Click on text below to see the vid

Test EVERY Cow in the Food Chain

Test EVERY Cow in the Food Chain
Like Other Countries Do

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

tHE mAD cOWBOY

I am a fourth-generation dairy farmer and cattle rancher. I grew up on a dairy farm in Montana, and I ran a feedlot operation there for twenty years. I know firsthand how cattle are raised and how meat is produced in this country.

Today I am president of Earth Save International, an organization promoting organic farming and the vegetarian diet.

Sure, I used to enjoy my steaks as much as the next guy. But if you knew what I know about what goes into them and what they can to do you, you’d probably be a vegetarian like me. And, believe it or not, as a pure vegetarian now who consumes no animal products at all, I can tell you these days I enjoy eating more than ever.

If you’re a meat-eater in America, you have a right to know that you have something in common with most of the cows you’ve eaten. They’ve eaten meat, too;

http://naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=3BF0840B21A40DE3E8BAA6BD31C399AE

Sunday, June 19, 2011

The Europa (EU) Food Safety Comission & CodexAlimentarius

http://ec.europa.eu/food/committees/advisory/index_en.htm

and this; http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/index_en.jsp

DO NOT believe the HYPE that this entity was created to protect consumers,...like anyother governmental aministrative org,..the USDA, FDA, .,...it was created to protect the producers.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Meat Recall; California

California-based Rose & Shore Meat Co. is recalling 15,900 pounds of ready-to-eat deli meat products due to potential Listeria contamination. The products being recalled include:




-40 to 50 pound boxes containing packages of “OLYMPIC GOLD BEEF PASTRAMI” with the lot number “20911” and a “04-05-11” pack date on the outside of each box. Each package has the lot number “20911” and lot code “10951.”



-40 to 50 pound boxes containing packages of “ROSE AND SHORE N.Y. STYLE PASTRAMI” with the lot number “20911” and a “04-05-11” pack date as well as a “29 N.Y.” case code on the outside of each box. Each package has the lot number “20911” and lot code “10951.”



-9 to 13 pound boxes containing “COOKED ANGUS ROAST BEEF” with lot number “20941” and a use by date of “05-17-11.” Each package has the lot number “20941” and a use by date of “05-17-11.”



-24 to 30 pound boxes containing packages of “TOGO’S PASTRAMI” with the lot number “20911”, a “04-05-11” pack date and a use by date of “05-23-11” on the outside of each box. Each package has the lot number “20911” and a use by date of “05-23-11.”



The products were distributed to food service establishments in Nevada, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington.



Consumers with questions about the recall should call (323) 826-2144, ext. 110 or 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854).

Saturday, April 30, 2011

BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS, BOVINE - UK (02): ENGLAND

Open the link to see a report that confirms that Bovine TB is a potential bioweapon and see chart on pg. 242 that says the disease ORIGINATED from domestic cattle. This is important because the public land ranchers in the U.S. are blaming WILDLIFE for the outbreaks in their cattle, and are using  it for an excuse to exterminate our wild bison herds; http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/disease_emergence/Chapter6.pdf
(Google "Buffalo Field Campaign")
**********************************************

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: Wed 27 Apr 2011

Source: Farmers Weekly Interactive [edited]







Officials mystified by Cumbria TB case

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

Cumbria is facing its 1st large-scale outbreak of bovine tuberculosis

(TB) on a dairy farm near Penrith where 64 animals have been

slaughtered. The outbreak has already triggered calls for a

county-wide TB test of all dairy cows to be considered.



The herd, which is in a 4-year testing programme, had been tested

"clear" 18 months ago, according to the Animal Health and Veterinary

Laboratories Agency. But as post-mortem examinations were being

carried out on the slaughtered cattle this week, vets expressed

concern over the length of time the disease may have been present on

the farm.



Veterinary investigations will concentrate on the source of the

outbreak which has occurred on a farm running a "closed" herd and

where there are reported to have been no movements of cattle on or off

the holding and no indication that wildlife in the area has become

infected.



Cumbria has been virtually free of bovine TB apart from a "pocket" of

problems in a small area in the south-west corner of the county --

more than 50 miles from the current outbreak.



DEFRA vets said it would be 3 weeks before the full test results on

the slaughtered cattle were available. Contiguous testing of cattle on

neighbouring farms was already under way.



"The herd has been placed under movement restrictions, and a number

of animals have been removed for slaughter after reacting to the skin

test. Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency staff are

working to determine the source of the infection and TB testing of

neighbouring holdings is under way," said the official DEFRA

statement.



Leading dairy cattle auctioneer Edward Brown of Harrison and

Hetherington, said the outbreak was "deeply worrying" for Cumbria's

dairy farmers. "Few cattle come into the county and when dairy farmers

do buy cattle they are extremely cautious about where they come

from."



Cumbria milk producer Russell Bowman, chairman of the North West

dairy board, said it was important that vets located the source of the

outbreak as quickly as possible. "We're told it's a closed herd so

that makes the situation even more worrying. We certainly don't want

to discover that we've got TB in our wildlife here in Cumbria. At this

stage we must hope animal health staff can contain the outbreak and

can discover how the farm became infected," said Mr Bowman of

Armathwaite, near Carlisle.



[Byline: Jeremy Hunt]



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail





[According to a later (28 Apr 2011] BBC news bulletin, the disease

was found on a farm near Penrith, which has not been identified.



The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) said it

did not know the source but the results of tests should be known next

week.



It said bovine TB was relatively rare in Cumbria and it was working

to ensure that remained the case. - Mod.AS



The interactive HealthMap/ProMED map for Cumbria is available at:

- CopyEd.EJP]



[see also:

Bovine tuberculosis - UK: (Wales) badger control 20110328.0969

2010

----

Bovine tuberculosis - UK (04): new control program 20100921.3396

2002

----

Tuberculosis, cattle - UK 20020221.3599

2001

----

Foot & mouth disease - UK (25) 20010318.0548]

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

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

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

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:

.

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

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

Monday, April 18, 2011

Mad Cow Disease Traced to Saudi Arabia

April 15th, 2011 by Rasheed

April 2011: Canadian health officials have confirmed the country’s second-ever case of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, the rare human form of the so-called “mad cow disease” usually caused by eating infected beef. The head of the federal agency that monitors the disease states the man, now an Ontario resident, is believed to have been infected in Saudi Arabia.

Information released by Health Canada in both Arabic and English states the man began experiencing symptoms just prior to immigrating to Canada from Saudi Arabia in 2010.

Outbreaks of the human form of the disease also led to changes in blood donor regulations in a number of countries. The discovery of a new case of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob last month prompted an almost immediate change in Canada’s blood donation policies, which now restrict anyone who was in Saudi Arabia for six months or longer in the period from 1980 to1996 from giving blood. The restriction previously related only to the United Kingdom, France and Western Europe.

The disease first emerged in humans in the mid-1990s and peaked in 2000 in the U.K, where it has been the most prevalent. According to the World Health Organization, the human form of mad cow disease is an aggressive condition that begins with psychiatric symptoms and dementia, and progresses quickly to complete lack of physical control, leaving the person unable to move or speak. The WHO states the disease leaves “daisy-like” holes in the brain.

Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is the human form of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE. It is most commonly caused by eating meat from BSE-infected cows, though there have also been documented transmissions through blood transfusions and the potential for infection through medical and dental tools.

Dr. Michael Coulthart, director of the Canadian Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease surveillance system at the national microbiology lab in Winnipeg, Canada stated, “It’s one of those cases where long-term vigilance is going to be required to definitively deal with the issue. Every case is potentially significant, and you don’t want to miss any. Any individual case can have large implications, potentially, and you want to know as much as you can about the origins of each case that does occur, whenever it occurs. So, that’s one reason to stay vigilant.”

Because of the disease’s long incubation period, Coulthart states there are also concerns about the “carrier effect,” where people could have the disease for years, even decades without knowing ­it, then pass it on through blood transfusions or medical or dental tools. In that scenario, he states there could be a resurgence in the human form of the disease in the future, particularly given that the prion agent of the disease is extremely resistant to normal methods of decontamination and disinfection.

One pathologist who studied the disease in the 1990s described it at the time as being “like something out of the X-Files, the indestructible thing from outer space.” Despite a relatively small number of human deaths, the emergence of mad cow disease in animals and humans in the 1980s and 1990s had a huge impact around the world, prompting the large scale culling of animal herds, leading to massive changes in animal feeding guidelines, and devastating cattle operations and trade globally.

=============================

Monday, April 11, 2011

Un-Known Disease Plaguing Equines in Europe

ATYPICAL MYOPATHY, EQUINE - EUROPE: POSSIBLE CAUSE **************************************************
A ProMED-mail post ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases

Date: 8 Apr 2011 Source: Horsetalk.co.nz [edited]

Researchers in Switzerland have their eye on clostridial toxins as the possible cause of equine atypical myopathy (EAM), a seasonal, pasture-associated muscle disorder. The disorder presents a particular challenge to European veterinarians. It is characterised by a generalised complete degeneration of muscle fibres, which leads to sudden death due to collapse of the cardio-respiratory system in over 90 per cent of the cases. Writing in the latest Gluck Equine Disease Quarterly, Dr Lucia Unger and Professor Vinzenz Gerber, from the Equine Clinic at the University of Berne, said the economic impact is often devastating. Affected horses can either die quickly or show profuse sweating, muscle twitching, weakness, abnormal urine colour, reluctance to move, recumbency and difficulty in breathing. Death can follow after 12 to 72 hours. Since the cause is unknown, no effective protective treatment exists, and affected horses can only be treated for their clinical signs. Large outbreaks have been reported since the 1980s in parts of Europe including the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Denmark. In 2010, 224 new cases were reported to the Atypical Myopathy Alert Group, managed by Dominique Votion at the University of Liege in Belgium. A very similar if not the same disease has also been observed in the United States and is called seasonal pasture myopathy. From 1998 to 2005, 14 cases were described in Minnesota. White snakeroot toxicosis (_Ageratina_ spp., formerly _Eupatorium_ spp., a perennial herb) was ruled out as a potential cause, since its toxin (tremetone) was not found in liver or urine samples of affected horses. Seasonal pasture myopathy is thought to be caused by the same agent as the European equivalent. Environmental factors such as regular access to pasture and certain weather conditions seem to influence the incidence of the disease, which occurs seasonally, mostly in autumn with lesser peaks in springtime and sporadic cases in winter. Young horses kept full time at pasture without any food complementation are most frequently affected, highlighting the importance of contact with grass. Further risk factors are adjacent streams and trees, dead leaves and branches in the pastures, and wet, windy, unpleasantly chilly weather conditions (but not severe frost). Removing manure from pastures, providing clean drinking water and salt blocks, and bringing horses in from pasture during rough weather are advised. Causes that have been discussed and investigated include ionophores, mycotoxins and phytotoxins. Recently, the development of the disease was associated with ingesting maple leaves (_Acer pseudoplantanus_) covered with European tar spot (_Rhytisma acerinum_). Stress and metabolic imbalances within horses may be factors that predispose horses to developing the disease, the authors noted. Over the last decades, the incidence of the disease, however variable from year to year, has increased, and demand is growing for the cause to be identified and effective treatments developed and preventive measures identified. Identification of the causative agent is of paramount importance, Unger and Gerber said. "Consequently, our current research at the Equine Clinic and the Institute of Bacteriology of the Vetsuisse-Faculty of the University of Berne is focused on clostridial toxins, specifically the lethal toxin of _Clostridium sordellii_," they wrote. "This large clostridial cytoxin is able to induce severe muscular damage when injected intramuscularly into mice. Initially, we detected _Clostridium sordellii_ DNA in faeces and intestinal contents of horses suffering from EAM but not in corresponding samples from healthy pasture mates. However, this finding was not reliably reproducible." Subsequently, they found damage in muscle samples of affected horses, using light and electron transmission microscopy, to be very similar to _Clostridium sordellii_ lethal toxin-induced structural damage in the cytoskeleton of different cell lines. "Most importantly, we were recently able to show that the lethal toxin of _Clostridium sordellii_ is present in skeletal muscles of horses with EAM. Myofibers of affected horses reacted not only with an antibody specific for the lethal toxin, which failed to bind to the myofibers of either healthy horses or those with other myopathies, but also [sic] with sera from other EAM-affected horses." Previously, _C. sordellii_-derived lethal toxin has been shown to cause gas gangrene syndrome in cattle and sheep and toxic shock syndrome in humans. Its presence in the myofibers of horses suffering from EAM suggests it may play a role as a trigger or even as the lethal factor in the cause of this disease. Anecdotal evidence and the pair's most recent body-fluid data suggest that naturally EAM-affected horses neither mount a protective immune response nor show a substantial increase in anti-lethal toxin antibodies, respectively. "Our findings may nonetheless suggest a rational approach for the development of a protective vaccine," they said. -- Communicated by: ProMED-mail [While this research indeed appears promising, let us hope the outcome is reproducible. Such results may well lead to research that could produce a cure or prevention. - Mod.TG] [Photos of an affected horse may be seen in the source link. Photo of maple leaves (_Acer pseudoplantanus_) covered with European tar spot (_Rhytisma acerinum_): - Mod.JW] [see also: 2010 ---- Atypical myopathy, equine - UK: (Cornwall) 20101106.4026 Atypical myopathy, equine - EU 20100509.1518 2009 ---- Atypical myopathy, equine - UK: (England) 20091121.4007] .................................................sb/tg/msp/jw *##########################################################* ************************************************************ 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: . ############################################################ ############################################################

Saturday, April 9, 2011

NITRITE, MILK, FATALITIES - CHINA: (GANSU)

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

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


Date: Fri 8 Apr 2011
Source: The Guardian, Reuters report [edited]



Milk poisoning kills children in China
--------------------------------------
Xinhua news agency has reported in the latest food safety scandal to
hit the [Chinese] dairy industry, that 3 children have died & 35
people have become ill from drinking nitrite-tainted milk in China's
north-western Gansu province.

Most of the 35 were children under 14, now being treated at 2
hospitals in Pingliang city, Xinhua said, citing the local government
and health bureau.

"An initial investigation shows all the patients were poisoned by
nitrite after drinking bulk milk provided by 2 local dairy farms,"
Xinhua said.

Nitrite is used for curing meat.

The 2 farms were sealed off and their managers were being
investigated, Xinhua said.

China's food sector has been beset by poisonings and toxin scandals
that have shaken consumer confidence, and dairy production has been at
the heart of those worries.

China's quality inspection agency last week [week of 28 Mar 2011]
ordered nearly half the country's dairy firms to halt production as
part of a campaign to clean up the industry.

In 2008, at least 6 children died and nearly 300 000 fell ill from
powdered milk laced with melamine, an industrial chemical added to
low-quality or diluted milk to fool inspectors by giving misleadingly
high readings for protein levels.

Earlier this year [2011], Chinese quality authorities sought to calm
renewed public alarm after reports that some manufacturers had
illegally added a leather protein powder to dairy products to cheat
protein-content checks.

Zhao Lianhai, who organised a website for parents of children who
became ill from tainted milk after his own son became sick, was jailed
for 2.5 years last November [2010] after being convicted of "inciting
social disorder."

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[Sodium nitrite has on a number of occasions been mistaken for table
salt. However, to have it in milk is difficult for me to understand.
While it has been used in the meat industry, its use or purpose in the
milk industry sounds like adulteration of the product.

Clinical signs of ingestion may include gastroenteritis, abdominal
pains, dizziness, bloody diarrhea, convulsions and collapse. Purging
(vomiting) and diuresis are expected. If the victim receives small,
repeated doses there may be headache and mental impairment. Generally
in the case of mistaking sodium nitrite for sodium chloride, the dose
may be larger for large meals typical of celebrations.

Sodium nitrite has been used in curing meat for centuries. Nitrite is
added to certain foods to prevent the growth of the spore-forming
bacterium _Clostridium botulinum_, whose toxin causes botulism,
leading to paralysis and, potentially, death. The word botulinum comes
from the Latin word 'botulus', meaning sausage, which was responsible
for many deaths centuries ago before curing with nitrite was used. In
addition to serving as an antimicrobial, nitrite is used to produce
the characteristic flavor, texture, and pink color of cured meats.

At significant blood levels, the nitrite's oxidation of the iron in
hemoglobin from the ferrous to the ferric state yields methemoglobin,
which does not carry oxygen and imparts a brown hue to the blood.
Symptoms of methemoglobinemia include headaches, fatigue, tachycardia
(fast heart rate), weakness, and dizziness. As oxygenation of tissues
decreases to the point of becoming truly inadequate, dyspnea
(shortness of breath), acidosis, arrhythmias (irregular heart
rhythms), coma, convulsions and even death may occur. - Mod.TG]

[Maps of China can be seen at
and . - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]

[see also:
2010
----
Food poisoning - Russia (PE): sodium nitrite 20100910.3261
Melamine contamination, milk products - China (07) 20101126.4266
2008
----
Toxic ingestion, sodium nitrite - China (Guangdong) 20080225.0754
Infant kidney stones - China (02): Gansu, milk, melamine
20080912.2856
2006
----
Toxic ingestion, sodium nitrite - China (Hainan) 20060220.0552
2003
----
Food poisoning, milk, children - China (Liaoning) (02) 20030420.0966

2002
----
Toxic ingestion, sodium nitrite - USA (New York) (02) 20020523.4301]
.................................................sb/tg/mj/jw
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
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:
.
############################################################
############################################################

Saturday, April 2, 2011

EQUINE HERPESVIRUS, EQUINE – USA: (NEW YORK) CORNELL UNIVERSITY

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

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


Date: 1 Apr 2011
Source: Cornell University [edited]



Equine Hospital: Current Operating Status and FAQs
--------------------------------------------------
Current Operating Status
------------------------
We are currently accepting only emergency cases and those that would
be placed in our isolation facility. In cooperation with the State
Veterinarian, the Cornell University Hospital for Animals' equine
barns are under voluntary quarantine status, with restricted access
and biosecurity protocols in place. This is in response to a confirmed
case of equine herpes virus, a virus that routinely circulates in the
general horse population. Movement of animals between the equine barns
and other Cornell facilities is not permitted.

The diagnosis of equine herpes virus does not impact the Companion
Animal or Farm Animal Hospital. These hospitals remain open and
operating under normal conditions, as equine herpes virus does not
affect dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, or birds. Alpacas and
llamas might be affected and therefore we are also restricting
admission of those species. As equine herpes virus is not a zoonotic
agent, people are not at risk for contracting the virus.

We believe there is a low risk of exposure, but we are taking every
precaution. We hope the following information will be helpful to horse
owners and to veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for horse owners
--------------------------------------------------
Q. Why has the equine hospital placed itself under quarantine?
A. The voluntary quarantine is in response to a confirmed case of
equine herpes virus. We believe there is a low risk of exposure, but
out of an abundance of caution, the Equine Hospital barns are under
quarantine status.

Q. Have the Farm Animal Hospital or Companion Animal Hospital been
affected?
A. No. They are operating at normal status. The equine herpes virus
does not affect dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs, birds.
Alpacas and llamas might be affected and therefore we are also
restricting admission of those species.

Q. My horse has been at Cornell. How will I know if I need to worry?

A. Horses that were discharged from the Cornell Equine Hospital prior
to 18 Mar 2011 were not exposed to known cases in our hospital. We are
presently contacting horse owners whose horses could possibly have
been exposed to known equine herpes virus. We have contacted all
referring veterinarians who referred horses to our facility during
this time period. This virus also routinely circulates in the general
horse population.

Q. Is there an outbreak?
A. No, it is not an outbreak.

Q. Where can I get more information about equine herpes virus?
A.


FAQs for for veterinarians
--------------------------
Q. Should I isolate a horse that has been at Cornell?
A. It is always recommended that horses returning from veterinary
hospitals be isolated when possible. If horses can be isolated and
have not yet been, isolation is recommended.

Q. How often should I temp?
A. Twice a day for 10 days; remember to keep good records.

Q. Should I vaccinate the horses?
A. If there is a high risk, you should not vaccinate, but should
monitor temperatures. With temperatures of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or
greater, PCR of the nasal passages area could be done.

Q. If I want to culture them, how should I do that?
A. Culturing for viruses is a good means for diagnosis, but PCR is
much quicker and sensitive in this case. PCR done on a nasal swab
would be the recommended test.

Q. What is the best test?
A. PCR done on a nasal swab is the recommended test.

Q. What is the best sample?
A. Nasal swab provides better results for determining shedding of the
virus. EDTA blood is also a good source for PCR and viral isolation,
but the optimum sample is always nasal swabs.

Q. How should I take a nasal sample for PCR?
A. A synthetic-tipped swab is preferred, but cotton is acceptable.
This can be just a routine length culturette; it does not have to be a
nasal pharyngeal swab using a broodmare endometrial culturette. It
should be used to swab the nasal passages of the horse. The sample
should be placed in viral transport media if available. If not, place
swab into a plain red-top blood tube with one to two drops of sterile
saline. Do not put large amounts of saline into tube. Ship overnight
on an ice pack to a diagnostic laboratory. Cornell performs the PCR
for equine herpes virus. Visit

Q. Where do I get information about equine herpes virus?
A. Please refer to the American Association of Equine Practitioners
(includes biosafety guidelines):

In addition, you can find information here:


--
Communicated by:
Karyn L. Bischoff


[The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine serves as a
referral hospital as well as teaching hospital. Realizing that horses
referred to the teaching hospital may require surgery or other
intensive treatments, the hospital is being extremely cautious
regarding unlikely but possible exposure to equine herpes virus.

More information on equine herpesvirus can be found in ProMED-mail
post 20091212.4227. Readers are encouraged to read it. - Mod.TG]

[see also:
2010
----
Equine herpesvirus - USA (04): (NY) 20101129.4286
Equine herpesvirus - USA (03): (NJ) 20100408.1131
Equine herpesvirus - USA (02): (NJ) susp. 20100403.1071
Equine herpesvirus - USA: (LA) 20100101.0016
2009
----
Equine herpesvirus, equine - USA: (SC) susp. 20091212.4227
Equine herpesvirus - USA (03): (FL) 20091203.4126
Equine herpesvirus - USA (02): (PA) 20090729.2663
Equine herpesvirus - USA: (OK) 20090206.0546
2008
----
Equine herpesvirus - USA (04): (KY) 20081120.3669
Equine herpesvirus - USA (03): (MD) 20081115.3614
Equine herpesvirus - USA (02): (KY) 20080410.1320
Equine herpesvirus - USA: (MD) susp. 20080124.0304]
.................................................tg/ejp/mpp
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:

************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at .
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to
an individual moderator). If you do not give your full name
name and affiliation, it may not be posted. You may unsub-
scribe at .
For assistance from a human being, send mail to:
.
############################################################

Friday, April 1, 2011

CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE, CERVID - USA (08): (KANSAS)

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

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


Date: Thu 31 Mar 2011
Source: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) [edited]



On 2 Mar 2011, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP)
announced that 10 deer from northwestern Kansas had tested positive
for chronic wasting disease [CWD], the same number as last year [2010]
although 2 of those deer were found in counties farther east than any
previous confirmations. These were animals taken by hunters in the
2010 hunting seasons.

6 confirmed cases of CWD deer were taken by hunters in Decatur County
and one each from Graham, Norton, Sherman, and Smith counties. The
Norton, Sherman, and Smith cases were firsts for those counties. The
cases included 9 white-tailed and one mule deer. This season's [2010]
testing results brings the total number of confirmed CWD cases in
Kansas to 40 since testing began in 1996. In total, 2503 animals were
tested for CWD for the 2010 deer seasons. Although most testing is
finished for the year, KDWP will continue testing some vehicle-killed
and sick or suspect-looking deer, as well as deer taken with
depredation permits, through 31 Jul [2011]. If US Department of
Agriculture funding is available, a new surveillance period will begin
[1 Aug 2011].

Annual testing is part of ongoing effort by KDWP to monitor the
prevalence and spread of CWD. The fatal disease was first detected in
a wild deer taken in Cheyenne County in 2005. 3 infected deer were
taken in Decatur County in 2007 and 10 tested positive in 2008, all in
northwest Kansas.

CWD is a member of the group of diseases called transmissible
spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Other diseases in this group
include scrapie in sheep and goats, bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE or mad cow disease) in cattle, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in
people. CWD is a progressive, fatal disease that results in small
holes developing in the brain, giving it a sponge-like appearance
under the microscope. An animal may carry the disease without outward
indication (only 2 of the 40 positive animals showed signs) but in the
later stages, signs may include behavioral changes such as decreased
interactions with other animals, listlessness, lowering of the head,
weight loss, repetitive walking in set patterns, and a lack of
response to humans. Anyone who discovers a sick or suspect deer should
contact the nearest KDWP office.

"It must be noted that many signs of CWD are indicative of other
diseases," says KDWP wildlife disease coordinator Shane Hesting.
"Thus, a sick deer may or may not be infected with CWD. CWD is a
serious deer disease but is still a rare disease in Kansas. There is
no vaccine or other biological method that prevents the spread of CWD.
However, there is no evidence that CWD poses a risk to humans or
livestock in the natural environment."

Still, precautions should be taken. Hunters are advised not to eat
meat from animals known to be infected, and common sense precautions
are advised when field dressing and processing meat from animals taken
in areas where CWD is found. More information on CWD can be found on
KDWP's website at or at the Chronic
Wasting Disease Alliance website at .

--
Communicated by:
Terry S Singeltary Sr


[The finding of infected 2 deer in counties further east represents a
slight expansion of the disease. While the actual number of positive
deer remains the same as the previous level, it may provide insight to
know how many years it has remained at this level without an expansion
of territory. - Mod.TG]

[The state of Kansas can be located on the HealthMap/ProMED-mail
interactive map at . A Kansas county map
can be seen at
. -
Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]

[see also:
Chronic wasting disease, cervid - USA (02): (KS) 20110107.0084
2010
----
Chronic wasting disease, cervid - USA (07): (KS) 20100313.0814
Chronic wasting disease, cervid - USA (06a): (KS) 20100312.0801
Chronic wasting disease, cervid - USA (05): (KS) 20100311.0790
Chronic wasting disease, cervid - USA (04): (KS) 20100306.0741
2008
----
Chronic wasting disease, cervids - USA: (KS) 20080119.0247
2006
----
Chronic wasting disease, cervids - USA (KS) 20060124.0237]
.................................................tg/mj/mpp
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:

************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at .
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to
an individual moderator). If you do not give your full name
name and affiliation, it may not be posted. You may unsub-
scribe at .
For assistance from a human being, send mail to:
.
############################################################
############################################################

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

BRUCELLOSIS, BOVINE - USA (02): (TEXAS)

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

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


Date: Mon 14 Mar 2011
Source: KRGV [edited]

Disease forces government to slaughter rancher's cattle
-------------------------------------------------------
A Starr County rancher is without his herd of cattle. The government
ordered them sold and slaughtered to keep a disease from spreading to
other cattle or people.

Of the 38 head of cattle, 8 tested positive for bovine brucellosis.
It's a potentially deadly disease that took the government about 80
years to get rid of. It came back. This time, they weren't taking any chances.

Silence fills the air on this Starr County ranch. The corrals sit
empty, no bulls, cows, or calves. All of the rancher's livestock are
gone, slaughtered by order of the Texas Animal Health Commission.

"All the cattle, even the ones that tested negative. The explanation
they gave me is that since they were offspring from the other cattle
and the bull, they had to destroy all of them," said the Starr County rancher.

The state sent a letter to the rancher after part of their herd was
tested for the disease in January [2011]. Veterinarians claimed
several of the cows were infected with bovine brucellosis. It's the
1st confirmed case in more than 5 years.

The rare bacterial infection causes cows to abort their fetus. It's a
meat livestock producer's nightmare.

Veterinarian Jack Valerius says brucellosis spreads through birth
fluids and milk.

"We just don't want this to be present and begin to expand without
knowing where it is and getting rid of it because there's been a lot
of effort and a lot of money spent to accomplish this eradication,"
says Valerius.

It has caused heartaches and headaches for the rancher. "My email
machine is loaded with things like that. That I should be sent to
jail. That I should be sent to prison for selling infected cattle.
How did I know that these cattle were infected?" says the rancher.

The rancher expects the state will pay for his cattle soon. Right
now, that's the least of his worries. "I just hope that something
like this doesn't happen to my neighbors," says the rancher.

"Now they're in the process of testing the herds in the surrounding
areas, approximately 1 mile [1.6 km] from where these cases were
found, and so far, I understand there are no positives," says Valerius.

The rancher and his wife wanted to raise a few head of cattle. "It's
something my father had started many, many years ago, and we
continued. But it's over now, and I just don't wish that for anyone
else," he said.

The ranch is quarantined. Their hopes and the herd are gone.

Brucellosis can also cause a disease in humans known as undulant
fever. It proved to be deadly in the 1930s and '40s, but modern
medicine has made it treatable.

[Byline: Polo Sandoval]

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[Brucellosis, in cattle, water buffalo, and bison is caused almost
exclusively by _Brucella abortus_ ; however, _B. suis_ or _B.
melitensis_ are occasionally implicated in some cattle herds. _B.
suis_ does not appear to be contagious from cow to cow. Infection
spreads rapidly and causes many abortions in unvaccinated cattle. In
a herd in which the disease is endemic, an infected cow typically
aborts only once after exposure; subsequent gestations and lactations
appear normal. After exposure, cattle become bacteremic for a short
period and develop agglutinins and other antibodies; some resist
infection and a small percentage of infected cows recover. A positive
serum agglutination test usually precedes an abortion or a normal
parturition but may be delayed in about 15 per cent of cows. The
incubation period may be variable and is inversely related to stage
of gestation at time of exposure. Organisms are shed in milk and
uterine discharges, and the cow may become temporarily infertile.
Bacteria may be found in the uterus during pregnancy, uterine
involution, and infrequently, for a prolonged time, in the non-gravid
uterus. Shedding from the vagina largely disappears with the decrease
of fluids following parturition. Some infected cows that previously
aborted shed brucellae from the uterus at subsequent normal
parturitions. Organisms are shed in milk for a variable length of
time -- in most cattle for life.

Natural transmission occurs by ingestion of organisms, which are
present in large numbers in aborted fetuses, fetal membranes, and
uterine discharges. Cattle may ingest contaminated feed and water, or
lick contaminated genitals of other animals. Venereal transmission by
infected bulls to susceptible cows appears to be rare. Transmission
may occur by artificial insemination when _Brucella_ -contaminated
semen is deposited in the uterus but, reportedly, not when deposited
in the mid-cervix. Brucellae may enter the body through mucous
membranes, conjunctivae, wounds, or intact skin.

Brucellae have been recovered from fetuses and from manure that has
remained in a cool environment for more than 2 months. Exposure to
direct sunlight kills the organisms within a few hours.

Because organisms are shed in the milk, unpasteurized milk, and
cheese represent a human health concern. Many individuals believe
drinking unpasteurized milk is better for their health. Diseases that
are not killed by pasteurization represent a risk to the consumer.
Brucellosis in humans causes malaise, fever, chills, sweats,
headache, neck pain, low back pain, joint pain, muscle pain,
occasionally diarrhea, constipation, anorexia, weight loss, abdominal
pain, weakness, irritability, insomnia, and depression. Brucellosis
has been called undulating fever because of its habit of producing
fever and signs that wax and wane over an extended period of time.

Portions of this comment have been extracted from
.
- Mod.TG]

[Texas can be located on the HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map at
. Starr County in south Texas can be
located on the map at
. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]

[see also:
Brucellosis, cervid - USA: (MT) 20110228.0659
Brucellosis, bovine - USA: (WY) 20110212.0481
2010
----
Brucellosis, human, livestock - Russia: (SR) RFI 20101206.4363
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]
...................................tg/mj/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.
************************************************************
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:
.
############################################################

Friday, March 11, 2011

The Horse | African Horse Sickness Outbreak: Western Cape Confirms 12 Cases

The Horse African Horse Sickness Outbreak: Western Cape Confirms 12 Cases

Mad-Cow Horses in Australia?

Who says horses dont get mad cow disease?

UNDIAGNOSED NEUROLOGICAL ILLNESS, EQUINE - AUSTRALIA: REQUEST FOR
INFORMATION
*****************************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post

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


Date: Wed 9 Mar 2010
Source: The Horse [edited]

Australian authorities seek information on unexplained neurologic
cases
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The State Government of Victoria's Department of Primary Industries
(DPI) wants veterinary practitioners to submit samples from horses
displaying unexplained clinical signs of nervous system disease.

Victoria's acting chief veterinary officer, Dr Andrew Cameron, said
DPI was investigating a number of cases of unexplained neurologic
disease in horses. "Samples from veterinary practitioners
investigating any cases of nervous system disease will help our
investigation," Cameron said.

In Victoria, cases have been observed along the Murray River and in
an area of about 50 km [31 mi] around Ballarat. Unexplained neurologic
cases have also been observed recently in South Australia and New
South Wales. The main clinical sign in horses is ataxia
(incoordination).

"The coincidence of these cases with a period of extraordinarily high
mosquito activity after a heavy rainy season, and the apparent
association with proximity to water bodies is highly suggestive of
arbovirus (insectborne) infection," Cameron said.

"Cases of neurological disease have been previously seen in horses
during periods of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE, an Australian form
of encephalitis) activity, such as in 1974," Cameron explained. "While
recent evidence of Ross River virus infection (an Australian arbovirus
spread by mosquitoes that causes joint and nervous system disease in
horses, according to the Victoria Government Health Information
website) has been detected in some of the horses sampled to date, the
possibility of MVE or other arboviruses is also being investigated.

"The horse is usually a 'dead-end' host for mosquito-borne arbovirus
infections," he added. "There is no risk to humans from direct contact
with horses, and it is highly likely that the great majority of horses
infected with arbovirus will develop no clinical symptoms."

Horse owners are encouraged to consult with their veterinary
practitioner as to means of reducing horse exposure to mosquitoes.

"Stabling during the dawn and dusk periods of mosquito activity is a
valuable strategy, and topical treatments and repellents are
available," Cameron said.

"There is no association with bat populations, and the symptoms and
course of illness in affected horses are unlike Hendra virus
infection, which has also been ruled out by precautionary testing," he
concluded.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[Some of the videos showing the affected horses are quite dramatic
and sad for the animals and their owners. The videos are making their
way through many veterinary emails and websites and can be obtained
from the Biosecurity Australia website at

http://www.daff.gov.au/ba


While indeed this may be Murray Valley encephalitis re-emerging, it
may well be Ross River virus. We look forward to an accurate
diagnosis. - Mod.TG

The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Australia can be seen at
. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]

.................................................sb/tg/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:
.
############################################################
############################################################

New Fears Humans Could Catch Fatal Cow Virus

Johnnes Disease; http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/fears-humans-could-catch-fatal-cow-virus-1.1089553?localLinksEnabled=false

Monday, March 7, 2011

Hundreds of Sick Cows Reported in Mexico: Undiagnosed Disease

UNDIAGNOSED ILLNESS, BOVINE - MEXICO: (02) (SAN LUIS POTOSI)
************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post

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


Date: Sun 6 Mar 2011
From: David Thomson [edited]


[re: Undiagnosed illness, bovine - Mexico: (SL), RFI 20110305.0724]
-------------------------------------------------------------------
There is not enough information for a speculative diagnosis in this
post, but might keep bovine babesiosis in the differential list for
it.

If an unsuspecting vet is called to examine a "dead" cow lying
flat-out in a pen or paddock in a tick-infested area, or a farm worker
is required to move an apparently quite sick cow, and it suddenly
jumps up when disturbed and proceeds to very aggressively attack,
quite often it turns out to be a case of cerebral babesiosis -- a
different kind of "mad cow" to the one affected by the prion disease,
quite often occurring in apparently acute 'outbreaks' and just the
sort of thing that might come across via a language translation.

--
David Thomson
Sub-regional Animal Health Specialist
Secretariat of the Pacific Community - Port Moresby


[The original article was rather sparse on details. While it
mentioned hundreds of animals are affected, it did not indicate over
what period of time. The article implied it was recently and not over
a vast period of time. Nevertheless, it may well have occurred over
the course of several weeks. Otherwise, we might have to suspect a
very rapid moving lethal virus, bacterium, or toxin. These may have
been able to affect hundreds of animals in a rapid fashion.

Cerebral babesiosis is possible and should be kept on a differential
list. Babesiosis in several species of animals is on the rise in
Mexico and southern Texas.

If the situation occurred over several weeks, it makes rabies,
especially from vampire bats more plausible, but if a shorter time
frame is involved, then it may not be as likely.

Listeriosis affects many species of animals, including humans.
Initially, affected animals are anorectic, depressed, and disoriented.
They may propel themselves into corners, lean against stationary
objects, or circle toward the affected side. Facial paralysis with a
drooping ear, deviated muzzle, flaccid lip, and lowered eyelid often
develops on the affected side, as well as lack of a menace response
and profuse, almost continuous, salivation; food material often
becomes impacted in the cheek due to paralysis of the masticatory
muscles. Terminally affected animals fall and, unable to rise, lie on
the same side; involuntary running movements are common.

Toxins may include, plants, other feed related toxicants, salt
intoxication/water deprivation, or chemicals such as insecticides.

We are looking forward to an accurate diagnosis and reporting of the
situation.

Portions of this comment were extracted from
.
- Mod.TG]

[see also:
Undiagnosed Illness, bovine - Mexico: (SL), RFI 20110305.0724]
.................................................tg/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:
.
############################################################
############################################################

Friday, February 18, 2011

Livestock "Grower" Sues USDA over Failure to Certify "Organic"

http://www.nebraska.tv/Global/story.asp?S=14058851

Former State Dept. of Ag Employee Pleads Guilty to Fake Mad Cow Reports

Cozad man pleads guilty to fake mad cow reports

Feb 18, 2011 4:31pm Email Print LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) —

A Cozad man has pleaded guilty to mailing false reports for a federal mad cow disease inspection program. The Lincoln Journal Start reports that Galen Niehues pleaded guilty Thursday to mail fraud in U.S. District Court in Lincoln.

During the hearing, prosecutors said Niehues was employed by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture between July 2009 and March 2010 to perform on-site inspections of places where feed was manufactured and cattle fed to take sample and test compliance with rules to prevent the spread of mad cow disease.

Prosecutors say Niehues devised a scheme to get paid for work he didn't do and submitted 92 false reports showing he done the inspections and collected the required samples.

Niehues faces up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing is set for May 13.

___

Information from: Lincoln Journal Star, http://www.journalstar.com

Monday, February 14, 2011

Korea: Disgust over FMD gives boost to vegetarianism

February 15, 2011

As worries about foot-and-mouth disease spread, vegetarianism is enjoying new popularity, changing Korea’s negative image of vegetarians as people who are overly picky or obsessed with health.

This trend was obvious at the cafeteria in the Seoul National University Music Department on the afternoon of Feb. 7. The cafeteria serves a vegetarian buffet with main dishes made of grains and vegetables. The menu included Korean corn pancakes, a mushroom and red pepper stir-fry, and rice cake soup. The soup was brewed with mushroom, instead of the conventional beef. There was no meat offered.

Kim Eun-jung, a 24-year-old senior in the Law Department, said, “I tried going vegetarian last year but failed, and recently went back after observing the shocking process of culling foot-and-mouth infected livestock.”

Even in her coffee, Kim said, she now prefers soy milk, made from soybeans rather than cow’s milk.

“I plan to eat here at least once a day because of environmental concerns,” said Kim.

The cafeteria opened last October and expected 150 customers a day, but it draws 250 customers a day even during the vacation period.

“I started being vegetarian for my health,” said Eugene Roh, 23, “and I like the food here because it’s not salty.”

In Korea, there are approximately 500,000 vegetarians, about one percent of the population. Those ranks are swelling due to the mad cow disease scare of 2008 and now the unstoppable spread of foot-and-mouth disease.

There are three main reasons why people choose to be vegetarian: a concern for the environment, protection of animals’ rights and for health reasons.

“Young people usually go vegetarian for the environment and animal rights, while older people do it for their health,” said Lee Won Bok, who heads the Korean Vegetarianism Union. “And many people have gone vegetarian after being shocked by scenes of unethical killing of livestock.”

The number of visitors to the Korean Vegetarianism Union Web site (www.vege.or.kr) rose four times after the media reported on foot-and-mouth disease and the mass cullings of cattle and pigs. The former average of 3,000 to 4,000 visitors per day jumped to 15,000.

There are 50 vegetarian restaurants operating in Seoul. As more people turn to vegetarianism, some go to group meetings and share tips on vegetarian recipes. Vegetarian clubs are already operating at Seoul National, Sogang and Hanyang universities. They usually have meetings at vegetarian restaurants near the schools and run seminars on vegetarianism.

Shim Joon-gyu, 27, a law student preparing for the bar exam, has been a vegetarian for three years.

“My fellow students and I have vegetarian meetings and eat lunch and dinner together,” she said.


By Lee Han-gil [enational@joongang.co.kr]

Article; http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2932212

New Mad-Cow Disease Testing Raises Hopes for NZ Donors

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/4651478/Mad-cow-disease-test-raises-hopes-for-NZ-donors

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Egypts BSE Restrictions on US Beef Lifted, USDA Says

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-29/egypt-s-bse-related-restrictions-on-u-s-beef-lifted-usda-says.html

Mad Cow Breakthrough: Scientists Create Prion in Lab

http://www.naturalnews.com/001567_prions_mad_cow_disease.html

FEED RECALL / West Coast

A manufacturer has issued a voluntary recall of horse feed that was distributed in California, Nevada and Oregon because it may contain a medication that can be fatal to horses if fed at high levels.

Missouri-based MANNA PRO PRODUCTS announced Friday it is voluntarily recalling FAMILY FARM COMPLETE HORSE 10 HORSE FEED, LOT NUMBER 1006 because it may contain potentially harmful levels of the medication MONENSIN SODIUM, or RUMENSIN.

The feed was distributed January 11 through January 21 to retailers in these three states. No illnesses or deaths have been reported and retailers have removed it from their stores, but the company says customers who purchased the product should STOP FEEDING IT IMMEDIATELY.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Mad Cow Found in Netherlands

BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY - NETHERLANDS: (FRIESLAND), OIE
****************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post

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


Date: 22 Jan 2011
Source: OIE WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database) Disease
Information 2011; 24(4) [edited]
http://www.oie.int/wahis/public.php?page=single_report&pop=1&reportid=10152


Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, Netherlands
---------------------------------------------
Information received on 21 Jan 2011 from Dr Christianne Bruschke,
Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food
Quality, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Hague,
Netherlands

Summary
Report type: Immediate notification (Final report)
Start date 04 Jan 2011
Date of 1st confirmation of the event 11 Jan 2011
Report date 21 Jan 2011
Date submitted to OIE 21 Jan 2011
Date event resolved 11 Jan 2011
Reason for notification: Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence 15 Oct 2010
Manifestation of disease: Clinical disease
Causal agent: Bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent
Nature of diagnosis: Laboratory (basic)
This event pertains to the whole country

New outbreaks
Outbreak 1 Lippenhuizen, Friesland
Date of start of the outbreak 04 Jan 2011
Outbreak status: Resolved (11 Jan 2011)
Epidemiological unit: Farm
Species Cattle
Susceptible 119
Cases 1
Deaths 0
Destroyed 1
Slaughtered 0

Epidemiology - Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection -
Unknown or inconclusive

Epidemiological comments - Result of a monitoring sample taken at a
rendering plant. The animal was euthanized by a veterinary
practitioner. There are no animals alive belonging to the birth
cohort and the feed cohort and there are no animals alive belonging
to the off-spring younger than 2 years. This is a case of atypical
BSE (L-type).

Control measures - Measures applied: Modified stamping out; No
vaccination; No treatment of affected animals

Measures to be applied - No other measures

Laboratory name and type: Central Veterinary Institute (CVI)
(Regional Reference Laboratory)
Species Cattle
Test immunohistochemical test
Test date 11 Jan 2011
Result Positive

Species Cattle
Test western blotting
Test date 11 Jan 2011
Result Positive

Future reporting
The event is resolved. No more reports will be submitted.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[The L type atypical BSE is one the 3 newer forms that have been
identified by active screening programs for BSE; H type atypical BSE
and atypical Scrapie are also included. The only BSE form proven to
cause disease in humans is the classical BSE which can lead to nVCJD
in humans. None of the other forms have yet been regard as causing
disease in humans, although there might be some zoonotic potential
for the atypical types of BSE, L and H. For more details, please see
the European Food Safety Agency Report: Joint Scientific Opinion on
any possible epidemiological or molecular association between TSEs in
animals and humans at
.

The Netherlands had a case last fall, and a single case in 2008, 2006
and 2005. It is not surprising and in fact, reassuring to see an
occasional case of BSE being picked up by the TSE surveillance
programs in place. We should expect to see several more cases in
different countries over the next years. - Mod.PC]

[see also:
2010
----
BSE - Netherlands (02): (NB), OIE 20101023.3843
BSE - Netherlands: new case 20100904.3176
Prion disease update 2010 (07) 20100809.2720
Prion disease update 2010 (06) 20100706.2248
Prion disease update 2010 (05) 20100507.1488
2003
----
BSE - Netherlands: source 20030203.0294
1999
----
BSE - Netherlands: fifth case 19990112.0038
1998
----
Netherlands: fourth case 19981023.2081
Netherlands: third case 19980827.1704
1997
----
BSE - Netherlands: possible source (06) 19970612.1237
BSE - Netherlands: second case (03) 19970407.0736
BSE - Netherlands (03) 19970406.0720
BSE - Netherlands (2) 19970324.0620
BSE - Netherlands 19970323.0612]
...................pc/ejp/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.
************************************************************
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:

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Dioxin Feed Contamination Wreaking Havoc on Germanys Meat Producers

DIOXIN FEED CONTAMINATION - GERMANY (04): COST
***********************************************
A ProMED-mail post

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


Date: 17 Jan 2011
Source: The Poultry Site



The latest dioxin scare has re-emerged as Germany closes more than
900 more farms following delayed information from another feed
manufacturer about sales of contaminated feed. Germany's dioxin scare
spread as 934 farms in 4 states were closed after receiving
dioxin-laced animal feed, according to Deutsche Welle (a news
source). The closures will add to the euro 100-million [USD 130
million] price tag the farmers' union attributed to the scandal.

Authorities in the state of Lower Saxony discovered a producer
suspected of selling dioxin-contaminated feed had hidden deliveries
to 934 farms, German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner said on
Saturday (15 Jan 2011). The farms have been temporarily shut, and Ms
Aigner called for immediate consequences.

"This is a scandal," she said, adding that she expected a detailed
report from Lower Saxony Premier, David McAllister, by the evening of
15 January 2011.

Elevated levels of dioxin have been traced to one fats manufacturer.
The numerous feed companies that buy its fat have faced testing all
last week to prove their products met the European Union's dioxin
standards of no more than one-trillionth part of food for human consumption.

Federal agriculture officials in Berlin said the latest feed-mixing
company to be implicated had only just been spotted and that there
was no indication it sold any tainted food. Berlin officials said the
Lower Saxony feed mixer had failed to inform authorities it had
bought fat from Harles and Jentzsch, the company at the centre of the scare.

Prosecutors are now investigating whether the company's non-reporting
was deliberate. It had supplied farms in Lower Saxony, as well as the
states of North-Rhine Westphalia, Brandenburg and Bavaria, reports
Deutsche Welle.

Hefty price tag for farmers
---------------------------
The discovery of the toxic chemical dioxin in animal feed has
triggered a health alert and hit sales of German eggs and pork.
Authorities are struggling to contain the scare, which began on 3 Jan
2011, when German officials said feed tainted with dioxin had been
fed to hens and pigs, contaminating eggs, poultry meat and some pork.

Damages from the ongoing scandal would be much greater than the
immediate costs of testing, according to Gerd Sonnleitner, president
of Germany's national farmers' union. "The damage from the disruption
in the market will be many times the direct damage," he said.

Deutsche Welle reports that Mr Sonnleitner put the price of
sequestering farms, requiring laboratory clearance and destroying
produce that failed dioxin tests would cost German farmers euro 100
million (USD 130 million).

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail rapporteur Mary Marshall

[All the articles mention dioxin, but there have not been any reports
of the associated chemicals like PCB, polychlorinated biphenyls. Some
of these associated products can be more toxic than the dioxins.

For more information on dioxins and the chemicals as well as harmful
levels, readers are encouraged to see ProMED-mail post 20110105.0053
and 20110108.0096. - Mod.TG]

[see also:
Dioxin feed contamination - Germany (03): official report 20110116.0192
Dioxin feed contamination - Germany (02): farms & food concern 20110108.0096
Dioxin feed contamination - Germany: swine & poultry farms 20110105.0053]
....................tg/ejp/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.
************************************************************
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:
.
############################################################
############################################################

BC Meat Plant Denies Breaking Disposal Rules

http://license.icopyright.net/user/viewContent.act?clipid=596743197&mode=cnc&tag=3.8471%3Ficx_id%3D%2F2011%2F01%2F21%2Fpitt-meadows-workers-bse-fields.html

55 Buffalo Mysteriously Die on NY Farm

http://auburnpub.com/news/local/article_6ca7410c-24ac-11e0-80dc-001cc4c03286.html

Sunday, January 16, 2011

200 Cows Drop Dead at Wisconsin Farm

UNDIAGNOSED DIE-OFF, BOVINE - USA (WISCONSIN), SUSPECTED RESPIRATORY DISEASE
****************************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post

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


Date: 14 Jan 2011
Source: JS online [edited]



200 dead cows found in Portage County field
-------------------------------------------
An investigation is under way after 200 dead cows were found in a field in
the Town of Stockton.

The Portage County sheriff's office says the owner of the cattle has been
working with a local veterinarian and it's believed the animals died from
the infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/bovine viral diarrhea (IBR/BVD)
virus. The virus can cause respiratory and reproductive problems.

WSAW reports samples from the dead cows have been sent to Madison for
testing. Authorities say there is no threat to humans or other animals.

--
communicated by:
Fred and Grace Hatton


[Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a highly contagious, infectious
disease that is caused by bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1). In addition to
causing respiratory disease, this virus can cause conjunctivitis,
abortions, encephalitis, and generalized systemic infections. IBR was
originally recognized during the early 1950s in feeder cattle in the
western United States. The IBR virus can persist in clinically recovered
animals for years. The virus remains inactive until the animal is placed
under stress. The virus is shed in secretions from the eye nose and
reproductive organs. The clinical diseases caused by the virus can be
grouped into: 1) respiratory tract infections 2) eye infections 3)
abortions 4) genital infections 5) brain infections 6) generalized
infections of newborn calves.

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is a viral disease of cattle and other
ruminants that is caused by the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). BVDV is
a member of the pestivirus genus. There are 4 recognized species within the
pestivirus genus.

The clinical signs of BVDV are highly variable, including a spectrum from
few to no signs to very severe signs that kill the animal. The signs can be
determined by the genotype of the virus, whether the infection was recently
acquired (that is, acute) or has been acquired for months (that is,
chronic), whether the animal is pregnant, as well as other factors. Some of
the signs of acute infection are fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, ocular
discharge, nasal discharge, oral lesions, diarrhea, and decreasing milk
production. Chronic infection may lead to signs of mucosal disease.

These 2 diseases are often in a complex called mucosal diseases. These
diseases seem to have more impact in cold weather.

There is not enough information in this article to speculate beyond this.
We hope a definitive report will be available soon.

Portions of this comment have been extracted from

and
-
Mod.TG

A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Wisonsin can be accessed at
. - Mod.SH]

[see also:
2008
---
Undiagnosed deaths, bovine - USA (WI): RFI 20080401.1200
2007
---
Undiagnosed deaths, bovine - USA (IN) (02) 20071012.3345
Undiagnosed deaths, bovine - USA (IN) 20071010.3321
Undiagnosed deaths, bovine - USA (WA): RFI 20070310.0851
2003
---
Undiagnosed illness, bovines, cervids - USA (TX)(02) 20030220.0439
Undiagnosed illness, bovine, cervids - USA (TX) 20030208.0339]

....................tg/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:
.
############################################################

Friday, January 14, 2011

BREAK-THROUGH MAD COW NEWS- BSE AIRBONE!

We knew you cant cook it out, and we knew that it survives in the ground even after freezing winters, but who ever thought it would come to this?



Science-a-Go-Go; http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20110013201145data_trunc_sys.shtml

Science Codex; http://www.sciencecodex.com/bse_pathogens_can_be_transmitted_by_air

Monday, January 10, 2011

PRION DISEASE UPDATE 2011 (01)

******************************
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
10 Jan 2011 - no new vCJD cases
[2] France: Institut de Veille Sanitaire - monthly statistics as of
Wed 4 Jan 2011 - no new vCJD cases
[3] USA: National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center -
cumulative case numbers for 2010 up to 1 Nov 2010 - no vCJD cases
[4] Taiwan: suspected vCJD case, ex UK, DOH statement
[5] Taiwan: suspected vCJD case, 'ex UK'
[6] Italy (Livorno): 2nd vCJD case

******
[1]
UK: National CJD Surveillance Unit - monthly statistics as of Mon 10
Jan 2011 - no new vCJD cases
Date: Mon 10 Jan 2011
Source: UK National CJD Surveillance Unit, monthly statistics [edited]



The number of deaths due to definite or probable vCJD during 2010 was
170. A total of 4 definite/probable patients are still alive so the
total number of definite or probable vCJD recorded during 2010 was
174.

Although 3 new deaths due to vCJD were recorded in 2009 and 3 deaths
in 2010, the overall picture is still consistent with the view that
the vCJD outbreak in the UK is in decline, 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 3 in 2010.

Totals for all types of CJD cases in the UK in the year 2010
------------------------------------------------------------
During 2010, there were 146 referrals, 69 fatal cases of sporadic
CJD, 3 fatal cases of vCJD, 2 cases of iatrogenic CJD, 5 cases of
familial CJD, and one case of GSS.

Since records began in 1990 there have been 2729 referrals, 1199
fatal cases of sporadic CJD, 170 cases of vCJD, 64 cases of
iatrogenic CJD, 82 cases of familial CJD and 43 of GSS.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail


******
[2] France: Institut de Veille Sanitaire - monthly statistics as of 4
Jan 2011 - no new vCJD cases
Date: Tue 4 Jan 2011
Source: IVS - Maladie de Creutzfeldt-Jakob et maladies apparentees
[in French, trans. & summ. Mod.CP, edited]



During the 12 months of 2010, there were 1610 referrals, 98 confirmed
cases of sporadic CJD, 6 cases of familial CJD, and no cases of
iatrogenic CJD or vCJD.

A total of 25 cases of confirmed or probable vCJD have been recorded
in France since records began in 1992. There was 1 case in 1996, 1 in
2000, 1 in 2001, 3 in 2002, 2 in 2004, 6 in 2005, 6 in 2006, 3 in
2007, 2 in 2009, and none 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, during about 10 years from 1987.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail


******
[3] USA: National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center -
cumulative case numbers for 2010 up to 1 Nov 2010 - no vCJD cases
Date: Mon 1 Nov 2010
Source: US National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center [edited]



Cumulative data 1 Jan 2010 to 31 October 2010
---------------------------------------------
During the 10-month period 1 Jan 2010 to 31 Oct 2010, there were 333
referrals, 213 of whom were classified as prion disease cases,
comprising 158 cases of sporadic CJD, 33 of familial CJD, and none of
iatrogenic CJD or vCJD.

Overall of 3831 referrals examined since screening began in 1996 or
thereabouts, diagnosis is still pending in 18 cases, and another 18
cases have been considered inconclusive. [This is a measure of the
difficulty in achieving unequivocal diagnoses. - Mod.CP]

During the same period a total of 2265 prion disease cases have been
screened, a figure which includes 23 (22 during 2010) cases with type
determination pending, but in which a diagnosis of vCJD has been
excluded. 3 cases of vCJD recorded in the USA during the same period
have been attributed to infection in the United Kingdom in 2 cases,
and in Saudi Arabia in the other.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail


******
[4] Taiwan: suspected vCJD case, ex UK, DOH statement
Date: Thu 9 Dec 2010
Source: Taiwan Today [edited]



A 36-year-old Taiwanese male is very likely to have died from
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, the Cabinet-level Department of Health
(DOH) said on [8 Dec 2010].

The patient, who died this May [2010], resided in the United Kingdom
between 1989 and 1997, when bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in
cattle was at its peak in the UK. It is unlikely that the patient
contracted his disease in Taiwan, the DOH said.

Scientists believe that many years after eating cattle infected with
BSE, patients can develop symptoms of CJD. In the case of the
36-year-old patient, he began to show CJD symptoms, including memory
loss and hypersomnia, in the 2nd half of 2008. Doctors reported to
health authorities in March 2009 that they suspected he had CJD.

After the patient died this year [2010], his family refused to give
doctors permission to perform [an autopsy], the only way the doctors
could determine the cause of death with certainty. His body has since
been cremated. "Though tests were not conducted, the man is an
extremely likely case of CJD, based on his symptoms, travel history,
and the results of magnetic resonance imaging and
electroencephalograms," the Centers for Disease Control under the DOH
said.

The DOH further specified that the patient probably died from variant
CJD [vCJD]. "The World Health Organization has listed the man as a
vCJD case as his brain waves and cerebrospinal fluid showed symptoms
of CJD and vCJD simultaneously," said Chen Shun-seng, convener of
DOH's CJD advisory committee and a neurologist at Kaohsiung Chang
Gung Memorial Hospital.

According to the World Health Organization, CJD is a fatal human
degenerative condition characterized by progressive brain dysfunction
and is categorized into 4 forms: sporadic, familial, iatrogenic, and
variant. "It is believed to be caused by self-replicating
host-encoded protein or prion protein," the WHO said.

According to the UK Department of Health, vCJD differs from CJD in
that the former is more likely to strike younger people. The average
age of death for vCJD victims is around 30 years old, it said.

As of October 2010, there have been 243 possible or extremely
possible cases of CJD reported in Taiwan, resulting in 102 deaths. Of
the deaths, 5 have been confirmed as resulting from CJD, the DOH said.

[byline: Grace Kuo]

--
communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail


[This press report provides background to the case described in the
preceding update (ProMED-mail Prion disease update 2010 (11)
20101206.4364, part [4], which was an abstract reproduced from the
journal Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
.
The press report above states that the World Health Organization has
listed the man as a vCJD case, but I have been unable to verify this
statement. - Mod.CP]

[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Taiwan is available at
. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]

******
[5] Taiwan: suspected vCJD case, ex UK
Date: Sat 18 Dec 2010
Source: Focus Taiwan, Central News Agency (CNA) report [edited]



The 1st probable human case of mad cow disease in Taiwan was listed
posthumously Saturday [18 Dec 2010], following the death in May
[2010] of a man who had symptoms of the fatal brain-wasting illness.
[The clinical investigation of this case was reported in the
preceding update: Prion disease update 2010 (11) 20101206.4364, part
[4] -- Yang CW, Fuh JL, Wang SJ, et al: Probable variant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Asia: A case report from Taiwan and
review of two prior cases. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci, 64(6): 652-8.
doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1819.2010.02151.x. published online 25 Nov 2010;
abstract available at
].

The listing was made after officials and experts on a Department of
Health (DOH) panel on Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) held a meeting
to determine whether the man had died from the disease as result of
eating infected beef.

"We believe it is very likely that the man who died in May this year
[2010] contracted the disease during his stay in the United Kingdom,"
the DOH said in a press statement. "We cannot rule out the
possibility that he ate infected beef during that time."

Scientists believe that many years after eating cattle infected with
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) , commonly known as mad cow
disease, humans can develop symptoms of new variant CJD (vCJD), also
known as human mad cow disease.

The 36-year-old man had lived in the UK between 1989 and 1997, when
mad cow disease was at its peak in that country. He began to show
vCJD symptoms, including memory loss and hypersomnia, in 2008.
Doctors reported the case to the DOH's Centers for Disease Control in
March 2009.

As his family refused to give doctors permission to perform an
autopsy, the DOH said, it could not list the patient as a confirmed
case of vCJD. His body has since been cremated.

Though the cause of death could not be determined by means of an
autopsy, it was an extremely likely case of vCJD, based on the man's
symptoms, travel history, and the results of magnetic resonance
imaging and electroencephalograms, the DOH said.

According to the DOH's CJD advisory panel, it was unlikely that the
patient contracted the disease in Taiwan.

"His death could be counted as an imported case of vCJD and unlikely
to pose any threat to Taiwan's disease control network," the DOH
statement said.

Citing its tracking records, the DOH said the man had donated blood
to 2 patients 10 years ago. "Neither of them has contracted the
disease," the statement said, adding that precautionary measures had
been taken to prevent any spread of the disease during the time the
man was hospitalized in Taiwan.

According to the World Health Organization, CJD is a fatal human
degenerative condition characterized by progressive brain dysfunction
and is categorized into four forms -- sporadic, familial, iatrogenic,
and variant.

The UK Department of Health has said vCJD differs from CJD in that
the former is more likely to strike younger people.

Since 1997 when the DOH set up a CJD reporting and monitoring system,
436 suspected CJD or vCJD have been reported in Taiwan, DOH figures
show. Of that number, 246 were listed as possible or extremely
possible cases of sporadic or familial forms of CJD, 5 were confirmed
as traditional forms of CJD and one was listed as probable vCJD,
according to the DOH tallies.

The others were ruled out as possible cases of CJD.

[byline: Chen ching-fang, Sofia Wu]

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[In view of the fact that the patient's body has been cremated, the
investigation cannot proceed further and the case must remain
suspected rather than confirmed vCJD. If the patient's disease was
vCJD, it is probable that it was contracted during the victim's 8
years residence in the UK. - Mod.CP]

*****
[6] Italy (Livorno): 2nd vCJD case
Date: Thu 6 Jan 2011
Source: Adnkronos Inernational (AKI) [edited]



The human variant of the brain-wasting 'mad cow' disease claimed a
2nd victim in Italy after a 44-year-old woman died in hospital in the
northwestern port city of Livorno, the local health authority
reported on Thursday [6 Jan 2011]. The health authority said the
44-year-old Livorno woman died on Wednesday 5 Jan 20011] and [had
been] admitted to a city hospice in July [2010] in the final stages
of her battle against variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD),
commonly known as 'mad cow' disease. There is no known cure for vCJD.

Italy's 1st case, a Sicilian woman, died in 2002, a year after she
contracted the disease.

Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is the human form of the fatal
brain-wasting illness first identified in cattle -- BSE or bovine
spongiform encephalopathy. A total of 275 people have been infected
with the disease over the past decade, 170 in Britain, the
worst-affected country, 56 in Israel, and 25 in France. [As of 31 Dec
2010 the current totals of vCJD cases according to the European and
Allied Countries CJD Study Group
() are UK -171, France - 25,
Eire - 4, Italy - 4, USA - 3*, Canada - 1, Saudi Arabia - 1*, Japan -
1*, Netherlands - 3, Portugal -2, Spain - 5, where * indicates
non-indigenous. - Mod.CP]

Nearly 200 000 cattle have died from BSE over the same period. The
human form of BSE is believed to be caused by eating meat infected
with the bovine disease. EU restrictions on the sale of T-bone beef
steaks and beef offal were lifted in 2006 when officials declared the
'mad cow' outbreak was over.

A massive cull in Britain prevented the spread of the disease but
isolated cases are still reported. Almost 190 000 cattle have died
from BSE over the past 10 years, the vast majority in the UK.

Italy's health ministry and various local health authorities have
always denied vCJD patients can infect their family members and
carers with the disease.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Italy is available at
. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]

[see also:
2010
---
Prion disease update 2010 (11) 20101206.4364
Prion disease update 2010 (10) 20101105.4008
Prion disease update 2010 (09) 20101006.3622
Prion disease update 2010 (08) 20100911.3285
Prion disease update 2010 (07) 20100809.2720
Prion disease update 2010 (06) 20100706.2248
Prion disease update 2010 (05) 20100507.1488
Prion disease update 2010 (04) 20100405.1091
Prion disease update 2010 (03) 20100304.0709
Prion disease update 2010 (02) 20100205.0386
Prion disease update 2010 20100107.0076]

.................sb/cp/mj/lm

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