USDA' Offical Admits: Protectionist "Food Safety" Policies Trump Public Health

With all the food recalls in the news lately, the big question on everyones mind is "WHY isn't the USDA doing more to test for contaminated foods prior to the products being offered to the public for sale?" And " WHY doesnt the USDA impose stricter regulations or require a vigious testing system?" Not suprisingly, most people arent even aware of the fact that the USDA does not even have the power of recall! It is up to the producers and processors to volunteer that info to the public. Due to the self-regulatory nature of these industries, you can see why they would be hesitant to report or recall any of their products as "unsafe," - nothing causes sales (and profits) to drop quicker than a product recall. When they do recall, it is usually done because they have no choice, ..people start to sicken and/or die and independant investigations begin.  In these cases, it is "report yourselves" or eventually be found out by the feds. The awful truth came out awhile back when a top USDA  Official spilled the beans in a public forum, and you can read all about his startling revelations here, in the link below,...regarding another case of a bad-meat recall that happened last year;
http://exposingfdanusda.blogspot.com/2010/05/usda-offical-tells-truth-for-change.html

After you have read the article in the link, be sure to read the latest update from Pro-Med (below) on the recent Cargill / BJs ground beef recall, and be sure to note the large, embolded text in red and you will find an example of USDA protecting distributors.

* And a note on the modern trend of "growing" beef. Since when do we "grow" beef?  In my day, you RAISED meat animals and grew crops. Why the switch? Think "PR" or "SPIN"

E. COLI VTEC NON-O157 - USA (07): O26, GROUND BEEF, ALERT, RECALL


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

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases

Date: Sat 28 Aug 2010

Source: CNN [edited]

Cargill Meat Solutions Corp. has recalled about 8500 pounds of ground

beef that may be contaminated with E. coli, the U.S. Department of

Agriculture announced Sat 28 Aug 2010. The move came after 3 people,

2 in Maine and 1 in New York, were identified as becoming ill from a

strain of _E. coli_, the government said.

None of the 3 required hospitalization, said Cargill Inc. spokesman

Mike Martin.

The USDA says it believes certain BJ's Wholesale Club stores in

Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New

Jersey, New York and Virginia received the products. The recalled

ground beef was shipped on 11 Jun 2010 to distribution centers, where

it was repackaged into consumer-size packages and sold under different

retail brand names. The USDA did not identify the brands.

The recalled beef bears the USDA establishment number "EST. 9400," a

product code of "W69032" and a "use/freeze by" date of 1 Jul 2010.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Services, which said it became

aware of the problem on 5 Aug 2010, "determined that there is an

association between the ground beef products subject to recall and the

cluster of illnesses in the states of Maine and New York."

Saturday's statement identified the strain as _E. coli_ 026, which can

cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and, in severe cases, kidney failure.

The government "strongly encourages consumers to check their freezers

and immediately discard any product subject to this recall."

The government lists the recall as Class 1, meaning "there is a

reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious,

adverse health consequences or death."
--
Communicated by:

ProMED-mail Rapporteur Brent Barrett

This outbreak once again underscores the relevance of non-O157 strains

of verotoxin-producing _E. coli_. Other _E. coli_ serogroups that have

been associated with VTEC (verotoxin-producing _E. coli_) disease

include motile ones such as O26:H11 and O104:H21 and non-motile ones

such as O111:NM (or H-). Such non-O157 isolates can be obtained from

sheep and cattle and, although they cause as many as 30 percent of

outbreaks of VTEC (1), appear to be somewhat less (or at least more

variably) virulent in a variety of in vivo and in vitro assays (2-4).

In analyzing the genetic and phenotypic profiles of non-O157 groups,

it has been found that they belong to their own lineages and have

unique profiles of virulence traits different from O157 (5). The

serogroups appearing to be most prominent are O26, O111, O128, and

O103 (6), the former serotype being the implicated strain in this

outbreak.

If a laboratory is using sorbitol-MacConkey (sMAC) plates to identify

VTEC by virtue of O157's inability to ferment sorbitol, the non-O157

strains will be missed. In a 3-year pediatric study from the

University of Washington, USA (7), 1851 stool samples were processed

for sorbitol fermentation as well as toxin production by EIA (enzyme

immunoassay), and 28 strains of O157 were found along with O103 (4

strains), O118 (2 strains), O111 (2 strains), and 3 other strains.

Clinically, the O157 infections had a higher frequency of bloody

stools, fecal leukocytes, and abdominal pain with shorter symptom

duration. Five (18 percent) of O157 infections developed HUS; none of

the non-O157 strains did. Since toxin assay did not identify all O157

strains found on sMAC plates, the investigators did not advocate

performing toxin assay alone. Non-O157 can produce hemolytic-uremic

syndrome, as demonstrated by a cluster of O121 cases associated with a

lake in Connecticut, USA (8).

Since toxin assays are not uniformly performed in many areas, and most

cases do not produce HUS, it is likely that cases due to non-O157

strains are being missed. How frequent this phenomenon will become

over time is unclear.

Because of the higher risk of morbidity and mortality in VTEC

infections treated with antimicrobials (9), antimicrobials should not

used for known acute cases.

References

----------

1. Hussain HS, Omaye ST: Introduction to the food safety concerns of

verotoxin-producing _Escherichia coli_. Exp Biol Med 2003; 228(4):

331-2; available at.

2. Blanco J, Blanco M, Blanco JE, et al: Verotoxin-producing

_Escherichia coli_ in Spain: prevalence, serotypes, and virulence

genes of O157:H7 and non-O157 VTEC in ruminants, raw beef products,

and humans. Exp Biol Med 2003; 228: 345-51; available at.

3. Law D, Kelly J: Use of heme and hemoglobin by _Escherichia coli_

O157 and other Shiga-toxin-producing _E. coli_ serogroups. Infect

Immun 1995; 63(20): 700-2; available at.

4. Tzipori S, Wachsmuth KI, Smithers J, Jackson C: Studies in

gnotobiotic piglets on non-O157:H7 _Escherichia coli_ serotypes

isolated from patients with hemorrhagic colitis. Gastroenterology

1988; 94(3): 590-7; abstract available at.

5. Schmidt H, Geitz C, Tarr PI, et al: Non-O157:H7 pathogenic

Shiga-toxin producing _Escherichia coli_: phenotypic and genetic

profiling of virulence traits and evidence for clonality. J Infect Dis

1999; 179(1): 115-23; available at.

6. Bettelheim KA: Role of non-O157 VTEC. Symp Ser Soc Appl Microbiol

2000; (29): 38S-50S; abstract available at.

7. Klein EJ, Stapp JR, Calusen CR, et al: Shiga toxin-producing

_Escherichia coli_ in children with diarrhea: a prospective

point-of-care study. J Pediatr 2002; 141(2): 172-7; available at.

8. McCarthy TA, Barrett NL, Hadler JL, et al: Hemolytic-uremic

syndrome and _Escherichia coli_ O121 at a lake in Connecticut, 1999.

Pediatrics 2001; 108(4): E59; available at.

9. Iijima K, Kamioka I, Nozu K: Management of diarrhea-associated

hemolytic uremic syndrome in children. Clin Exp Nephrol 2008; 12(1):

16-9; abstract available at

- Mod.LL]


[see also:

E. coli VTEC non-O157 - USA (06): O145, lettuce 20100528.1777

E. coli VTEC non-O157 - USA (05): O145, lettuce 20100525.1738

E. coli VTEC non-O157 - USA (04): O145, lettuce 20100517.1618

E. coli VTEC non-O157 - USA (03): O145, lettuce, recall 20100507.1483

E. coli VTEC non-O157 - USA (02): (OH, MI, NY) O145 20100505.1460

E. coli VTEC non-O157 - USA: (MI, OH) 20100427.1358

2008

----

E. coli VTEC non-O157, restaurant - USA (04): (OK), O111 20081201.3779

E. coli VTEC non-O157, restaurant - USA: (OK), O111 20080902.2748

E. coli VTEC non-O157, past. ice cream, 2007 - Belgium: Antwerp 20080218.0655

2007

----

E. coli VTEC non-O157, beef sausage - Denmark 20070602.1784

E. coli VTEC non-O157, 2000-2005 - USA (CT) 20070118.0240

2006

----

E. coli VTEC non-O157, lettuce - USA (UT)(02): background 20060905.2523

E. coli VTEC non-O157, lettuce - USA (UT) 20060904.2521

E. coli VTEC non-O157 - Norway (03) 20060416.1133

E. coli VTEC non-O157 - Norway 20060329.0947

E. coli VTEC non-O157, minced beef - Norway 20060304.0680

2005

----

E. coli O145, fatal - Slovenia 20050916.2739

2003

----

E. coli, VTEC non-O157 - UK (Scotland): correction 20030828.2166

E. coli, VTEC non-O157 - UK (Scotland) 20030825.2144

2001

----

E. coli O26 - South Korea 20010509.0896

1999

----

E. coli O111, diarrhea - USA (Texas) 19990707.1134

1997

----

E. coli, non-0157 - Belgium 19970610.1215]

...................ll/ejp/dk

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Reply Reply to all Forward

Cargil Recalls Beef / Possible eColi Contamination

USDA Lax on Inspections; http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/why-doesnt-usda-regulate-e-coli-strain-linked-to-beef-recall/19613146

EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS - USA (24): (NEW YORK, MICHIGAN) EQUINE, CERVID

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

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





In this update:

[1] New York State, equine

[2] Michigan - equine, cervid



******

[1] New York State, equine

Date: 27 Aug 2010

Source: Syracuse.com [edited]







Oswego County horse put down after contracting EEE

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

A 2-year-old gelding in Oswego County is the state's 1st confirmed

equine case this year [2010] of eastern equine encephalitis, also

known as EEE. The horse has been euthanized.



The infected horse was purchased at a New York auction earlier this

year. The young horse had an unknown vaccination history at the time

of purchase and was not vaccinated after purchase, said state

Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Patrick Hooker.



Last week [16-20 Aug 2010], the gelding showed typical signs of EEE,

including loss of appetite, circling and leaning against the stall.

After examination by a private veterinarian, the horse was

euthanized. Brain samples were sent to the state Department of

Health's Wadsworth Laboratory and tested positive for EEE. To date,

the other horses on the same premises are not showing any signs of

EEE and have since been vaccinated.



EEE is a rare viral disease of horses and humans that is spread by

infected mosquitoes. So far, there have been no reported nor

confirmed human cases of EEE in 2010.



"New York's abundant water sources and humid climate unfortunately

make the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and the EEE virus,"

Hooker said. "Therefore, we highly encourage horse owners to protect

their animals and consider vaccinating for EEE. The EEE vaccine has

proven to drastically reduce the incidence of the virus in horses and

can be easily administered by a private veterinarian."



Hooker said humans cannot become infected by handling an infected

horse, nor can a horse acquire the virus from another infected horse;

however, the presence of an infected horse in the area indicates that

mosquitoes carrying EEE are present and infected mosquitoes pose a

threat to both humans and horses.



While there is no treatment or cure for this disease, vaccines are

available and found to be effective in protecting horses from this virus.



Go to this website for more information on protecting horses from EEE:



For information about humans and EEE go to this website:





[Byline: Debra J. Groom]



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail





[For a map of Oswego County New York, see

. - Mod.MPP]

******

[2] Michigan, equine, cervid

Date: 27 Aug 2010

Source: Livingston Daily [edited]







News Briefs: Eastern equine encephalitis cases confirmed

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

The Michigan Department of Community Health confirmed a case of

eastern equine encephalitis in a horse and a deer Thursday [26 Aug

2010] in Livingston County, Michigan.



Officials with the health department and the U.S. Department of

Agriculture continue to receive reports of cases of EEE in horses in

southwestern Michigan, including Barry, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo and

St. Joseph counties. Also, cases of human EEE and West Nile virus

have been reported in Michigan.



The Livingston County Department of Public Health is advising its

residents that the best way to prevent mosquito-borne disease is by

reducing exposure to mosquitoes.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail





[Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is an infectious, often fatal

disease of horses, humans, and pigs. Wild ruminants (white-tailed

deer) can also become infected. EEE is caused by an RNA virus in the

family Togaviridae and is mosquito-borne (arbovirus). Infection can

cause abnormal neurological behavior and encephalitis in the affected

animal. Most arboviruses that infect wild mammals are not known to

cause disease in their host. The virus is maintained in temperate

areas by wild bird reservoirs and mosquito vectors.



Clinical signs in infected white-tailed deer (and horses) may include

central nervous system disorders after a 1-3 week incubation period.

Affected animals may lose awareness of their surroundings, walk in

circles, exhibit muscle paralysis, stupor, lethargy, and incoordination.



No gross lesions are generally seen in EEE affected

animals. Histopathological (microscopic) examination reveals lesions

consistent with a viral caused meningoencephalitis or encephalitis.



EEE is a zoonotic disease that can infect humans, horses, and deer.

The disease appears to have a minimal impact on wild deer populations

as it has only been reported in multiple animals in North America

once (Michigan in 2005). EEE is not likely to be a major mortality

factor in deer but it is possible that it could impact a local population.



Because EEE can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, people should

take the necessary precautions to avoid exposure to these insects. In

humans there is a case fatality rate of 30 to 70 percent and EEE

often causes severe permanent neurological disorders among survivors.



Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) was diagnosed in a free-ranging,

adult, male white-tailed deer (_Odocoileus virginianus_) from Houston

County, Georgia, USA, in July 2001. The yearling buck had neurologic

disease and died during transport to our diagnostic facility. Eastern

equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) was isolated in Vero cell culture

and identified by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; as

well, EEEV antigen was detected in brain by immunohistochemistry.



This is the 1st report of fatal EEEV infection in a white-tailed

deer. Antibodies to EEEV were demonstrated by microtiter

neutralization in 14 of 99 (14 percent) of the white-tailed deer from

Georgia sampled in fall 2001. Most antibody-positive deer originated

from the Coastal Plain physiographic region. Eastern equine

encephalitis virus should be considered a possible cause of

neurologic disease in white-tailed deer where it may occur. Journal

of Wildlife Diseases, 41(1), 2005, pp. 241-245



Portions of this comment have been extracted from:



and - Mod.TG]



[For a map of Michigan showing Livingston county, see

- Mod.MPP]



[see also:

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (23): (MI) 20100824.2975

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (22): (VA, MA) 20100820.2911

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (21): (GA) equine 20100819.2893

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (20): (FL), fatal 20100818.2871

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (19): (MI) equine, human susp. 20100817.2850

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (18): (MA) equine, human 20100816.2836

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (17): (FL) equine 20100815.2813

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (16): (MI) 20100814.2790

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (15): (FL) sentinel avian 20100810.2728

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (14): (FL), equine, sentinel

avian 20100807.2691

Eastern equine encephalitis, equine - USA (13) (FL, MA) 20100806.2675

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (12): (MA) 20100803.2620

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (11): (FL) fatal, human,

equine 20100731.2569

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (10): (MA, MI) 20100728.2529

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (09): (FL) fatal 20100723.2469

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (08): (LA) 20100716.2374

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (07): (FL) 20100715.2363

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (06): (FL, GA) 20100710.2312

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (05): (FL) 20100708.2274

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (04): (FL) 20100630.2178

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (03): (FL) 20100627.2146

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (02): (FL) sentinel avian 20100623.2101

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA: (FL) 20100527.1755]

....................tg/ejp/mpp



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ANTHRAX, BOVINE - USA (03): (NORTH DAKOTA)

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

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: 24 Aug 2010

Source: Associated Press [edited]







Anthrax cases reported in North Dakota county;

ranchers urged to vaccinate cattle

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

North Dakota's Agriculture Department on Tuesday

[24 Aug 2010] said more cases of anthrax had been confirmed in cattle.



The new cases were in northeast North Dakota's

Pembina County. Earlier cases were confirmed in

Barnes, Dickey and Sioux counties, all in the

southern half of the state. [For accounts of

these check the 1st 2 reports listed below. MHJ}



State animal health officials are continuing to

urge ranchers to have their cattle vaccinated against the disease.



Anthrax bacteria spores lie dormant in the ground

and become active under conditions such as heavy

rainfall, flooding or drought. North Dakota

usually has a few anthrax cases in cattle every year.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail





[Pembina is right on the Manitoba boundary and

across the old cattle trails from North Dakota

and Minnesota to Winnipeg, Canada. It has a very

long history of cattle anthrax, certainly back

into the 1920s and probably earlier. The rancher

was asleep and didn't vaccinate his stock this past Easter. ­ Mod.MHJ]



[The interactive HealthMap/ProMED map for North

Dakota is available at: - CopyEd.EJP]



[see also:

Anthrax, bovine - USA (02): (ND) 20100725.2496

Anthrax, bovine - USA: (ND) 20100520.1677

2009

----

Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) 20090917.3266

2008

----

Anthrax, bovine - USA (02): (ND) 20080626.1968

2007

----

Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) 20070731.2459

2006

----

Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) (02) 20060627.1784

Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) 20060626.1775

2005

----

Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND)(04) 20050804.2267

Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND)(03) 20050728.2198

Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) (02) 20050718.2067

Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) 20050709.1947

2001

----

Anthrax, human - USA (North Dakota): 2000 20010817.1944

2000

----

Anthrax, cattle - USA (North Dakota) (02) 20000831.1457

Anthrax, cattle - USA (North Dakota) 20000802.1291

1999

----

Anthrax - USA (North Dakota) 19980728.1432]

....................mhj/ejp/mpp



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EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS - USA (22): (VIRGINIA, MASSACHUSETTS)

***********************************************
A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


[1] Virginia
Date: 19 Aug 2010
Source: WPCVA.com [edited]



The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)
has confirmed the 1st case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a
horse this year [2010].

The horse, an 18-month-old mustang female from Suffolk, was
euthanized 26 Jul 2010 because of the severity of her signs: extreme
weakness and ataxia, the inability to coordinate voluntary muscle
movements, unsteady movements and staggering gait. The horse received
an initial vaccination and a booster in the fall of 2009, as well as
a booster in May of 2010. [This is a little unusual in a vaccinated
animal. One can only wonder if the vaccine was given in a location
such as the nuchal ligament where the horse would not be able to
develop an antibody response].

Many states are experiencing an unusually high level of EEE infection
this year [2010], but this is the 1st reported case in Virginia. Last
year [2009], the state had 8 cases, most of them in the Tidewater area.

The disease has a mortality rate of around 80 percent, so prevention
is a key part of equine health. Generally, EEE is transmitted by
mosquitoes. Prevention methods include vaccination, destroying
standing water breeding sites for mosquitoes, using insect repellents
and removing animals from mosquito-infested areas during peak biting
times, usually dusk to dawn.

In an April 2010 press release, Dr. Richard Wilkes, VDACS' State
Veterinarian, encouraged horse owners to work with their
veterinarians to plan a vaccination schedule that would protect their
horses from EEE and West Nile Virus. Available vaccines are generally
effective in drastically reducing the incidence of both EEE and WNV
in horses. For the vaccine to be effective, it must be handled and
administered properly and be given at least 2 weeks before the horse
is exposed to the virus. Additionally, to stimulate full immunity,
horses must be vaccinated twice, about 30 days apart, in the 1st year
of vaccination. The vaccines are effective for 6 to 12 months, so
horses should be re-vaccinated at least annually. In an area where
the disease occurs frequently, such as southeast and Tidewater
Virginia, most veterinarians recommend vaccination every 6 months.

For more information, please contact the Office of the State
Veterinarian at 804.692.0601 or consult your local veterinarian.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via
ProMED-mail

******
[2] Massachusetts
Date: 19 Aug 2010
Source: South Coast Today [edited]



Another horse has been infected with eastern equine encephalitis,
according to Wayne Andrews, superintendent for the Bristol County
Mosquito Control Project. This brings the state's reported total of
EEE cases in horses to 4.

Andrews said he learned of the horse, which is from Lancaster and
experienced an onset of signs on 12 Aug 2010, in an e-mail from state
officials.

Further details, including the animal's current medical status, were
unavailable Wednesday [18 Aug 2010] evening.

A horse case in Worcester County "is a fairly rare event, but it
happens out there," Andrews said. This marks the county's 2nd case
this year [2010], after a Warren horse contracted the virus last
month [July 2010]. EEE cases have also been reported this year in the
Plymouth County towns of Middleboro and Plympton.

Also Wednesday [18 Aug 2010], Andrews reported that 2 additional
mosquito pools, consisting of the primarily bird-biting _Culiseta
melanura_, have tested positive for EEE.

One human case of EEE has been reported this year. Officials say a
Rhode Island man likely contracted the disease while visiting
southeastern Massachusetts several weeks ago.

[Byline: Anika Clark]

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via
ProMED-mail

[Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate seems to be the mantra of all
veterinarians to horse owners.

The 1st article here is unusual, in that the horse appeared, from the
article, to be vaccinated, yet it still succumbed to the disease. We
are left to wonder whether the vaccine was handled properly, kept
refrigerated and mixed properly, or if a full dose was given. Or was
the vaccine administered inappropriately, such as into the nuchal
ligament so that antibody response would not develop? We may never
know. - Mod.TG]

[see also:
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (21): (GA) equine 20100819.2893
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (20): (FL), fatal 20100818.2871
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (19): (MI) equine, human susp. 20100817.2850
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (18): (MA) equine, human 20100816.2836
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (17): (FL) equine 20100815.2813
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (16): (MI) 20100814.2790
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (15): (FL) sentinel avian 20100810.2728
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (14): (FL), equine, sentinel avian
20100807.2691
Eastern equine encephalitis, equine - USA (13) (FL, MA) 20100806.2675
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (12): (MA) 20100803.2620
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (11): (FL) fatal, human, equine 20100731.2569
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (10): (MA, MI) 20100728.2529
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (09): (FL) fatal 20100723.2469
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (08): (LA) 20100716.2374
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (07): (FL) 20100715.2363
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (06): (FL, GA) 20100710.2312
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (05): (FL) 20100708.2274
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (04): (FL) 20100630.2178
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (03): (FL) 20100627.2146
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (02): (FL) sentinel avian 20100623.2101
Eastern equine encephalitis - USA: (FL) 20100527.1755]
...................................................sb/tg/msp/dk

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ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
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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.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:

************************************************************
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.
############################################################

Whoops! There is is: The Link / Feb. 09

http://articles.sfgate.com/2009-02-26/news/17188869_1_prion-protein-amyloid-mad-cow-disease

Alzheimers: Domestic Studies / Feb. 2010

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100223/Elevated-cerebrospinal-fluid-levels-of-P-tau231-may-be-an-early-diagnostic-biomarker-for-Alzheimers-disease.aspx

New Test Predicts Alzheimers - But Can it Predict Mad Cow? (CJD)

http://www.newser.com/story/97681/new-test-predicts-alzheimers.html

Thinking the Un-Thinkable: Mad Cow, Alzheimers, and CJDv

Based on various articles and reports I have read over the years, I have long ago come to believe in a very real link to Alzheimer's and the human form of Mad Cow Disease which is named after the biologists that discovered the disease, Cruzenfield/Jacob, (CJD) which is believed to be due to a malformed "prion" in the brain. A prion is a protien. There is an article just out today announcing a huge new break-through in Alzheimer's research-studies. Prior to this time, there was no way to tell if a person might be susceptible to the disease, and also the only way to confirm its presence was by post-mortem autopsy. Now, based on new testing methods, cranial fluid is drawn from the spine (much like a spinal tap) and is studied for its proteins. I am not sure yet if it is the mad-cow prion/protein they are looking for, but if not, they should. I will be posting that new article next, but is important to read this old article just to get a back-ground on the issue; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15694685

PRION DISEASE UPDATE 2010 (07)

******************************
A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


[With the continuing decline of the number of cases in the human population
of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease -- abbreviated previously as vCJD or
CJD (new var.) in ProMED-mail -- it has been decided to broaden the scope
of the occasional ProMED-mail updates to include other prion-related
diseases. In addition to vCJD, data on other forms of CJD: sporadic,
iatrogenic, familial, and GSS (Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease) are
included also since they may have some relevance to the incidence and
etiology of vCJD. - Mod.CP]

In this update:
[1] UK: National CJD Surveillance Unit -- monthly statistics as of Mon 9
Aug 2010 -- no new vCJD cases
[2] France: Institut de Veille Sanitaire -- monthly statistics as of Mon 26
Jul 2010 -- no new vCJD cases
[3] USA - data not updated since 30 Apr 2010, no indigenous vCJD
[4] vCJD statistical analysis, UK, 1994-2009
[5,6] Italy: 2nd vCJD case confirmed

******
[1] UK: National CJD Surveillance Unit -- monthly statistics as of Mon 9
Aug 2010 -- no new vCJD cases
Date: Mon 9 Aug 2010
Source: UK National CJD Surveillance Unit, monthly statistics [edited]



The number of deaths due to definite or probable vCJD cases remains 169. A
total of 4 definite/probable patients are still alive so that the total
number of definite or probable vCJD cases is still 173. So far, 2
fatalities have been recorded in 2010.

Although 3 new deaths due to vCJD were recorded in 2009 and 2 deaths so far
in 2010, the overall picture is still consistent with the view that the
vCJD outbreak in the UK is in decline [but see (4) below], albeit now with
a pronounced tail. The 1st cases were observed in 1995, and the peak number
of deaths was 28 in the year 2000, followed by 20 in 2001, 17 in 2002, 18
in 2003, 9 in 2004, 5 in 2005, 5 in 2006, 5 in 2007, one in 2008, 3 in
2009, and now 2 so far in 2010.

Totals for all types of CJD cases in the UK so far in 2010
----------------------------------------------------------
During the 1st 7 months or 2010, there have been 83 referrals, 29 fatal
cases of sporadic CJD, 2 fatal cases of vCJD, one case of iatrogenic CJD,
and none of familial CJD or GSS.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail


******
[2] France: Institut de Veille Sanitaire -- monthly statistics as of 26 Jul
2010 -- no new vCJD cases
Date: Mon 26 Jul 2010
Source: IVS - Maladie de Creutzfeldt-Jakob et maladies apparentees [in
French, trans. & summ. Mod.CP, edited]



During the 1st 7 months of 2010, there were 840 referrals, 41 confirmed
cases of sporadic CJD, one case of familial CJD, and no cases of iatrogenic
CJD or vCJD.

A total of 25 cases of confirmed or probable vCJD has now been recorded in
France since records began in 1992. There was 1 case in 1996, 1 in 2000,
and 1 in 2001, there were 3 in 2002, 2 in 2004, 6 in 2005, 6 in 2006, 3 in
2007, 2 in 2009, and no cases have been recorded so far in 2010.

The 25 confirmed cases comprise 13 females and 12 males. All 25 are now
deceased. Their median age is 37 (between 19 and 58). 7 were resident in
the Ile-de-France and 18 in the provinces. All the identified cases have
been Met-Met homozygotes. No risk factor has been identified. One of the 25
had made frequent visits to the United Kingdom.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail


******
[3] USA -- not updated since 30 Apr 2010, no indigenous vCJD
Date: Fri 30 Apr 2010
Source: US National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center [edited]



During the 4 month period 1 Jan 2010 to 30 Apr 2010, there were 116
referrals, of which 62 were classified as prion disease, comprising 31
cases of sporadic CJD, 7 of familial CJD, and no cases of iatrogenic CJD or
vCJD. Since 1996 when records began there have been 3617 referrals, of
which 2117 were classified as prion disease, comprising 1781 cases of
sporadic CJD, 301 of familial CJD, 4 of iatrogenic CJD, and 3 of vCJD.

The 3 cases of VCJD were considered to have been contracted in the United
Kingdom or Saudi Arabia. The prion disease category includes 28 (24 in
2010) cases with type determination pending in which vCJD has been excluded.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail


******
[4] vCJD statistical analysis, UK 1994-2009
Date 22 Jun 2010
Source: Health Protection Agency, Statistical Unit [edited]



Incidence of vCJD diagnoses and deaths in the UK: Jan 1994 -­ Dec 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary: By the end of 2009 a total of 170 diagnoses of vCJD had been
reported in the UK, 166 of whom had died. An additional death occurred in
2009, which was not diagnosed until 2010. Within 2009 there were 3
diagnoses and 3 deaths (one of whom was diagnosed in 2010).

Results from modelling the underlying incidence of diagnoses and deaths
indicate that the epidemic reached a peak in the year 2000, when there were
27 diagnoses and 28 deaths, and has since declined to a current incidence
of about 1 diagnosis/death per year. Extrapolating the best fitting model
(the cubic model) gives an estimate of 1 death in the next 12 months (95
per cent prediction interval 0 to 3).

An analysis that looked at deaths by birth cohort (pre 1970, 1970s, 1980s)
showed that the shape of the epidemic differs between cohorts, mainly due
to the fact that deaths of individuals born in the 1980s were only seen
from 1999 onwards.

It is important to note that although a peak has been passed, it is
possible that there will be future peaks, possibly in other genetic groups.
There is also the possibility of ongoing person to person spread as seen
with 4 cases of transfusion association vCJD infection to date, who
received blood in 1999 or earlier from donors who were later diagnosed with
clinical vCJD. 3 of these individuals developed vCJD (one diagnosed in 2003
and 2 in 2006), whilst the 4th died from causes unrelated to vCJD, but was
found on postmortem examination to have abnormal prion protein present in
the spleen and a lymph node.

[byline: N J Andrews, Senior Statistician, Statistics Unit, Centre for
Infections, Health Protection Agency]

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[Interested readers should consult the original text, which includes
graphical presentation of the data analysed according to different
statistical models. - Mod.CP]

******
[5] Italy - 2nd case confirmed
Date: Thu 22 Jul 2010
Source: Agence France-Presse [edited]



Another human mad cow disease case reported in Italy
----------------------------------------------------
A 42 year old Italian woman was reported as the 2nd ever case of mad cow
disease in humans in the country and is currently hospitalised in a
desperate condition, the ANSA news agency said on Wednesday [21 Jul 2010].
The woman was diagnosed with a variant of the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
(vCJD) at a Milan neurological hospital in the past months and was then
transferred to a hospital in Livorno, in western Tuscany, when she was
already in a coma, ANSA said.

It is still unclear how the woman contracted the disease. In 2009, Italy's
health ministry had reported the woman's disease as a "likely variant of
the CJD". The only previous case of mad cow disease in humans in Italy was
reported in 2002 on the island of Sicily.

On Friday [16 Jul 2010] the European Union said it had nearly wiped out mad
cow disease in animals in Europe. Only 67 positive cases of mad cow disease
were identified last year [2009] and the animals were old cows that could
have been contaminated long ago, the EU said. In the 1990s, panic erupted
after Britain reported a link between mad cow disease and a new form of
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans.

******
[6] Italy: 2nd case confirmed
Date: Sun 25 Jul 2010
Source: NowItaly.com [edited]



Another Italian case of human "mad cow" disease
-----------------------------------------------
Italy has got its 2nd case of the human variant of mad cow disease, a
Livorno hospice reported Wednesday [21 Jul 2010]. The 42 year old woman
from Livorno was reported to be in the final stages of her battle against
variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), the human form of the fatal
brain-wasting illness (CJD). It is not known how the woman contracted the
disease. Italy's 1st case, a Sicilian woman, died in 2003 after struggling
with vCJD for about a year. The variant [form] of CJD, for which there is
no known cure, is believed to be caused by eating meat infected with mad
cow disease or BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy).

Since variant CJD was 1st reported in 1996, a total of 217 patients from 11
countries have been identified [for full details see
}. Variant CJD cases have been
reported from the following countries: 170 from the United Kingdom, 25 from
France, 5 from Spain, 4 from Ireland, 3 from the United States, 3 in the
Netherlands, 22 in Portugal and Italy, and one each from Canada, Japan, and
Saudi Arabia. 2 of the 3 US cases, 2 of the 4 cases from Ireland and the
single cases from Canada and Japan were likely exposed to the BSE agent
while residing in the United Kingdom. One of the 25 French cases may also
have been infected in the United Kingdom.

There has never been a case of vCJD that did not have a history of exposure
within a country where the cattle disease was occurring. In 3 cases, each
reported in the United Kingdom, contamination is thought to have come
through receipt of blood from an asymptomatic, infected donor.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[Previously the Italian Health Ministry on Fri 23 Oct 2009 reported a
"likely" case of [variant] Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), the human form
of mad cow disease (see ProMED-mail report archived as: "vCJD - Italy:
susp. 20091024.3671"). It is presumed that the 42 year old woman described
in the above 2 reports is this previously suspected case. The Ministry of
Health stated at that time that it believed that this suspected case had
been infected before the use of animal and bone meal in animal feed was
banned in Italy December 2000.

The interactive HealthMap/ProMED map for Italy is available at
- Mod.CP]

[see also:
Prion disease update 2010 (06) 20100706.2248
Prion disease update 2010 (05) 2010 20100507.1488
Prion disease update 2010 (04) 2010 20100405.1091
Prion disease update 2010 (03) 20100304.0709
Prion disease update 2010 (02) 2010 20100205.0386
Prion disease update 2010 20100107.0076
2009
---
Prion disease update 2009 (10) 20091103.3784
vCJD - Italy: susp. 20091024.3671
Prion disease update 2009 (09) 20091005.3461
Prion disease update 2009 (08) 20090908.3170
Prion disease update 2009 (07) 20090806.2783
Prion disease update 2009 (06) 20090706.2433
Prion disease update 2009 (05) 20090602.2054
Prion disease update 2009 (04) 20090406.1337
vCJD, 5th death - Spain (Cantabria) 20090307.0953
Prion disease update 2009 (03) 20090305.0918
Prion disease update 2009 (02) 20090202.0463
Prion disease update 2009 (01) 20090108.0076
2008
---
Prion disease update 2008 (14): new vCJD wave imminent? 20081218.3980
Prion disease update 2008 (13) 20081201.3780
Prion disease update 2008 (12) 20081103.345
Prion disease update 2008 (11) 20081006.3159
vCJD, mother & son - Spain: (Leon) 20080926.3051
Prion disease update 2008 (10) 20080902.2742
vCJD - Spain: susp. 20080410.1311
Prion disease update 2008 (05) 20080408.1285
Prion disease update 2008 (01): correction 20080104.0046
Prion disease update 2008 (01) 20080102.0014
2007
---
Prion disease update 2007 (08) 20071205.3923
Prion disease update 2007 (07) 20071105.3602
Prion disease update 2007 (06) 20071003.3269
Prion disease update 2007 (05) 20070901.2879
Prion disease update 2007 (04) 20070806.2560
Prion disease update 2007 (03) 20070702.2112
Prion disease update 2007 (02) 20070604.1812
Prion disease update 2007 20070514.1542
CJD (new var.) update 2007 (05) 20070403.1130
CJD (new var.) update 2007 (04) 20070305.0780
CJD (new var.) update 2007 (03) 20070205.0455
CJD (new var.) update 2007 (02): South Korea, susp 20070115.0199
2006
---
CJD (new var.), blood transfusion risk 20061208.3468
CJD, transmission risk - Canada (ON) 20061207.3457
CJD (new var.) update 2006 (12) 20061205.3431
CJD (new var.) update 2006 (11) 20061106.3190
CJD (new var.) update 2006 (10) 20061002.2820
CJD (new var.) - Netherlands: 2nd case 20060623.1741
CJD (new var.) - UK: 3rd transfusion-related case 20060209.0432
CJD (new var.) update 2006 (02) 20060206.0386
CJD (new var.) update 2006 20060111.0101
2005
---
CJD (new var.) update 2005 (12) 20051209.3547
CJD (new var.) update 2005 (11) 20051108.3270
CJD (new var.) update 2005 (10) 20051006.2916
CJD (new var.) update 2005 (02) 20050211.0467
CJD (new var.) - UK: update 2005 (01) 20050111.0095]

............sb/cp/ejp/sh



*##########################################################*
************************************************************
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:
.

E. COLI O157 - USA (06): GROUND BEEF, ALERT, RECALL

***************************************************
A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


Date: Fri 6 Aug 2010
Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) [edited]



Valley Meat Company of Modesto, California, is recalling about a million
pounds [about 455 tonnes] of frozen ground beef patties and bulk ground
beef products that may be contaminated with _Escherichia coli_ O157:H7, the
United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection
Service (FSIS) has announced.

FSIS became aware of the problem on 15 Jul 2010 when the agency was
notified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) of a small
cluster of _E. coli_ O157:H7 illnesses with a rare strain as determined by
PFGE [pulsed field gel electrophoresis] subtyping. A total of 6 patients
with illness onset dates between 8 Apr and 18 Jun 2010 were reported at
that time. After further review, CDPH added another patient from February
2010 to the case count, bringing the count to 7. FSIS is continuing to work
with the CDPH and the company on the investigation. Anyone with signs or
symptoms of foodborne illness should contact a health care provider.

[A list of the products subject to recall can be found at the source URL
above. - Mod.LL]

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "EST. 8268"
inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a production code of 27509
through 01210. These products were produced between the dates of 2 Oct 2009
through 12 Jan 2010 and were distributed to retail outlets and
institutional foodservice providers in California, Texas, Oregon, Arizona,
and internationally. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will
be posted on FSIS' website at
.

FSIS and the establishment are concerned that some product may still be
frozen and in consumers' freezers. FSIS strongly encourages consumers to
check their freezers and immediately discard any product that is the
subject of this recall.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that firms
notify their customers (including restaurants) of a recall and that steps
are taken to make certain that a suspect product is no longer available to
consumers.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products,
including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been
cooked to a temperature of 160 deg F [71 deg C]. The only way to confirm
that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful
bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[see also:
E. coli O157 - USA (05): (CO, NY), bison meat, alert, recall 20100709.2286
E. coli O157 - USA (04): (MN) unpasteurized milk 20100607.1900
E. coli O157 - USA: 2009, tenderized non-intact steak 20100108.0092
2009
---
E. coli O157 - USA (09): tenderized, non-intact steak 20091230.4389
E. coli O157 - USA (08): ground beef 20091103.3794
E. coli O157 - USA (06): beef, recall, RFI 20090702.2389
E. coli O157 - USA (03): beef, recall 20090629.2354
2007
---
E. coli O157, ground beef - USA (multistate) (09) 20071126.3823
E. coli O157, ground beef - USA (multistate) (08): Canada 20071029.3511
E. coli O157, ground beef - USA (multistate) (04): 2nd manufacturer
20071007.3304
E. coli O157, ground beef - USA (multistate) (03): CDC report 20071003.3272
E. coli O157, ground beef - USA (multistate): alert, recall 20070927.3201
E. coli O157, ground beef - USA (NY): alert, recall 20070926.3190
E. coli O157, ground beef - USA (WA, OR): alert 20070830.2855
E. coli O157, ground beef - USA (NY) 20070725.2387
E. coli VTEC, prisoners - USA (CO) (02) 20070714.2263
E. coli VTEC, prisoners - USA (CO): RFI 20070712.2236
E. coli O157, ground beef - USA (west) (03): expanded recall 20070611.1902
E. coli O157, ground beef - USA (west): recall 20070606.1831
E. coli O157, ground beef - USA (multistate): recall 20070514.1532
E. coli O157, steak - USA (PA): recall 20070426.1362
2003
---
E. coli O157, frozen steaks - USA (Midwest): recall 20030701.1617]

.................ll/mj/sh



*##########################################################*
************************************************************
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:
.

Anthrax Tainted Horsemeat / Russia

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, EQUINE - RUSSIA: (OMSK) DUMPLINGS
*************************************************
A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


[1]
Date: Tue 3 Aug 2010
Source: The Moscow Times [edited]



One man died and 5 others were hospitalized after contracting anthrax
at a farm in the Omsk region that supplied horse meat for pelmeni
sold in Moscow and other regions, Interfax reported Monday [3 Aug 2010].

All 6 victims fell ill after being hired to cut meat from diseased
animals, said Gennady Onishchenko, head of the Federal Consumer
Protection Service. Horses started dying at the farm in June [2010],
but the farm's owners hid the deaths, he said.

Lifenews.ru said about 2.5 tons of horse meat with anthrax were
supplied to Darina, a prominent pelmeni producer. The meat was
confiscated, as were shipments of the company's pelmeni in the
Moscow, Omsk, Tyumen, Sverdlovsk, and Tver regions, the Novy Region
news agency reported.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[Pelmeni are small flour and water dumplings. The 'pastry' is rolled
very thin and is stuffed with mushrooms, onions, and whatever meat is
available including horse, cut up fine. They are a Siberian dish,
probably a left over from Ghengis Khan! They are boiled and are eaten
in soup or by themselves. Very popular with hunters as they can be
carried. There is no sweet version of pelmeni. These men were
infected butchering sick horses. But read on. - Mod.MHJ]

*****
[2]
Date: Tue 3 Aug 2010
Source: RT.com/TV-Novosti [in Spanish, trans., edited]



Doctors in the Siberian city of Omsk examined 127 individuals who are
possibly suffering from anthrax.

According to the local health minister, between 28 and 30 Jul 2010, 6
people from the province of Omsk were hospitalized with a preliminary
diagnosis of anthrax, and 2 of them with confirmation of this
diagnosis. On 1 Aug 2010 one of them died.

It was established that all the possibly infected individuals work in
a meat production plant and could have been infected by some animals.
All 127 people threatened by the disease, including 83 residents of
the city of Omsk, must undergo medical observation.

As explained by the Omsk province prosecutor general's office, the
cause of the outbreak of anthrax was a violation of health and
biosafety rules. Meanwhile, [authorities] are investigating whether
infected meat has already been sold.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail


******
[3]
Date: Tue 3 Aug 2010
Source: RT.com/TV-Novosti [edited]



More than 100 people are under quarantine after a deadly anthrax
outbreak in the Omsk region of Siberia. While doctors are trying to
contain the disease, the investigation has found out that all of
those infected worked for a horse farm and took part in the latest
slaughter of -- as it turned out -- ill animals.

"In the course of our check, we found out that there were violations
of sanitary regulations in this household," Larisa Boldinova, from
the prosecutor general's Office, told RT. "Moreover, the workers in
the slaughterhouse were not vaccinated against anthrax." The owner of
the farm where the infected meat came from has already been charged
with sanitary violations.

"The farm is in a very bad state -- we have started disinfection,"
said Gennady Onishchenko, Russia's chief medical health officer. "And
the area it is located in, Tukalinsk district in Omsk region, has a
bad history of anthrax outbreaks. Since 1929, a lot of infected
animals have been buried there."

According to local media, the infected horses could have been
illegally brought from Kazakhstan.

About 2.5 tons of horse meat have already been sent to a "Darina"
meat factory that produces a range of products, including pelmeni and
pancakes, which are sold in a number of Russian regions.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail


******
[4]
Date: Wed 4 Aug 2010
Source: Tatar-inform [edited]



About 130 people have been hospitalized in an apparent anthrax
outbreak in Russia's Siberian city of Omsk, the regional Health
Ministry said Tuesday [3 Aug 2010], reports Xinhua. The ministry said
83 of those being treated may have been infected while processing
meat infected by the deadly disease.

Experts say some of the infected meat may have already reached grocery shelves.

The incident followed an anthrax outbreak in Omsk last Saturday [31
Jul 2010] that resulted in the death of a local resident. 2 human
anthrax cases were confirmed in the outbreak, with another 4
suspected cases awaiting test results.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail


******
[5]
Date: Tue 3 Aug 2010
Source: News Reporter [edited]



According to health minister Yuri Erofeev, as reported to Interfax,
medical checks are being conducted in 130 Omsk residents suspected of
having contracted anthrax. According to the minister, there are
currently 6 patients in the Omsk Infectious Diseases Hospital. One of
them -- a 28-year-old man -- is in a state of moderate severity and
the rest are in satisfactory condition. Previously, anthrax was
diagnosed in 2 people of whom one died on 1 Aug 2010.

Most of those tested for anthrax, were in one way or another in
contact with the hospitalized patients. The individuals who were
hospitalized were workers engaged in the slaughter of horses. It is
known that 10 infected carcasses arrived at LLC Darina, a meat
factory. RIA Novosti reported that according to the regional
prosecutor's office part of the meat went to recycling and the rest was seized.

On 3 Aug 2010 it was announced that the dumplings labeled "Russian"
and "Special" made by Darina between 13 and 28 Jul 2010, would be
destroyed. According to the chief veterinary officer of the Omsk
Region, Vladimira Okolelova, this is done because of possible contact
of the employees with the affected meat. According to RIA Novosti,
the Darina company makes dumplings, stuffing, soup sets, meat pies,
and pancakes, which are supplied to different regions of Russia.
Earlier, the chief sanitary inspector of Russia, Gennady Onishchenko,
Russia said that 14.3 tons of "Russian" and "Special" dumplings [had
been shipped] to Nizhnevartovsk [Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region],
about 11 tons to Tver and Khanty-Mansiysk, and 500 pounds to Moscow.

Omsk medical checks of 130 residents of the area for the presence of
anthrax, Interfax reported with reference to the regional Health
Minister Yuri Erofeev. According to him, the Infectious Diseases
Hospital of Omsk are now in six patients. One of them -- 28-year-old
man - is in a state of moderate severity, the rest -- in a
satisfactory condition. Previously, anthrax was diagnosed in two
people. August 1st one of them died.

Most of those tested for anthrax, one way or another in contact with
Omsk people hospitalized. Total hospital for two weeks, will place
124 people who are mostly colleagues hospitalized for work, as well
as members of their families. Located in the infectious diseases
hospital people were engaged in slaughtering horses. It is known that
the 10 infected carcasses arrived in LLC "Darina". As RIA Novosti
reported with reference to the regional prosecutor's office, part of
the meat went to recycling, the rest was seized.

3 August [2010] it became known that the dumplings "Russian" and
"Special" made "Darina" from 13 to July 28 [2010], will be destroyed.
According to Chief of the Veterinary Omsk Region Vladimir Okolelova,
this is done because of possible contact with the employees affected
meat. As the RIA Novosti, the company "Darina" makes dumplings,
stuffings, soup sets, belyash and pancakes. Of our products in
different regions of Russia. Earlier, the chief sanitary doctor,
Gennady Onishchenko, Russia said that in Nizhnevartovsk horrible 14.3
ton ravioli "The Russian" and "Special", about 11 tons -- in Tver and
Khanty-Mansiysk, 500 pounds - to Moscow.

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[(This last report has been edited extensively as the machine
translation was difficult at best. - Mod.MPP/Sr. Tech.Ed. MJ). All in
all some 2.5 metric tons of contaminated horse meat were processed.
While not all made its way to dumplings, it would seem to have been
widely distributed, possibly even to Moscow.

To see a recipe for pelmeni, go to .

As my colleague SB comments: "They [pelmeni] are not difficult to
make and I make them to eat in the winter, they are very good I
think, but whether a Russian would recognise my efforts I do not
know. Some make them with mixed meats, and it is quite possible that
the horse meat was to mix in with say lamb and pork or whatever meats
were available." - Mod.MHJ]

[Omsk can be located on the maps of Russia at
and
. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]

[see also:
2009
----
Anthrax, human, equine - Russia: (Bashkortostan) 20090113.0141
2008
----
Anthrax, human, equine - Russia (03): (Bashkortostan) 20081123.3699
Anthrax, human, equine - Russia (02): (Bashkortostan) 20080907.2789
Anthrax, human, equine - Russia: (RB) 20080830.2720
...................................sb/mhj/mj/mpp

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