More EEE

EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS - USA (18): (NEW JERSEY) EQUINE


***********************************************************

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: Thu 27 Oct 2011

Source: Harnesslink.com [edited]







A 3-year-old horse from Gloucester County was euthanized on 20 Oct

2011 after contracting eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a serious,

mosquito-borne illness in horses.



"With an increase in the state's mosquito population due to rain

storms in the last couple of months, horse owners must be vigilant in

protecting their animals from diseases spread by mosquitoes," said New

Jersey secretary of agriculture Douglas H Fisher. "Horse owners should

contact their veterinarians to have their animals vaccinated against

these illnesses."



This deadly disease is easily prevented by vaccination. Effective

equine vaccines for EEE and another mosquito-borne disease, West Nile

virus (WNV), are available commercially. Horse owners should contact

their veterinarians if their horses are not already up-to-date on

their vaccinations against both EEE and West Nile virus.



The Gloucester County stallion's vaccination status against EEE is

unknown with no report of vaccination in 2011.



EEE causes inflammation of the brain tissue and has a significantly

higher risk of death in horses than West Nile virus infection. West

Nile virus is a viral disease that affects horses' neurological

systems. The disease is transmitted by mosquito bite. The virus cycles

between birds and mosquitoes with horses and humans being incidental

hosts. EEE infections in horses are not a significant risk factor for

human infection because horses (like humans) are considered to be

"dead-end" hosts for the virus.



Earlier this month [October 2011], the 1st case of West Nile virus in

a horse was reported in Monmouth County. The 11-year-old mare was

treated for the disease.



The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection reports that the

exceedingly high levels of precipitation experienced statewide due to

Hurricane Irene and subsequent rainstorms resulted in much higher than

normal mosquito populations. They said the immense amount of

floodwater throughout the state created habitat for those species of

mosquitoes which utilize semi-permanent, standing water for larval

development.



In 2010, New Jersey had 1 case of EEE and 2 cases of equine WNV. All 3

animals were euthanized. [It is also likely all 3 animals were

deficient in their vaccination status. - Mod.TG]



For more information about EEE and West Nile virus in horses, visit

the New Jersey Department of Agriculture website at

.



EEE and West Nile virus, like other viral diseases affecting horses'

neurological systems, must be reported to the state veterinarian at

609-292-3965 within 48 hours of diagnosis.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail





[The east coast has had a lot of water which is perfect for the

breeding of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are the carrier of this viral

disease. Vaccinations are cheap and easy compared to the agony of

enduring the loss of your pet. Especially with such things as

Hurricane Irene this year (2011) it is difficult to imagine why owners

have not already vaccinated.



Clearly it is still warm and the mosquito threat is still prevalent.

Owners are encouraged to vaccinate their horses. - Mod.TG]



[New Jersey can be located on the HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive

map at . Gloucester and Monmouth counties

can be seen on the map at

. -

Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]



[see also:

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (17): (WI) equine 20111009.3030

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (16): (MA) human 20111008.3025

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (15): (VT) emu 20110927.2923

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (14): (WI) equine 20110925.2914

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (13): (WI) equine 20110918.2838

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (12): (MI) equine 20110915.2813

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (11): (NY) equine 20110904.2703

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (10): (MA) human 20110904.2701

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (09): (NY) equine 20110830.2664

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (08): (WI) equine 20110825.2586

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (07): canine, human, equine

20110824.2583

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (06): (NY) human, fatal

20110818.2504

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (05): (NY) human, fatal

20110817.2489

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (04): (NY) human 20110814.2462

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (03): (WI) equine, alpaca

20110811.2434

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (02): (WA) corr. 20110807.2395

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (02): (NY) 20110807.2387

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA: (FL) 20110729.2272]

.................................................sb/tg/mj/dk

*##########################################################*

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using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID

and its associated service providers shall not be held

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or archived material.

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ANAPLASMOSIS-LIKE ILLNESS - SWEDEN: NEW TICK-BORNE PATHOGEN

***********************************************************

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: Tue 25 Oct 11 2011

Source: The Local [edited]







Swedish researchers have discovered a new tick-borne illness that can

cause blood clots in the legs and lungs, with 3 cases having been

reported in Sweden.



A total of 8 cases of the disease have been reported so far, with

patients in Germany, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic also having

been infected. All of those affected by the disease suffer from a

weakened immune system, the Dagens Nyheter (DN) newspaper reported.



The illness, which researchers call "neo disease" after the bacterium

that causes it, _Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis_, also brings

about flu-like symptoms with long-lasting high fevers, coughing, and

aches. The disease can be treated with antibiotics.



The 1st case was discovered in the summer of 2009 after a 77-year-old

man from Gothenburg came down with a high fever and lost

consciousness. During his treatment, doctors discovered blood clots in

his leg and lungs. The man's fever returned several times and doctors

eventually found traces of an unknown bacterium in his blood. The

disease, which is transmitted by ticks, had never before been reported

in Sweden and it was unclear what caused the disease in humans. The 2

additional Swedes who have become ill due to the bacteria are in their

60s and 70s.



It remains unclear why the disease causes blood clots, but researchers

have a number of theories in mind. "When the body can't deal with an

infection in the blood, it traps the infection in a blood clot,"

Christine Wenneras, a professor at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in

Gothenburg, told the newspaper.



According to researchers, 10 percent of ticks in southern Sweden carry

the bacteria.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail





[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Sweden can be seen at

. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]



[Anaplasmataceae is a family of Gram negative, obligate intracellular

alphaproteobacteria that consists of 6 genetically distinct genera: 1)

_Ehrlichia_, _Anaplasma_, and _Neorickettsia_; 2) _Wolbachia_ and

_Aegyptianella_, which only infect nematodes, arthropods, or birds;

and 3) the newly proposed genus _Candidatus Neoehrlichia_

(). _Candidatus_ is the term

used for an interim taxonomic status of noncultivable prokaryotic

organisms. _Neoehrlichia_ refers to a new _Ehrlichia_; _mikurensis_

refers to Mikura Island in southern Japan, where the organism was

discovered ().



_Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis _ recently was discovered in ticks

and wild rodents in East Asia (Japan, China, Russia) and Europe

(Sweden, Italy, Netherlands, Germany)

(). A closely related

but distinct species, _Candidatus N. lotoris_, was found in raccoons

in North America ().

Experimental infection with _Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis_ in

rats did not elicit antibodies against _Anaplasma phagocytophilum_ and

_Ehrlichia muris_ antigens

(), which further

support the position that _Candidatus Neoehrlichia_ is a separate

genus.



_Candidatus N. mikurensis_ has been identified by PCR amplification of

its 16S rRNA gene in at least 4 humans in Europe with febrile

illnesses that was associated with thrombotic or hemorrhagic events.

Several of the infected patients have been immunocompromised

(,

, and

). - Mod.ML]



[see also:

2010

----

Anaplasmosis, human granulocytic - China (03): susp. 20101002.3573

Anaplasmosis, bovine - USA: (KS, NE, IA) 20100918.3376

Anaplasmosis, human granulocytic - China (02): background

20100912.3292

Anaplasmosis, human granulocytic - China: (HE) susp, RFI

20100910.3274

Anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis - USA: (WI, MN) Alert 20100515.1593

2009

----

Anaplasmosis - USA: (WI, MN) 20090909.3186

2008

----

Anaplasmosis, nosocomial transmission - China: (AH) 20081120.3661

Anaplasmosis, human granulocytic - USA: (MN), ex transfusion 2007

20081024.3362

Anaplasmosis, human granulocytic - Canada: 1st rep., (AB)

20080731.2352

2007

----

Ehrlichiosis, fatal - USA (MO) 20070607.1849

2003

----

Ehrlichiosis, human granulocytic - USA (MA) 20030903.2211

Ehrlichiosis, human monocytic - USA (NC) 20030625.1571

1999

----

Ehrlichiosis, human - Mexico 19990713.1173

1998

----

Ehrlichiosis, human granulocytic - USA (Connecticut) 19980713.1318

Ehrlichiosis, human granulocytic - Sweden 19980418.0719

1995

----

Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (5) 19950802.0625

Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis - Europe? 19950723.0581]

.................................................sb/ml/mj/dk

*##########################################################*

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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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************************************************************

ANNOUNCEMENTS (13): INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF CONCERN TO CAPTIVE AND

**********************************************************************************************************************

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: 21 Oct 2011

From: Kathry Gamble





We are pleased to announce the 1st edition of "Infectious diseases of

concern to captive and free-ranging animals in North America," as

coordinated by the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV):



Napier JE, Gamble KC (editors). Infectious diseases of concern to

captive and free-ranging animals in North America, 1st edition. Yulee,

Florida: Infectious Disease Committee, American Association of Zoo

Veterinarians, 2011. 374 pp.



With our sister organizations, AAZV's Infectious Disease Committee

coordinated active participation with many other organizations to

complete concise fact sheets on a total of 160 diseases and the

reportable diseases for the 50 United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Membership of the following organizations was represented by 107

authors and 196 reviewers:



American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV)

American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians (AAWV)

Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV)

Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV)

Canadian Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (CAZWV)

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM)

Mexican Association of Conservation Medicine (MACM)

National Animal Disease Center (NADC)

National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL)

United States Department of Agriculture - Animal, Plant and Health

Inspection Services (USDA-APHIS)

United States Department of Agriculture - Animal Research Services

(USDA-ARS)

United States Geological Service (USGS)

Wildlife Disease Association (WDA)



...and additional contributions were provided by 31 colleges and

universities as well as private practitioners and institutions.



This project was designed as a starting reference point for

information needed on infectious diseases which affect zoo and wild

animal species housed or free-ranging in North America. It is

complementary to a similar volume (in its 4th edition) developed for

infectious diseases which affected zoo and wild animal species housed

or free-ranging in Europe. Although these documents were

peer-reviewed, often by a topic expert, they are not intended to be

used as an exclusive information source, but rather this manual should

be used like any other textbook.



It is available as free access on the homepage of AAZV

http://www.aazv.org/.



--

Kathry Gamble

BLUETONGUE - EUROPE (02): SPAIN (EXTREMADURA) BOVINE, BTV-1

Bluetongue As a Bioweapon


Bluetongue is considered as a potential bioweapon because of the following factors:



There is a risk of bluetongue to any country with competent vectors.

Historically, BTV has produced devastating ovine epizootics and been difficult to eliminate and control in bovine populations.


Viremic animals cannot be distinguished from nontransmitting animals.


Widespread infection would result in significant economic costs from lost trade of germ plasm and animal products and regulatory costs would increase.


Source: USAHA 


***********************************************************

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: Sun 16 Oct 2011

Source: Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, Spain,

Veterinary Health Alert Network news release [in Spanish, trans.

submitter SZ, edited]







1st bluetongue outbreak in 2011-2012 season reported in Caceres

province

---------------------------------------------------------------

The National Reference Laboratory in Algete has confirmed renewed

circulation of bluetongue virus [BTV] serotype 1 in an unvaccinated

sentinel cattle holding in Plasencia (Caceres), which is part of the

National BT Disease Surveillance Program.



The Official Veterinary Services of the Junta de Extremadura have

reported detection of 10 animals positive for BTV-1 (see map at

).



The confirmation of this case of bluetongue means a reappearance of

the disease in Spain since the end of the last disease (vector

activity) season.



During 2010, a total of 91 outbreaks were reported, of which 80 were

of BTV-1, 10 of BTV-4, and one focus of BTV-8.



The reappearance of the disease has led to the strengthening of BT

control measures. These measures involve, in the affected area,

increased surveillance and biosecurity measures, vector control, and

the recommendation for vaccination of susceptible species.



Official notification of the new outbreak has been sent to the

European Commission, OIE, and other autonomous communities and sectors

involved.



--

communicated by:

Sabine Zentis

Castleview Pedigree English Longhorns

Gut Laach

52385 Nideggen

Germany







[BTV-1 was detected in the same location/region during the same season

last year (2010); see slide 3 in Spain's presentation to EU's SCOFCAH

(Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, UK), "Updates

2009-2010 and Disease Future: Perspective in Spain", available at

.

This may be indicative of the endemic status (or overwintering) of

this virus in Spain, though reintroduction from Northern Africa is not

excluded. BTV-1 and BTV-4 are currently circulating in Morocco (see

commentary in ProMED-mail 20111008.3023). - Mod.AS



A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Spain can be seen at

. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]



[see also:

Bluetongue, sheep - Algeria (02): (AN), spread 20111008.3023

2010

---

Bluetongue - Europe (06): Spain (AN) st 8, susp, RFI 20101126.4267

Bluetongue - Europe (04): Spain, serotypes 1, 4 20101016.3751

Bluetongue - Europe (03): Spain (AN), BTV-4, OIE 20101006.3627]

.................................................arn/mj/sh

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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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Brucellosis / USA / 7 / Wyoming

BRUCELLOSIS, BOVINE - USA (07): (WYOMING)

The BIG LIE here is that Brucellosis is a DOMESTIC CATTLE disease that spreads onto wildlife because they have no immunity to domestic animal disease. The Cattlemen like to blame the wildlife for the spread as makes a good excuse to cull wild herds of deer, sheep, buffalo, etc.,...which frees up grazingland for their domestic cows and sheep.  


*****************************************

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: 15 Oct 2011

Source: Wyoming News [edited]







Brucellosis Confirmed In 3 Wyoming Cattle

-----------------------------------------

Livestock officials have confirmed 3 cases of brucellosis in cattle

from the northern part of the state. The 3 confirmed cases are the

first since February.



Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that originates in elk and bison.

It is easily transmittable between livestock and causes livestock to

abort their fetuses. Brucellosis has been an ongoing issue across the

country but Wyoming has maintained a good handle on stopping the

spread of the disease. Until now the state has not seen a case of

brucellosis since February [2011]. Two 13-month old heifers raised on

a ranch in Meeteetse have been confirmed with having brucellosis.

After preliminary testing Wyoming Livestock Board officials announced

that another animal in the herd also tested positive with the

disease.



The herd has since been quarantined. 2 other herds nearby have also

been quarantined and are currently being tested for the disease.

Officials attribute the outbreak in the Meeteetse to the same strain

of brucellosis found in elk that roam various areas of Park County.



[Byline:Garrett Adams]



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail





[Brucellar reactors among the bison and elk have long been blamed for

the appearance of new infections in cattle. -Mod.MHJ]



[The interactive HealthMap/ProMED map for Wyoming is available at

- CopyEd.EJP]



[see also:

Brucellosis, bovine - USA: (WY) 20110212.0481

2010

----

Brucellosis, bovine - USA (04): (WY) bison 20101202.4325

Brucellosis, bovine - USA (03): (WY) 20101126.4261

Brucellosis, bovine - USA (02): (MT, WY) 20101107.4041

Brucellosis, bovine - USA: (WY) 20101101.3956

Brucellosis, cervid - USA (02): (WY) corr. 20100212.0501

Brucellosis, cervid - USA: (WY) 20100211.0480

2009

----

Brucellosis, cervids - USA (02): (WY) 20090220.0718

2008

----

Brucellosis, bovine - USA (07): (WY) 20080807.2427

Brucellosis, bovine - USA (06): (WY) ex elk 20080727.2288

Brucellosis, bovine - USA (05): (WY) 20080726.2273

Brucellosis, bovine - USA (04): (WY) 20080626.1966

Brucellosis, bovine - USA (03): (WY) 20080619.1907

2007

----

Brucellosis, cervidae - USA (WY) 20070214.0546

2004

----

Brucellosis, bovine - USA (WY) (02) 20040725.2035

Brucellosis, bison vaccination - USA (WY) 20040327.0847

Brucellosis, bovine - USA (WY) 20040124.0280

Brucellosis, bighorn sheep - USA (WY) 20040118.0194

Brucellosis, elk - USA (WY) 20040110.0114

2003

----

Brucellosis, bovine - USA (WY) 20031216.3073]

.................................................sb/mp/mhj/ejp

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ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that

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using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID

and its associated service providers shall not be held

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or archived material.

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Undiagnosed Wildlife Die Off / NH

PRO/AH/EDR​> Undiagnose​d die-off, marine wildlife - USA: (NH), RFI



ProMED-mail promed@promed.isid.harvard.edu to promed-ahead-e.

show details 1:25 PM (7 hours ago)



UNDIAGNOSED DIE-OFF, MARINE WILDLIFE - USA: (NEW HAMPSHIRE), REQUEST

FOR INFORMATION

************************************************************************************

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: Fri 7 Oct 2011

Source: The Boston Globe [edited]







A dead 8-foot-long bluefin tuna [_Thunnus thynnus_] washed up on a

beach in New Hampshire Wednesday [5 Oct 2011], the latest of a number

of sea creatures whose bodies have mysteriously washed up on the

state's shore.



"All of this together is very concerning," said Ellen Goethel, a

marine biologist and vice chair of the Hampton Conservation

Commission.



Goethel's 31-year-old son found the tuna when he was walking Plaice

Cove Beach in Hampton. Goethel, who went to the beach to observe the

fish, said she had seen 5 dead seabirds and 3 dead seals on the beach

the week before [week of 25 Sep 2011].



"I don't believe that it was caught and lost. It wasn't injured from

fishing," Goethel said.



The New England Aquarium said last week [week of 25 Sep 2011] that a

dozen seal pups had washed up on the state's beaches. The aquarium is

conducting tests on the creatures to determine if disease could be the

cause of death. The tests are not expected back until Thursday [13 Oct

2011], Tony LaCasse, spokesman for the aquarium, said today [7 Oct

2011]. Tests are also being conducted on the dead birds, said Allison

McHale, fishery policy analyst with the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration.



Goethel is worried about the diseases the marine life may carry, such

as hepatitis. She added that many locals walk their dogs on the beach

on a daily basis. "My concern was to get the animals off the beach as

quickly as possible," she said.



[Byline: Amanda Cedrone]



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail from HealthMap Alerts





[The broad range of taxa implicated (birds, mammals, fish) indicates

an unspecific cause and potential implications for public health,

domestic animal health, and biological conservation. Although the

attack rate does not seem to be elevated (1 fish, 5 sea birds, 3 adult

seals, and 12 pups), an outbreak investigation would be pertinent.

More information on the results of the investigation would be greatly

appreciated.



For a picture of the bluefin tuna see

- Mod.PMB]



[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of New Hampshire can be seen

at . - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]



[see also:

Undiagnosed die-off, seal - Canada: (NL) 20110118.0207

Epizootic ulcerative synd., fish - Australia (03): (QL) stingrays

20111003.2974

Epizootic ulcerative synd., fish - Australia (02): (QL) human susp.

20110927.2926

Epizootic ulcerative synd., fish - Australia: (QL) 20110925.2908]

.................................................sb/pmb/mj/mpp

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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

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"Bird Flu" Kills 2 More in Indonesia

ProMED-mail promed@promed.isid.harvard.edu to promed-ahead-e.


show details 7:05 PM (17 minutes ago)



AVIAN INFLUENZA, HUMAN (60): INDONESIA (BALI), FATAL, SUSPECTED

***************************************************************

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





[1]

Date: Mon 10 Oct 2011

Source: Jakarta Globe [edited]







Bali officials are on alert again after 2 children at Denpasar's

Sanglah General Hospital were diagnosed with the H5N1 strain of avian

influenza. Five- and 10-year-old siblings, resident in Bangli

district, were admitted to the hospital on Friday night [7 Oct 2011]

with symptoms of avian influenza and placed in isolation. The

hospital's medical and nursing director, Anak Agung Ngurah Jaya

Kusuma, said on Sunday [9 Oct 2011] that the children had been in

direct contact with dead poultry around their house and were treated

at a local health clinic before being brought to Sanglah.



Officials are still waiting for results of further tests from Udayana

University and the Health Ministry.



Bali Animal Husbandry Agency head Putu Sumantra said a team had been

deployed to Bangli, but preliminary results showed no trace of H5N1

[presumably in poultry - Mod.CP]. He said that given the preliminary

test, he was not ready to conclude that the birds had died of avian

influenza. "Nevertheless, we remain vigilant. Some of the dead birds

have been sent for further lab tests; the area has been sterilized,

and we have taken samples from family members," he said.



A total of 2 people died of the virus in 2007 and 2008 [in Bali], but

the province has still not enacted a 2005 gubernatorial regulation

banning the import of poultry into the island from other areas.

Denpasar agricultural quarantine chief Saiful Muhtadin said many

attempts have been made to smuggle poultry into Bali, especially

through Padangbai and Gilimanuk harbors.



[Byline: Made Arya Kencana]



--

Communicated by:

Nati Elkin



******

[2]

Date: Mon 10 Oct 2011

Source: Avian Flu Diary [abridged & edited]







Roughly 48 hours ago [8 Oct 2011], FluTrackers posted an Indonesian

MetroTV report on 2 children (a 5-year-old boy and a 10-year-old boy)

hospitalized on Friday [7 Oct 2011] with severe respiratory symptoms

on the resort island of Bali. Given their reported contact with

chickens and the endemic nature of the H5N1 virus in Indonesia, bird

flu was immediately suspected. Over the next 2 days, the news hounds

on FluTrackers and Flu Wiki posted more than 24 translated reports on

these 2 children, and yesterday [9 Oct 2011], we learned that

preliminary testing indicated bird flu, and that both children were on

respirators.



This morning [10 Oct 2011], we have had word that both children have

died and that H5N1 has been confirmed. While a number of news reports

are reporting these deaths, TEMPO Interaktif seems to have the most

details. The TEMPO Interactive reports that the 2 children from

Tembuku Village, Bangli, Bali allegedly died from bird flu early

Monday morning [10 Oct 2011]. The bodies of the brothers are still

stored at the General Hospital Center for Sanglah.



According to other reports, prophylactic Tamiflu is being provided to

family members and close contacts of these boys, and the community has

been told that Tamiflu will be provided to anyone who had contact with

sick or dead chickens.



All of this is highly reminiscent of the events of August 2007, when

an outbreak of H5N1 killed 2 women (and was suspected in the death of

one of the women's 5 year-old daughter) on the island of Bali. Bali,

with a population of just under 4 million, is a popular international

tourist destination, although its reputation has suffered in recent

years due to outbreaks of bird flu, dengue, and rabies.



A number of countries, including the US and Australia, have issued

travel health warnings for Bali and for the rest of Indonesia [with

respect to risk of rabies virus infection - Mod.CP]. Although news

reports of bird flu outbreaks and human cases in Indonesia have

declined over the past couple of years, the virus remains endemic in

that country and continues to mutate and spread.



Reporting and surveillance in Indonesia, as in much of the world,

leaves much to be desired, so while Indonesia reports 146 total deaths

from the H5N1 virus, the actual number is unknown. With these 2 new

deaths, a good deal of attention will be focused on Bali over the next

couple of days to see whether additional cases show up.



[Byline: Michael Coston]



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail Correspondent Mary Marshall



[ProMED-mail acknowledges receipt of another report with similar

information from Dr. Andri Jatikusumah, M.Sc., Direktur Eksekutif,

Center for Indonesian Veterinary Analytical Studies (CIVAS), Jl.RSAU.

No 4, Atang Sanjaya, Kemang Bogor.



Reports of human cases of avian influenza A/(H5N1) virus infection

from Indonesia have not always been confirmed by laboratory diagnosis

at a WHO-accredited institution. While the 2nd report announcing the

death of the 2 siblings states that the diagnosis of avian influenza

A/(H5N1) virus infection has been confirmed, the 1st report states

that it is not yet certain that the deaths of the domestic poultry in

the village where the children lived were the result of avian

influenza virus infection. Further information is awaited.



Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia can be located in the HeathMap/ProMED-mail

interactive map at: . - Mod.CP]



[see also:

Avian influenza, human (59): transmission in mammals 20110926.2921

Avian influenza, human (58): H5N1 2.3.2.1 clade, WHO 20110902.2682

Avian influenza, human (57): alert 20110829.2654

Avian influenza, human (56): Cambodia (KC) 20110819.2525

Avian influenza, human (55): data analysis 20110811.2439

Avian influenza, human (54): Egypt, WHO 20110810.2427

Avian influenza, human (53): Cambodia, Egypt 20110803.2338

Avian influenza, human (52): Cambodia (BM) 20110729.2279

Avian influenza, human (45): Indonesia (JK), WHO 20110603.1700]

.................................................arn/mpp/cp/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

Undiagnosed Crop-Disease Devistating Gauna

This may seem a little off topic for a blog dedicated to zoonotic diseases, but one thing is sure, both contribute greatly to food shortages and and our ability to feed ourselves and others. Both are detrimental to the economic welfare of a nation or town or villages. Both also can be manufactured in a lab and used as weapons of mass distruction.   https://mail.google.com/mail/?hl=en&shva=1#inbox/132ee4950bd34754

See also; Pests, Diseases, Ruin Small Farmers ; http://www.modernghana.com/news/354704/1/pests-and-diseases-threaten-income-of-local-farmer.html

Multiple Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Crisis in India, Spreading Abroad

Be sure see the info in the link below BEFORE reading this Pro-Med Report, which illuminates for us at least one professional's opinion as to the real source of these bacteria resistant to multi-antibiotics' ;  http://meatsubs.blogspot.com/2011/09/ecoli-bio-engineered.html


NDM-1 CARRYING ENTEROBACTERIACEAE - INDIA (02): NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS


*********************************************************************

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





[1] Neonatal ICU

Date: Wed 5 Oct 2011

Source: IBN Live [edited]







India is hosting a global summit on antibiotic resistance in New Delhi

this week [week of 3 Oct 2011], even as the NDM-1 bacterial resistance

factor has now made its way into neonatal ICUs in the country and is

affecting and killing newborn babies.



Because of antibiotic resistance, nearly 60 000 newborn babies are

dying every year in India of sepsis, a treatable blood infection,

despite getting lifesaving antibiotics. "The organisms in the

hospitals have become multidrug resistant. Even the strongest

antibiotics may not work. Invariably, the baby ends up losing the

battle," said Dr Vishal Singh, Sr Consultant, Pediatric Critical Care

Unit, Neonatal ICU.



According to the Public Health foundation of India, one million babies

die every year in India within the 1st 4 weeks of birth, and 190 000

are dying of sepsis, often due to lack of access to medicines, and 30

percent of these deaths are due to antibiotic resistant bacteria.



There is now the threat from NDM-1 containing bacteria, as 4 infants

at a hospital in Birbhum district in rural West Bengal affected with

these bacteria died within 72 hours.



"When we abuse antibiotics or don't use them appropriately, we are

basically strengthening the bacteria that work against these babies,"

said Dr Ramanan of PHFI. "To change this, all we need to do is to use

antibiotics according to prescribed guidelines.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail Rapporteur Mary Marshall





******

[2] General hospital

Date: Wed 5 Oct 2011

Source: India Today [edited]







A study conducted at Delhi's famous Sir Ganga Ram Hospital has found a

worryingly high prevalence of bacteria containing a resistance factor

gene named New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1). The study,

conducted over the last 5 months, found patients positive for bacteria

containing the antibiotic drug-resistance factor.



A total of 10 889 samples were collected from the hospital. Out of

these, over 2500 positive samples were found in the intensive care

unit (ICU) and around 2700 more in the general ward. The positive

samples came mostly from patients with _E. coli_ infection and

pneumonia. However, doctors at the hospital said that since Ganga Ram

was a tertiary care hospital, patients could already have been

infected when they came to the hospital.



Senior physician and cardiologist Dr K.K. Aggarwal said: "The bacteria

are present. There are 3 studies now which confirm that [they are]

present in the hospitals; they are present in multiple hospitals,

present in India. They are present in water. Now, Ganga Ram says they

are present in their ward. It's a matter of serious concern. All

hospitals should check it, should come out with a new antibiotic

policy, and should absolutely implement hygiene maintenance," Aggarwal

added.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED Rapporteur Mary Marshall





[Originating in India, NDM-1 containing bacteria have spread to the

developed world. As reported in the 25 Jun 2010 Morbidity and

Mortality Weekly Report (2010;59:750), during the 1st half of 2010, 3

isolates of _Enterobacteriaceae_, an _E. coli_, a _Klebsiella

pneumoniae_, and an _Enterobacter cloacae_, were identified at CDC to

carry NDM-1, which confers resistance to all beta-lactams except

aztreonam (a monobactam) and were also resistant to aztreonam. All 3

isolates were from patients who received recent medical care in

India.



Yong and colleagues (Yong D, Toleman MA, Giske CG, et al:

Characterization of a new metallo-beta-lactamase gene, bla-NCm-1, and

novel erythromycin esterase gene carried on a unique genetic structure

in _Klebsiella pneumoniae_ sequence type 14 from India. Antimicrob

Agents Chemother. 2009;53: 5046-54) found that the plasmid carrying

NDM-1 also carries several other resistance genes and appears to

easily transmit itself to other organisms. The authors state that "the

dissemination of this plasmid among clinical bacteria would be a

nightmare scenario."



This NDM-1 gene cassette of wide-spectrum antimicrobial resistance

appears to have developed in the Indian subcontinent, as in the above

report, where the use of antimicrobial agents is quite poorly

controlled. Organisms carrying this resistance combination have

already been introduced into western Europe, the USA, and Canada. The

best methods of control are rapid recognition by standard

microbiologic methodology in patients having the appropriate

medical/travel history and aggressive hand washing techniques.



The amazing overuse of our current antimicrobial armamentarium that I

am currently observing in my clinical practice in the USA will no

doubt serve as an efficient multiplier of these isolates, just as

intravenous drug abuse and sexual promiscuity facilitated the

explosion of HIV 30 years ago. This misuse, in my opinion, is directly

related to the lack of control of antimicrobial usage in intensive

care units and emergency care settings by intensivists and ER

physicians who often react with a lack of wisdom and "cookbook"

protocols instead of using common sense and rational prescribing

patterns. Once the patient moves out of the ICU or ER, the physicians

do not even see the products of their unwise labors.



In the USA, reimbursements for medical care are based on procedures,

not thought processes. Until the power of therapeutic nihilism is

recognized -- that is, using these agents only when rational, in

combinations that make sense, and in settings where therapeutic

interventions can have the ability to produce measurable and

meaningful improvement in a patient's life -- the medical community

will continue down the slippery slope into an era where no therapeutic

options will exist. - Mod.LL]



[see also:

NDM-1 carrying Enterobacteriaceae - India, China: govt. response

20110412.1156

NDM-1 carrying Enterobacteriaceae - India: (New Delhi) water supply

20110411.1145

2010

----

Gram negative bacilli, resistant, update (01): NDM-1, KPC

20101028.3908

NDM-1 carrying Enterobacteriaceae (04): Taiwan ex India 20101005.3604

VIM carrying Enterobacteriaceae - USA ex Greece: 1st rep.

20100922.3422

NDM-1 carrying Enterobacteriaceae (03): worldwide ex India, Pakistan

20100914.3325

NDM-1 carrying Enterobacteriaceae (02): worldwide ex India, Pakistan

20100817.2853

NDM-1 carrying Enterobacteriaceae: N America, UK ex India

20100815.2812]

.................................................ll/msp/ml

*##########################################################*

************************************************************

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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############################################################

ecoli Bio-engineered

http://www.naturalnews.com/032622_ecoli_bioengineering.html

MORE EQUINE HERPESVIRUS, EQUINE - NORTH AMERICA (14): (TENNESSEE

************************************************************

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: 19 Sep 2011

Source: The Horse.com Article 18847 [edited]







The University of Tennessee (UT) Veterinary Medical Center is in the

midst of a 7-day quarantine ordered by the Tennessee State

Veterinarian after a horse brought to the hospital with clinical signs

of the disease was euthanized. Test results confirmed the horse was

positive for the neurologic strain of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1).



"On 15 Sep 2011, a down (recumbent) horse was brought to the Equine

Hospital at the UT Veterinary Medical Center at 2:00 p.m.," a

statement from the hospital read. "The horse was kept in a separate

area of the equine hospital. Within hours, the horse's condition

deteriorated, and the animal was euthanized."



"Our laboratory and an outside independent laboratory have both

confirmed that the index horse that was euthanized within hours of

being admitted was positive for the neurotrophic (neurologic) form of

EHV-1," said Sandra Harbison, media relations director for UT College

of Veterinary Medicine. Harbison noted the hospital implemented its

own 14-day quarantine period, effective the morning of 16 Sep 2011,

and the statement indicated the hospital "expects to maintain

voluntary isolation for an additional period of time as clinicians

investigate a neurologic case" of the virus.



"It is important to note there is not currently an active case of

EHV-1 in the hospital, and we are taking every precaution to prevent

the spread of disease," the statement said. Harbison added that no new

cases had been confirmed since the index horse was admitted.



"Appointments at the UT College of Veterinary Message Equine Hospital

have been relocated to an off-site facility," the statement read. "In

some instances, our ambulatory field service can provide medical care

on-site for local owners."



Although it's not transmissible to humans, EHV-1 is highly contagious

among horses and camelids, and it is generally passed from horse to

horse via aerosol transmission (when affected animals sneeze/cough)

and contact with nasal secretions. The disease can cause a variety of

ailments in equines, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease

usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and

myeloencephalopathy (EHM, the neurologic form).



Myeloencephalopathy is characterized by fever, ataxia

(incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs, and

incontinence. Should a horse with potential EHV-1 exposure display any

of the aforementioned clinical signs, a veterinarian should be called

to obtain samples and test for the disease.



Individuals with questions on the UT quarantine are asked to call 865

974-8387.



[Byline: Erica Larson]



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail from HealthMap alerts





[The University teaching hospital is taking every precaution to insure

this disease does not spread through its hospital. We sincerely hope

they are successful.



Equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) infection in horses can cause respiratory

and neurological disease, abortion in mares, and neonatal foal death.

The neurological form of the disease is known as equine herpes

myeloencephalopathy (EHM) and has the potential to cause high

morbidity and mortality.



EHV-1 is easily spread and typically has an incubation period between

2-10 days. Respiratory shedding of the virus generally occurs for 7-10

days but may persist longer in infected horses. For this reason, the

isolation period recommendation for confirmed positive EHM cases is 21

days. Clinical signs of EHM in horses may include nasal discharge,

incoordination, hindquarter weakness, recumbency, lethargy, urine

dribbling and diminished tail tone. The prognosis for EHM positive

horses depends on the severity of signs and the period of recumbency.

Employing supportive treatment with intravenous fluids,

anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-viral drugs and other supportive

measures may be beneficial, since there is no specific treatment for

EHM. Currently, no EHV-1 equine vaccine has a label claim for

protection against the neurological strain of the virus.



Portions of this comment have been extracted from:

.

- Mod.TG]



[see also:

Equine herpesvirus, equine - North America (13): (CA) 20110915.2810

Equine herpesvirus, equine - North America (12): (MI) 20110911.2761

Equine herpesvirus, equine - North America (11): (USA) 20110830.2663

Equine herpesvirus, equine - North America (10): (USA) 20110826.2598

Equine herpesvirus, equine - North America (09): (USA) 20110625.1944

Equine herpesvirus, equine - North America (08) 20110618.1859

Equine herpesvirus, equine - North America (07) 20110609.1750

Equine herpesvirus, equine - North America (06) 20110604.1705

Equine herpesvirus, equine - North America (05) 20110528.1639

Equine herpesvirus, equine - North America (04) 20110528.1632

Equine herpesvirus - North America (03): (USA) 20110526.1607

Equine herpesvirus - North America (02): (Canada, USA) 20110524.1573

Equine herpesvirus - North America: (USA, Canada) 20110519.1516

Equine herpesvirus, equine - USA (06): (NJ) 20110419.1220

Equine herpesvirus, equine - USA (05): (NY) quarantine lifted

20110417.1201

Equine herpesvirus, equine - USA (04): (NY) Cornell U 20110407.1083

Equine herpesvirus, equine - USA (03): (NY) Cornell U 20110405.1057

Equine herpesvirus, equine - USA (02): (NY) Cornell U, RFI

20110403.1038

Equine herpesvirus, equine - USA: (NY) Cornell University

20110402.1021]

.................................................sb/tg/msp/dk

*##########################################################*

************************************************************

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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Un-Diagnosed Cattle / Camel Disease / North Africa

Not saying but,......

UNDIAGNOSED DISEASE AND DEATH, CAMELS - MAURITANIA: REQUEST FOR


INFORMATION

***************************************************************************

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: Tue 2 Aug 2011

Source: C.R.I.De.M (Carrefour de la Republique Islamique de

Mauritanie)[French, transl., summarised, edited]







A serious threat to camels in Mauritania

----------------------------------------

A serious threat hangs over camels in Mauritania, with farmers calling

for urgent measures combining efforts of national and international

partners. "This is to identify the disease that kills camels, to

prescribe the treatment needed and to apply control measures to

prevent its spread," said Mohamed Lemine, a camel breeder. The

measures are essential to maintain the camel population -- a main

resource of the country for its milk and meat, in addition to its use

in transportation and its striking adaptability to the ecosystem.



Camels have died in recent weeks in several regions of Mauritania:

Guidimgha, Brakna, Gorgol and Trarza. In all cases, the animals had

internal bleeding and respiratory infection, it seems, having wasted

away suddenly presented with bleeding mouth and nose and swelling in

the skull.



The new death toll came after that of winter 2010 in Adrar, which was

caused by Rift valley fever (RVF). Ranchers whose livestock is

currently being affected wondered if the death of camels is caused by

RVF. As they say, camels may well have carried the virus of the Adrar

during their transhumance cycle.



But a vet who examined camels in Trarza suspected pasteurellosis. Is

this an appropriate diagnosis? This is not known at this time.

Pasteurellose is a fatal disease in camels.



"I invited a veterinarian who vaccinated the herd; 2 days later, my

flock is dead," said Mohamed Lemine. He added: "My case has

discouraged farmers from vaccinating their herds. They want reliable

diagnosis to be carried out, preferably in Europe, because they think

the disease has not actually been identified."



Livestock contributes 80 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP)

of the agricultural sector in Mauritania, which includes 1 320 000

cattle, 1 140 000 goats and 10 332 000 sheep.



The Southeast is considered the main breeding area, followed by the

Southwest border of Senegal. In these 2 areas the animals were already

beginning to suffer and to show serious signs of weakness, many

already dead due to lack of pasture consecutive late rains.



If an outbreak of pasteurellosis is added to the environmental

difficulties, the prospects for Mauritanian herders are grim.



--

Communicated by:

Sabine Zentis

Castleview English Longhorns

Gut Laach

D-52385 Nideggen, Germany

cvlonghorns@aol.com



[Diagnosis of the suspected disease is indeed essential and urgent. If

RVF is to be considered, its main victims are expected to be small

ruminants and cattle, though camels may be affected as well. Is that

the case? Obviously, RVF would have serious public health aspects as

well. - Mod.AS]



[The interactive HealthMap/ProMED map for Mauritania is available at:

- CopyEd.EJP]



[see also:

2010

----

Rift Valley fever, livestock - Mauritania (02): OIE 20101219.4478

Rift Valley fever, livestock, human - Mauritania 20101202.4332

2003

----

Rift Valley Fever - Mauritania: OIE 20031020.2635]

.................................................arn/ejp/jw

*##########################################################*

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information, and of any statements or opinions based

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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

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or archived material.

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##############################

Tracing FMD : A Report

http://web.oie.int/boutique/extrait/05dinardo6385.pdf

HENDRA VIRUS, EQUINE - AUSTRALIA (13): (QUEENSLAND)

***************************************************

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: Thu 14 Jul 2011

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald [edited]







Bat colonies should be moved from urban centres and farms, but not

killed, to prevent further outbreaks of the Hendra virus, a north

Queensland MP says. Veterinarians and horse breeders in far north

Queensland are concerned the region's large flying fox population

could result in a spread of the deadly virus, following an outbreak at

a property west of Cairns this week [11-14 Jul 2011]. A pony named

Cheeky died from the virus at the Blazing Saddles trail-riding

property near Kuranda earlier this week. So far, 9 horses have been

killed or put down since 20 Jun [2011] as a result of the virus

following outbreaks in Queensland and New South Wales (NSW).



Independent MP Bob Katter on Wednesday [13 Jul 2011] called for bats

who nested in urban areas to be shot or moved on to prevent further

outbreaks, a position rejected by Biosecurity Queensland.



Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch labelled calls to shoot the bats a

"knee-jerk reaction" but said authorities should use non-lethal means

to force bats to relocate from farms and urban areas. "The bats play a

very important role in our ecology, if we exterminated them

pollination in our native forests would just crash. "But we need to be

looking at ways of managing this." He said authorities could use

noise, such as the sound of gunshots, to disrupt bat colonies as they

slept during the day. "There are non-lethal ways that bats can be

encouraged to leave the area and go back to live in forests where they

belong," he said. However, he said the population of bats had grown

dramatically in north Queensland due to the availability of food

sources such as commercial crops and authorities should consider

efforts to reduce numbers through management programs.



Meanwhile, Blazing Saddles owner Michael Trout has said all staff

working at the property would be tested for the virus as a precaution.

"Just for absolute safety's sake, all staff will be tested at one

o'clock today and their results will be back tomorrow so there is 100

per cent clarity there," he told ABC Radio in Cairns. 4 staff and 2

visitors who had contact with Cheeky as well as all 36 horses

remaining on the property have already been tested.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail





[Biosecurity Queensland

and the

NSW government



listed a number of precautions to avoid exposure of horses and people

to Hendra virus. Neither source mentions elimination or moving the

bats (see ProMED-mail archive no. 20110713.2110). Dispersal brings

with it the risk of spreading the virus to other locations.



These bats are highly mobile, and there is no assurance that they

will not return to their location of capture on release, since there

are food sources and good roosting places there. Or other flying foxes

may move into the vacated habitats. The logistics and cost of attempts

to eliminate the bat populations or move them to other locations would

be considerable and most likely unsuccessful.



A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map showing the location of

Queensland can be accessed at

. - Mod. TY



A map showing the locations of the outbreaks can be seen at

. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]



[see also:

Hendra virus, equine - Australia (12): (QL,NS) 20110715.2137

Hendra virus, equine - Australia (11): (QL,NS) human exposure

20110714.2125

Hendra virus, equine - Australia (10): (QL,NS) human exposure

20110713.2110

Hendra virus, equine - Australia (09): (QL,NS) human exposure

20110712.2098

Hendra virus, equine - Australia (08): (QL,NS) 20110710.2084

Hendra virus, equine - Australia (07): (QL,NS) 20110706.2045

Hendra virus, equine - Australia (06): (QL,NS) human exposure

20110705.2036

Hendra virus, equine - Australia (05): (NSW) human exposure

20110702.2012

Hendra virus, equine - Australia (04): (QL) 20110701.1997

Hendra virus, equine - Australia (03): (QL) human exposure

20110630.1989

Hendra virus, equine - Australia (02): (QL) 20110629.1984

Hendra virus, equine - Australia: vaccine 20110525.1589]

.................................................mpp/ty/ejp/lm

*##########################################################*

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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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Fleas, rodents, pets, blamed for (lab-made?) Plague

PRO/AH> Plague, animal - USA (04): (NM) canine



ProMED-mail promed@promed.isid.harvard.edu to promed-ahead

show details 3:42 PM (10 hours ago)



PLAGUE, ANIMAL - USA (04): (NEW MEXICO) CANINE

**********************************************

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: Tue 28 Jun 2011

Source: Alamogordo Daily News [edited]







The New Mexico Department of Health's Scientific Laboratory Division

confirmed plague this week in a dog in Rio Rancho. The dog was most

likely infected when running in open fields on the north end of the

city and encountering sick or dead rabbits and other rodents, health

officials said.



"A plague case in a pet serves as a warning that there is plague

activity in rabbits, rodents, and their fleas in the area," said Dr

Catherine Torres, the Department of Health's cabinet secretary. "I

encourage everyone to follow simple prevention recommendations to keep

themselves and their families and pets safe."



Plague, a bacterial disease of rodents, is generally transmitted to

humans through the bites of infected fleas, but can also be

transmitted by direct contact with infected animals, including

rodents, rabbits and pets. "Pets infected with plague are often

hunters who have eaten an infected rodent or been bitten by a rodent's

fleas prior to getting ill," said Dr Paul Ettestad, public health

veterinarian for the Department of Health. "Pets can transport the

fleas back into the home where they can infect people."



Symptoms of plague in humans include sudden onset of fever, chills,

headache, and weakness. In most cases there is a painful swelling of

the lymph node in the groin, armpit, or neck areas. Plague symptoms in

cats and dogs are fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. There may be

a swelling in the lymph node under the jaw. With prompt diagnosis and

with appropriate antibiotic treatment, the fatality rate in people and

pets can be greatly reduced.



To prevent plague, the Department of Health recommends the

following:

- avoid sick or dead rodents and rabbits, and their nests and

burrows;

- keep your pets from roaming and hunting, and talk to your

veterinarian about using an appropriate flea control product;

- clean up areas near the house where rodents could live, such as

woodpiles, brush piles, junk, and abandoned vehicles;

- sick pets should be examined promptly by a veterinarian;

- see your doctor about any unexplained illness involving a sudden

and severe fever;

- put hay, wood, and compost piles as far as possible from your home;

- don't leave your pet's food and water where mice can get to it.



In New Mexico, there have been 2 human cases so far in 2011, both

from Santa Fe County; no human cases in 2010 and 6 human cases of

plague in 2009: 3 from Santa Fe County, 2 from Bernalillo County and

one from Sandoval County. One of the Santa Fe County cases was a fatal

case in an 8-year-old boy. For more information, including fact sheets

in English and Spanish, go to the Department's website at





--

Communicated by:

HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail





[Rio Rancho in central New Mexico can be located via the

HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map at

.



Plague, caused by _Yersinia pestis_, is enzootic among rodents in the

western USA. Humans can be infected through 1) the bite of an infected

flea carried by a rodent or, rarely, other animals; 2) direct contact

with contaminated tissues; or 3) in rare cases, inhalation of

respiratory secretions from infected people or animals.



Plague is a category A potential bioterrorism agent. Human infections

are rare but can be life-threatening. The plague case-fatality rate

depends on the clinical presentation (that is, bubonic, septicemic, or

pneumonic) and timing of antibiotic therapy initiation; if untreated,

the case-fatality rate is over 50 per cent for bubonic plague and

approaches 100 per cent for pneumonic plague (1). Rapid laboratory

identification can help guide therapy.



Domestic cats and dogs can also contract plague from infective fleas.

They may carry infected fleas home to their owners or, especially

cats, serve as a direct source of infection. There are many flea

treatments and repellents appropriate for pets and available. Some

products may be suitable for dogs but not cats or may be suitable for

an adult but not a younger animal. Be sure to consult your

veterinarian, as some products may be toxic to cats, kittens, and

puppies, even resulting in fatalities.



Clinical signs in pets involve a localized swelling, such as under

the jaw in cats, but also in the inguinal region or under the front

leg (the armpit if you will), lethargy, anorexia, and fever. Please

take your pet to a veterinarian if you notice any abnormalities in

your pet.



Veterinarians should protect themselves by wearing gloves when

examining these swellings. A bubo that ruptures may infect the

veterinarian or even the pet owner if the pet owner is the one

palpating the swelling.



Another form of the disease is the respiratory form. Cats may acquire

this form and can spread it to their owners or the veterinarians

through infected expiratory droplets. People are also prone to the

respiratory infection as well.



You should also be aware that the fleas that hitchhike into your home

via a pet vehicle can also transmit disease to you, the owner or

caretaker of the pet. Sleeping in the same bed with dogs has been

associated with plague in enzootic areas (2). Plague patients with no

history of exposure to rodents can be infected by _Y. pestis_ if their

pets carry infected rodent fleas into the home. Veterinarians always

should recommend flea control to dog and cat owners.



References

----------

1. CDC. Human plague -- four states, 2006. MMWR 2006; 55(34): 940-3;

available at .

2. Gould LH, Pape J, Ettestad P, et al: Dog-associated risk factors

for human plague. Zoonoses Public Health 2008; 55(8-10): 448-54;

abstract available at . -

Mod.TG]



[see also:

Plague, animal - USA (03): (CO) 20110612.1792

Plague, animal - USA (02): (OR) feline 20110610.1773

Plague - USA (03): (NM) bubonic 20110530.1655

Plague - USA (02): (NM) bubonic 20110510.1439

Plague, animal - USA: (NM) canine, feline 20110421.1240

Plague - USA: (OR), 2010, bubonic, CDC 20110224.0615

Plague, fatal - USA: (IL), 2009, lab strain, CDC 20110224.061

Plague - USA: (OR), 2010, bubonic, CDC 20110224.0615

Plague, fatal - USA: (IL), 2009, lab strain, CDC 20110224.0614

2010

----

Plague - USA (03): (OR) bubonic 20101004.3597

Plague - USA (02): (CA) rodent 20100819.2878

Plague, feline - USA: (MT) 20100807.2693

Plague - USA: (CA) ground squirrel 20100708.2275

Plague, canine - USA: (NM) 20100418.1259

Plague, cougar - USA (WY) 20100208.0429]

.................................................sb/tg/mj/jw

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ANTHRAX, HUMAN / LIVESTOCK (INDIA, SUSPECTED)

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, LIVESTOCK - INDIA (05): (ORISSA) SUSPECTED
**********************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Mon 20 Jun 2011
Source: The Times of India (TOI), Times News Network (TNN) [edited]
<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Health-team-to-visit-anthrax-hit-Kandhamal/articleshow/8929437.cms>


Health team to visit anthrax-hit Kandhamal
-------------------------------------------
The state government on Monday [20 Jun 2011] asked the MKCG Medical
College and Hospital, Berhampur, to send a medical team to Kandhamal
district where some areas are in the grip of anthrax. This follows the
death of a 40 year old man from suspected anthrax on Saturday [18 Jun
2011].

The blood sample of the deceased tested negative for anthrax. But
that may be because he had already taken medicines, [according to]
head of state diseases surveillance Dr Bikash Patnaik. 2 out of 9
samples taken from the 2 affected villages within Tumudibandh block
had "morphologically" tested positive for anthrax. "It appears the
disease in Tumudibandh is anthrax," [said] Dr Patnaik. The medical
team, including a paediatrician, a medicine specialist, and a
microbiologist, among others, will further assess the situation before
confirming or ruling out anthrax, Dr Patnaik said.

RM of Bada Gochhaka village, who was admitted to hospital due to
suspected anthrax, died of liver failure, hospital sources said. 15
others, including 2 children of Sana Guchhuka and Bada Guchhuka
villages, are suffering from suspected anthrax following consumption
of rotten meat of cattle and goat.

"We have tested the blood samples of 16 persons, who were suspected
to be suffering from anthrax. While 7 of them were admitted to
hospital, 9 samples were collected from the field by the medical staff
of Kandhamal," said Dr Preetilata Panda, associate professor,
microbiology, of MKCG Medical College and Hospital. Dr Panda sent her
report to the health department as well as to Kandhamal district
administration on Monday [20 Jun 2011]. Earlier, the veterinary
experts have said domestic animals in the area tested negative for
anthrax.

Meanwhile, the medical college has discharged all patients who were
admitted for anthrax treatment. The anti-anthrax vaccination drive for
animals in the area by the animal resources department was on. Chief
district veterinary officer of Kandhamal SC Mallick said around 4600
animals of 42 villages have been vaccinated so far.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Diagnosing anthrax in humans always presents problems, not least
because they frequently self-medicate with antibiotics, so that when
they present themselves for examination by a physician or a
nurse-practitioner they can be bacteriologically negative though toxin
positive. My late and dear friend Benyamin Cherkasskyi in Moscow would
tell me that at best he could confirm 30 per cent of cutaneous
lesions, essentially by sampling the fluids below the lesion. The
other problem is that any contaminated meat in a public health
investigation can be long gone by the time the PH investigators are
mobilised. And, thirdly, humans and livestock die from many conditions
and anthrax incidence is not high on that list.

My only advice to my medical colleagues is that when they set out on
such an endeavor that they include a veterinary epidemiologist so that
he or she can be actively tracing back on any speculative sources
while they are still warm. Why? Because human anthrax cases,
challenging and interesting though they can be, are merely mine
canaries for a bigger problem. If it is anthrax, there will have been
prior animal cases, which seeded the human cases. By identifying where
these animal cases are occurring, preventive action can be put in
place and any existing animal health control programmes corrected.
This will cheaply prevent any more human cases, which incur high costs
in treatment and hospitalisation. For example, in this speculative
incident there has been one death, 7 hospitalised, and 8 presumably on
oral antibiotics, plus all the necessary supportive laboratory work.
Prevention is always cheaper than cure.

The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of India can be seen at
<http://healthmap.org/r/0ZiP>. A map of Orissa showing the location of
Kandhamal district can be seen at
<http://www.travelindia-guide.com/maps/east/orissa_map_s.jpg>. To find
Berhampur, go to
<http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/21/Brahmapur.html>. - Mod.MHJ]

[see also:
Anthrax, human, livestock - India (04): (OR) 20110620.1887
Anthrax, human, livestock - India (03): (OR) 20110619.1871
Anthrax, human, livestock - India (02): (OR) 20110616.1830
Anthrax, human, livestock - India 20110612.1794
Anthrax - India: (OR), human cases 2002-2010 20110103.0028
2010
---
Anthrax, human, livestock - India (04): (OR) 20100731.2572
Anthrax, human, livestock - India (02): (OR) 20100611.1963
Anthrax, human, livestock - India: (OR) 20100512.1547
Anthrax, livestock - India: (OR) susp. 20100130.0327
2009
---
Anthrax - India: (OR) 20091020.3610
Anthrax, human, bovine - India (07): (OR) 20090725.2629
Anthrax, human, bovine - India (06): (OR) 20090702.2390
Anthrax, human, bovine - India (05): (OR) 20090629.2352
Anthrax, human, bovine - India (04): (OR) 20090622.2287
Anthrax, human, bovine - India (03): (OR) 20090615.2216
Anthrax, human - India: (OR) 20090326.1173
2008
---
Anthrax, human, bovine - India (Orissa) 20080608.1826
Anthrax, human, livestock - India (04): (Orissa) 20080603.1775
Anthrax, bovine - India (02): (Orissa) 20080407.1277
Anthrax, human, livestock - India (03): (AP, Orissa) 20080210.0539
Anthrax, human, livestock - India (02): (AP, Orissa), conf.
20080206.0489
Anthrax, human, livestock - India: (AP, Orissa) susp. 20080204.0457
2007
---
Anthrax, human, livestock - India (Orissa) 20070603.1798
2003
---
Anthrax, human, livestock - India (Orissa) 20030914.2328
2001
---
Anthrax, human, livestock - India (Orissa) 20010601.1084]
.................................................sb/mhj/mj/sh
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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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