data about the
strandings to the National Marine Fisheries Service. It is
headquartered at OSU's Marine Mammal Institute at the Hatfield Marine
Science Center and coordinated by Rice.
Partners in the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network include OSU,
Portland State University, the University of Oregon's Institute for
Marine Biology, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the
Oregon State Police, the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation and others.
Persons seeing dead or sick marine mammals on Oregon beaches are
encouraged to call the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888.
[Byline: Mark Floyd]
--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via
ProMED-mail
[Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by the spirochete
_Leptospira_ sp. There are over 17 species and various serovars. The
taxonomy can become confusing. Regardless of the taxonomy, this
bacteria infects both human beings and a variety of animals. It is
generally thought of as an infection within the kidneys, because it
can be transmitted by contact with infected urine, or through water
having urine from infected wild animals, rats, etc. There are some
serovars that may affect the liver as well.
The California sea lion (_Zalophus californianus_) is thought to be
infected with _L. interrrogans_.
When sea lions are infected, they demonstrate the unusual behavior of
drinking water. Most sea lions acquire the water they need through
the food they consume. When ill sea lions demonstrate the behavior of
drinking water, they are tested for leptospirosis if they are in a
marine habitat facility.
Animals who are sick and brought to a marine mammal facility where
they can be treated can recover from the disease. However, many
animals in the wild, not recognized as being ill, die and wash up on
shore and are then found.
California sea lions (_Zalophus californianus_) breed in rookeries
along the southern California coast during May and June (Zuerner et
al., 2009). The female sea lions typically stay close to the
rookeries to nurse their pups, but they may move as far north as
Monterey Bay; however, the males travel north and spend the winter
anywhere from California to south Alaska (Melin, 2002). Even though
they stay close to the coast, occasionally they leave to look for
food, and males can cover 644 km on a single trip (Weise et al.,
2006). Their ability to travel great distances gives the disease the
opportunity to spread geographically (Zuerner et al., 2009).
Terrestrial animals may get leptospirosis because sick or injured sea
lions either die at sea or are stranded on beaches where other
animals can come into contact with them. Leptospirosis has a latency
period of about 10-14 days between contact and developing signs,
leading researchers to believe that the animals are able to travel
during this latency period spreading the disease. Since some of the
population is continuously in a latency state of infection, the
distribution of infected animals spreads as animals disperse across
different geographical areas. Infected animals are often found near
fresh water estuaries, which potentially increases the chance of
transmitting the disease to humans, domesticated animals, and
terrestrial wildlife (Zuerner et al., 2009).
References:
Melin, S.R., (2002). The Foraging Ecology and Reproduction of the
California sea lion (_Zalophus californianus californianus_).
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Zuerner, Richard L., Cameron, Caroline E., Raverty, Stephen,
Robinson, John, Colegrove, Kathleen M., Norman, Stephanie A.,
Lambourn, Dyanna, Jeffries, Steven, Alt, David P., & Gulland,
Frances. (2009). Geographical dissemination of Leptospirosa
interrogans serovar Pomona during seasonal migration of California
sea lions. Veterinary Microbiology 137 105-110.
Photos of the California sea lion may be seen at:
The state of Oregon can be seen on the HealthMap/ProMED-mail
interactive map at:
[see also:
2004
----
Leptospirosis, sea lions - USA (CA) 20040926.2659]
................................................sb/tg/msp/mpp
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:
************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to
an individual moderator). If you do not give your full name
name and affiliation, it may not be posted. You may unsub-
scribe at
For assistance from a human being, send mail to:
############################################################
############################################################
BRUCELLOSIS, BOVINE - USA (02): (MONTANA, WYOMING)
****************************************
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
In this report:
[1] Montana, bison
[2] Montana, bison
[3] Wyoming
******
[1] Montana, bison
Date: 2 Nov 2010
Source: Belgrade News [edited]
One of Ted Turner's bison tested positive for brucellosis on the
Flying D Ranch near Gallatin Gateway, state livestock officials said
Monday [1 Nov 2010]. But the discovery shouldn't affect Montana's
coveted brucellosis-free status, which should not be in jeopardy.
The National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the case
after a 7-year-old cow bison was singled out during routine testing,
the Montana Department of Livestock said. The 4600-head bison herd on
the ranch is quarantined, and 2 more animals are suspected of
carrying the disease.
Animal health officials are conducting an epidemiological
investigation to determine the cause, state veterinarian Dr. Marty
Zaluski said.
"In previous cases, extensive testing indicated that elk, not cattle
or bison, were the likely source of the infections," he said.
Montana regained its brucellosis-free status last year [2009] after
cattle in 2 separate herds tested positive for the disease within one
year, according to state records. Officials are hopeful the state
will not be stripped of its status again because of rule reviews by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Zaluski said.
"USDA is currently reviewing its approach to brucellosis management
nationwide," Zaluski said. "The proposed concept would de-emphasize
state status and allow brucellosis to be managed on a case-by-case basis."
Livestock officials from Montana, Idaho and Wyoming have been working
with the feds to come up with a solution to the long-term problem,
Department of Livestock spokesman Steve Merritt said. The states are
looking for federal rule changes that will grant some flexibility to
establish, designate and change surveillance areas.
A draft concept paper known as the "White Paper" emerged from the
dialogue, and addresses concerns in the tri-state area, but the feds
have not implemented any of the rule changes, Merritt said.
"They're currently not operating under that concept paper," he said
Monday [1 Nov 2010]. "Something did come out of those meetings, but
nothing has been implemented yet."
Merritt said there is "no risk" that the entire state would lose its
status due to the brucellosis discovery in Turner's bison herd.
"We don't expect to lose our status this time," he said. "USDA is
currently evaluating the future direction of the brucellosis program,
and so our understanding is that they are going to start taking this
on a case-by-case basis."
None of the wild bison Turner recently acquired from Yellowstone Park
are infected, Merritt said. Turner took custody of those animals,
numbering 86, from the park last year [2009] as part of a bison
management effort by state and federal wildlife agencies. That herd
is housed at Turner's Green Ranch property south of Three Forks and
is geographically separated from the domestic herd located in the
Spanish Creek area near Gallatin Canyon.
[Byline: Michael Tucker]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
******
[2] Montana, bison
Date: 1 Nov 2010
Source: Bozeman Daily Chronicles [edited]
Brucellosis has been found in a domestic bison on the Flying D Ranch
near Bozeman, the Montana Department of Livestock said today [1 Nov 2010].
Two other bison at the ranch are also suspected of carrying the
disease. The ranch is currently quarantined.
The brucellosis-infected bison, a 7-year-old cow, was identified as a
suspect during routine disease testing conducted by the ranch, which
is owned by Ted Turner. Cultures performed at the National Veterinary
Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed the presence of the
agent that causes brucellosis in the suspect bison.
Brucellosis-infected elk have been found on the Flying D in previous years.
The Flying D bison herd is geographically separate from the Green
Ranch, which received bison from the cooperative USDA-Montana Fish,
Wildlife and Parks quarantine facility last year [2009]. Those 86
Yellowstone Park bison remain disease-free.
After going more than 30 years without a case of brucellosis, the
state lost its brucellosis-free status when the disease was found
twice within a 12-month period in 2007 and 2008.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[Brucellosis is historically thought to have entered the bison
population somewhere around 1920. The bison herds of the plains of
the US were in danger of possible extinction. The herds were
co-mingled with cattle, and the disease was thought to have entered
bison though this co-mingling. Nevertheless, brucellosis is similar
in bison to that in cattle. However, bison are not believed to
demonstrate abortion as do domestic cattle. This may or may not be
true. It might all depend upon the ability to observe and document
the circumstances.
It is encouraging to know the bison from the Yellowstone area remain
free of the disease and are not threatened by contact with the remaining herd.
While elk are suspected as being the source, this is still a
disturbing disease to be found on a ranch whose management is
regarded as very good.
Brucellosis vaccine RB51 has been shown to be effective in bison.
However, handling these wonderful creatures can be another challenge.
With approximately 2 million acres of personal and ranch land, Ted
Turner is the largest individual landholder in North America. Turner
lands are innovatively managed and work to partner economic viability
with ecological sustainability. All Turner ranches operate as working
businesses, relying on bison and outfitting as principal enterprises.
In addition, Turner ranches support many progressive environmental
projects including water resource management, reforestation and the
reintroduction of native species to the land.
Turner Enterprises also manages over 50 000 head of bison across the
various Turner ranches.
The Flying D ranch is 113 613 acres (45 977.549 hectares) and was
acquired in 1989. The ranch supports bison ranching, elk hunting,
wolf restoration, and cutthroat trout reintroduction.
Bison seem to be a politically sensitive topic, and with dwindling
funds for USDA to buy out diseased herds, it is understandable they
will take a case by case approach to find the most workable solution
to this situation.
Portions of this comment have been extracted from:
. - Mod.TG]
******
[3] Wyoming
Date: 5 Nov 2010
Source: Cattlenetwork.com [edited]
Only one more cow has initially tested positive for brucellosis, as
the state continues testing more than 1000 cows in the northern Wyoming area.
The new cow with the disease was from the same herd where the 1st 3
cows tested positive for exposure to the disease in preparation for
sale at a livestock market.
State Veterinarian Jim Logan tells the Powell Tribune that he's
encouraged that extensive testing has yielded only one more positive result.
14 Meeteetse area herds are quarantined under a state order until
testing is complete. Logan expects some results to become available next week.
The source of the brucellosis is not yet known.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[Since this cow is from the same herd as the previous 3, it is
unlikely this event will threaten the brucellosis status of Wyoming.
The area around the Greater Yellowstone area has been a difficult
area within which to control the disease. The winter feeding grounds
of elk and bison are enormously popular with tourists. However, the
feeding grounds provide an excellent way to transmit the disease
between animals. Some of these animals then leave the park and
encounter domestic animals, which are sensitive to the disease.
It is good news for Wyoming that only one herd seems to have infected
animals. There has been much hard work on the part of the state
officials to trace where animals have been and where they came from
to try and track down the origin of the disease. - Mod.TG]
[For the HealthMap/ProMED map showing Wyoming, see
. - Mod.MPP]
[see also:
Brucellosis, bovine - USA: (WY) 20101101.3956
Brucellosis, cervid - USA (05): Yellowstone 20100427.1352
Brucellosis, cervid - USA (04): Yellowstone 20100425.1340
Brucellosis, cervid - USA (03): (Gtr. Yellowstone Ecosystem) 20100401.1048
Brucellosis, cervid - USA: (WY) corr. 20100212.0502
Brucellosis, cervid - USA (02): (WY) corr. 20100212.0501
Brucellosis, cervid - USA: (WY) 20100211.0480
2004
----
Brucellosis, bison vaccination - USA (WY) 20040327.0847
1999
----
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (07) 19990606.0950
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (06) 19990528.0893
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (05) 19990526.0884
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (04) 19990524.0870
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (03) 19990521.0835
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (03) 19990519.0827
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (02) 19990514.0787
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control 19990512.0775
1997
----
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana) (03) 19970205.0263
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana) (02) 19970203.0237
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana) 19970201.0224]
..........................................sb/tg/msp/mpp
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:
************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at.
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to
an individual moderator). If you do not give your full name
name and affiliation, it may not be posted. You may unsub-
scribe at.
For assistance from a human being, send mail to:
.
############################################################
############################################################
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
In this report:
[1] Montana, bison
[2] Montana, bison
[3] Wyoming
******
[1] Montana, bison
Date: 2 Nov 2010
Source: Belgrade News [edited]
One of Ted Turner's bison tested positive for brucellosis on the
Flying D Ranch near Gallatin Gateway, state livestock officials said
Monday [1 Nov 2010]. But the discovery shouldn't affect Montana's
coveted brucellosis-free status, which should not be in jeopardy.
The National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the case
after a 7-year-old cow bison was singled out during routine testing,
the Montana Department of Livestock said. The 4600-head bison herd on
the ranch is quarantined, and 2 more animals are suspected of
carrying the disease.
Animal health officials are conducting an epidemiological
investigation to determine the cause, state veterinarian Dr. Marty
Zaluski said.
"In previous cases, extensive testing indicated that elk, not cattle
or bison, were the likely source of the infections," he said.
Montana regained its brucellosis-free status last year [2009] after
cattle in 2 separate herds tested positive for the disease within one
year, according to state records. Officials are hopeful the state
will not be stripped of its status again because of rule reviews by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Zaluski said.
"USDA is currently reviewing its approach to brucellosis management
nationwide," Zaluski said. "The proposed concept would de-emphasize
state status and allow brucellosis to be managed on a case-by-case basis."
Livestock officials from Montana, Idaho and Wyoming have been working
with the feds to come up with a solution to the long-term problem,
Department of Livestock spokesman Steve Merritt said. The states are
looking for federal rule changes that will grant some flexibility to
establish, designate and change surveillance areas.
A draft concept paper known as the "White Paper" emerged from the
dialogue, and addresses concerns in the tri-state area, but the feds
have not implemented any of the rule changes, Merritt said.
"They're currently not operating under that concept paper," he said
Monday [1 Nov 2010]. "Something did come out of those meetings, but
nothing has been implemented yet."
Merritt said there is "no risk" that the entire state would lose its
status due to the brucellosis discovery in Turner's bison herd.
"We don't expect to lose our status this time," he said. "USDA is
currently evaluating the future direction of the brucellosis program,
and so our understanding is that they are going to start taking this
on a case-by-case basis."
None of the wild bison Turner recently acquired from Yellowstone Park
are infected, Merritt said. Turner took custody of those animals,
numbering 86, from the park last year [2009] as part of a bison
management effort by state and federal wildlife agencies. That herd
is housed at Turner's Green Ranch property south of Three Forks and
is geographically separated from the domestic herd located in the
Spanish Creek area near Gallatin Canyon.
[Byline: Michael Tucker]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
******
[2] Montana, bison
Date: 1 Nov 2010
Source: Bozeman Daily Chronicles [edited]
Brucellosis has been found in a domestic bison on the Flying D Ranch
near Bozeman, the Montana Department of Livestock said today [1 Nov 2010].
Two other bison at the ranch are also suspected of carrying the
disease. The ranch is currently quarantined.
The brucellosis-infected bison, a 7-year-old cow, was identified as a
suspect during routine disease testing conducted by the ranch, which
is owned by Ted Turner. Cultures performed at the National Veterinary
Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed the presence of the
agent that causes brucellosis in the suspect bison.
Brucellosis-infected elk have been found on the Flying D in previous years.
The Flying D bison herd is geographically separate from the Green
Ranch, which received bison from the cooperative USDA-Montana Fish,
Wildlife and Parks quarantine facility last year [2009]. Those 86
Yellowstone Park bison remain disease-free.
After going more than 30 years without a case of brucellosis, the
state lost its brucellosis-free status when the disease was found
twice within a 12-month period in 2007 and 2008.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[Brucellosis is historically thought to have entered the bison
population somewhere around 1920. The bison herds of the plains of
the US were in danger of possible extinction. The herds were
co-mingled with cattle, and the disease was thought to have entered
bison though this co-mingling. Nevertheless, brucellosis is similar
in bison to that in cattle. However, bison are not believed to
demonstrate abortion as do domestic cattle. This may or may not be
true. It might all depend upon the ability to observe and document
the circumstances.
It is encouraging to know the bison from the Yellowstone area remain
free of the disease and are not threatened by contact with the remaining herd.
While elk are suspected as being the source, this is still a
disturbing disease to be found on a ranch whose management is
regarded as very good.
Brucellosis vaccine RB51 has been shown to be effective in bison.
However, handling these wonderful creatures can be another challenge.
With approximately 2 million acres of personal and ranch land, Ted
Turner is the largest individual landholder in North America. Turner
lands are innovatively managed and work to partner economic viability
with ecological sustainability. All Turner ranches operate as working
businesses, relying on bison and outfitting as principal enterprises.
In addition, Turner ranches support many progressive environmental
projects including water resource management, reforestation and the
reintroduction of native species to the land.
Turner Enterprises also manages over 50 000 head of bison across the
various Turner ranches.
The Flying D ranch is 113 613 acres (45 977.549 hectares) and was
acquired in 1989. The ranch supports bison ranching, elk hunting,
wolf restoration, and cutthroat trout reintroduction.
Bison seem to be a politically sensitive topic, and with dwindling
funds for USDA to buy out diseased herds, it is understandable they
will take a case by case approach to find the most workable solution
to this situation.
Portions of this comment have been extracted from:
******
[3] Wyoming
Date: 5 Nov 2010
Source: Cattlenetwork.com [edited]
Only one more cow has initially tested positive for brucellosis, as
the state continues testing more than 1000 cows in the northern Wyoming area.
The new cow with the disease was from the same herd where the 1st 3
cows tested positive for exposure to the disease in preparation for
sale at a livestock market.
State Veterinarian Jim Logan tells the Powell Tribune that he's
encouraged that extensive testing has yielded only one more positive result.
14 Meeteetse area herds are quarantined under a state order until
testing is complete. Logan expects some results to become available next week.
The source of the brucellosis is not yet known.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[Since this cow is from the same herd as the previous 3, it is
unlikely this event will threaten the brucellosis status of Wyoming.
The area around the Greater Yellowstone area has been a difficult
area within which to control the disease. The winter feeding grounds
of elk and bison are enormously popular with tourists. However, the
feeding grounds provide an excellent way to transmit the disease
between animals. Some of these animals then leave the park and
encounter domestic animals, which are sensitive to the disease.
It is good news for Wyoming that only one herd seems to have infected
animals. There has been much hard work on the part of the state
officials to trace where animals have been and where they came from
to try and track down the origin of the disease. - Mod.TG]
[For the HealthMap/ProMED map showing Wyoming, see
[see also:
Brucellosis, bovine - USA: (WY) 20101101.3956
Brucellosis, cervid - USA (05): Yellowstone 20100427.1352
Brucellosis, cervid - USA (04): Yellowstone 20100425.1340
Brucellosis, cervid - USA (03): (Gtr. Yellowstone Ecosystem) 20100401.1048
Brucellosis, cervid - USA: (WY) corr. 20100212.0502
Brucellosis, cervid - USA (02): (WY) corr. 20100212.0501
Brucellosis, cervid - USA: (WY) 20100211.0480
2004
----
Brucellosis, bison vaccination - USA (WY) 20040327.0847
1999
----
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (07) 19990606.0950
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (06) 19990528.0893
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (05) 19990526.0884
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (04) 19990524.0870
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (03) 19990521.0835
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (03) 19990519.0827
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control (02) 19990514.0787
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana): control 19990512.0775
1997
----
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana) (03) 19970205.0263
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana) (02) 19970203.0237
Brucellosis, bison - USA (Montana) 19970201.0224]
..........................................sb/tg/msp/mpp
*##########################################################*
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are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
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Friday, November 5, 2010
UN Troops Cause of Cholera in Haiti?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20101104/hl_yblog_upshot/did-u-n-troops-cause-cholera-outbreak-in-haiti
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
WHO Warns Haitia re: Cholera Outbreak - Get Ready for Worst Case Senario
CHOLERA - HAITI (10): INCREASED CASES
**********************************
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
Date: Wed 3 Nov 2010
Source: Agence France-Presse [edited]
The death toll from Haiti's cholera epidemic spiked to 442 on
Wednesday, 3 Nov 2010, with 105 more deaths since Saturday and more
than a 40 percent jump in new cases, officials said [from the last
statistics reported on 29 Oct 2010 - Mod.LL].
Haitian health authorities reported that an additional 1978 people
were hospitalized, raising the total number of cases to 6742. The
developments, announced at a news conference here by Health Ministry
official Jocelyne Pierre-Louis, reflected a surge both in new cases,
which were up 41 percent, and deaths, which climbed 31 percent.
Meanwhile, hospitals have been overwhelmed by cholera cases despite
intensive efforts to respond to a disease that aid groups fear could
spread like wildfire if it reaches densely populated Port-au-Prince.
Hundreds of thousands of people left homeless by a devastating
earthquake in January 2010 live in unsanitary camps in and around the city.
The WHO warned last week that the outbreak is far from over and Haiti
should prepare for the "worst-case scenario", cholera in the capital.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[The tropical storm Tomas appears to be weakening rather than
strengthening; even so, an anticipated rain fall of 4-6 inches will
likely heighten the outbreak substantially. - Mod.LL]
[see also:
Cholera - Haiti (09): PAHO 20101102.3968
Cholera - Haiti (08): south Asia origin 20101101.3962
Cholera - Haiti (07): strain analysis 20101030.3938
Cholera - Haiti (06): WHO 20101029.3927
Cholera - Haiti (05): (AR) 20101027.3899
Cholera - Haiti (04): (AR) 20101026.3876
Cholera - Haiti (03): (AR) Port-au-Prince, O1 20101024.3856
Cholera - Haiti (02): (AR) confirmed 20101022.3821
Cholera - Haiti: suspected, RFI 20101021.3818
Disease situation, post-earthquake - Haiti (02) 20100307.0750
Disease situation, post-earthquake - Haiti 20100207.0411]
.....................................................ll/msp/mpp
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
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************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at.
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to
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.
############################################################
############################################################
**********************************
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
Date: Wed 3 Nov 2010
Source: Agence France-Presse [edited]
The death toll from Haiti's cholera epidemic spiked to 442 on
Wednesday, 3 Nov 2010, with 105 more deaths since Saturday and more
than a 40 percent jump in new cases, officials said [from the last
statistics reported on 29 Oct 2010 - Mod.LL].
Haitian health authorities reported that an additional 1978 people
were hospitalized, raising the total number of cases to 6742. The
developments, announced at a news conference here by Health Ministry
official Jocelyne Pierre-Louis, reflected a surge both in new cases,
which were up 41 percent, and deaths, which climbed 31 percent.
Meanwhile, hospitals have been overwhelmed by cholera cases despite
intensive efforts to respond to a disease that aid groups fear could
spread like wildfire if it reaches densely populated Port-au-Prince.
Hundreds of thousands of people left homeless by a devastating
earthquake in January 2010 live in unsanitary camps in and around the city.
The WHO warned last week that the outbreak is far from over and Haiti
should prepare for the "worst-case scenario", cholera in the capital.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[The tropical storm Tomas appears to be weakening rather than
strengthening; even so, an anticipated rain fall of 4-6 inches will
likely heighten the outbreak substantially. - Mod.LL]
[see also:
Cholera - Haiti (09): PAHO 20101102.3968
Cholera - Haiti (08): south Asia origin 20101101.3962
Cholera - Haiti (07): strain analysis 20101030.3938
Cholera - Haiti (06): WHO 20101029.3927
Cholera - Haiti (05): (AR) 20101027.3899
Cholera - Haiti (04): (AR) 20101026.3876
Cholera - Haiti (03): (AR) Port-au-Prince, O1 20101024.3856
Cholera - Haiti (02): (AR) confirmed 20101022.3821
Cholera - Haiti: suspected, RFI 20101021.3818
Disease situation, post-earthquake - Haiti (02) 20100307.0750
Disease situation, post-earthquake - Haiti 20100207.0411]
.....................................................ll/msp/mpp
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
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************************************************************
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Anthrax Tainted Heroin to Blame for Junkie Deaths?
What a GREAT way to rid the world of junkies! WHO would have thought up such an idea? WHo I say, WHO is to blame
ANTHRAX, HUMAN - UK (24): (ENGLAND)
***********************************
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
Date: 3 Nov 2010
Source: UK Health Protection Agency [edited]
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) can confirm that the patient being
treated for anthrax infection in a Kent hospital died this afternoon
[3 Nov 2010].
Dr Mathi Chandrakumar, Director of Kent Health Protection Unit, said:
"This is a sad outcome, but I would like to repeat that there is no
risk to the general population, including close family members of the
patient. It is extremely unlikely that this form of anthrax can
spread from person to person."
He added that this was a serious infection which now numbered among
risks to drug users. "We continue to see occasional cases among
injecting drug users, following a cluster of cases earlier this year
[2010]. Exposure to anthrax is now one of a number of risks that drug
users are exposed to. All heroin users should seek urgent medical
advice if they experience signs of infection such as redness or
excessive swelling at or near an injection site, or other symptoms of
general illness such as high temperature, chills or a severe headache
or breathing difficulties, as early antibiotic treatment can be lifesaving."
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[Until now, there had been 4 cases this year [2010] in England: 2 in
London (February and March 2010; one died), and 2 cases in the
Northwest (August 2010, Leicestershire) and in the East Midlands
(February 2010, Blackpool); both died.
Though this report states it is an "Update," it is in a very
different part of the UK and near the Channel ports. Logically, it
would appear to be a newly imported batch of heroin. Though Dr.
Chandrakumar does not directly state that the deceased was a heroin
user, it is implied. It will be interesting to see whether it is the
same or a different strain from those seen earlier this year [2010].
There have been 47 heroin associated cases in Scotland with 13
deaths. - Mod.MHJ]
[see also:
Anthrax, human - UK (23): (England, Scotland), report 20100925.3468
Anthrax, human - UK (22): (England) 20100901.3125
Anthrax, human - UK (06): (Scotland, England) 20100329.0991
Anthrax - UK (18): (England) 20100302.0686
Anthrax - UK (14): (England, Scotland) 20100210.0465]
....................................................mhj/msp/mpp
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:
************************************************************
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ANTHRAX, HUMAN - UK (24): (ENGLAND)
***********************************
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
Date: 3 Nov 2010
Source: UK Health Protection Agency [edited]
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) can confirm that the patient being
treated for anthrax infection in a Kent hospital died this afternoon
[3 Nov 2010].
Dr Mathi Chandrakumar, Director of Kent Health Protection Unit, said:
"This is a sad outcome, but I would like to repeat that there is no
risk to the general population, including close family members of the
patient. It is extremely unlikely that this form of anthrax can
spread from person to person."
He added that this was a serious infection which now numbered among
risks to drug users. "We continue to see occasional cases among
injecting drug users, following a cluster of cases earlier this year
[2010]. Exposure to anthrax is now one of a number of risks that drug
users are exposed to. All heroin users should seek urgent medical
advice if they experience signs of infection such as redness or
excessive swelling at or near an injection site, or other symptoms of
general illness such as high temperature, chills or a severe headache
or breathing difficulties, as early antibiotic treatment can be lifesaving."
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[Until now, there had been 4 cases this year [2010] in England: 2 in
London (February and March 2010; one died), and 2 cases in the
Northwest (August 2010, Leicestershire) and in the East Midlands
(February 2010, Blackpool); both died.
Though this report states it is an "Update," it is in a very
different part of the UK and near the Channel ports. Logically, it
would appear to be a newly imported batch of heroin. Though Dr.
Chandrakumar does not directly state that the deceased was a heroin
user, it is implied. It will be interesting to see whether it is the
same or a different strain from those seen earlier this year [2010].
There have been 47 heroin associated cases in Scotland with 13
deaths. - Mod.MHJ]
[see also:
Anthrax, human - UK (23): (England, Scotland), report 20100925.3468
Anthrax, human - UK (22): (England) 20100901.3125
Anthrax, human - UK (06): (Scotland, England) 20100329.0991
Anthrax - UK (18): (England) 20100302.0686
Anthrax - UK (14): (England, Scotland) 20100210.0465]
....................................................mhj/msp/mpp
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:
************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at
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