tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83548600223030473252024-03-14T03:10:10.894-04:00Mad Cows and Martyred HorsesStudying the relationship of mad cow disease and its detrimental effect on U.S. beef exports & the corrisponding rise in demand for horsemeat for human consumption abroad, and also addressing the problematic issue of restoring world confidence in the safety of American Beef in hopes of off-setting the foreign demand for horses as a substitute for meat cows.
Horses Dont Get Mad Cow Disease - at least, that is the popular belief.Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.comBlogger619125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-3655984728731303332011-09-25T11:01:00.000-04:002011-09-25T11:01:29.022-04:0040,000 lbs. Beef Recalled, Intended for School Lunches<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/24/health/georgia-beef-recall/index.html?hpt=he_c2">http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/24/health/georgia-beef-recall/index.html?hpt=he_c2</a>Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-24844107906604049172011-07-14T13:38:00.002-04:002011-07-14T13:38:26.901-04:00The China Study<a href="http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=the+china+study&view=detail&mid=7EC910EDDA69FCBA65E67EC910EDDA69FCBA65E6&first=0&FORM=LKVR1">http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=the+china+study&view=detail&mid=7EC910EDDA69FCBA65E67EC910EDDA69FCBA65E6&first=0&FORM=LKVR1</a>Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-86086211635852325862011-07-14T13:33:00.002-04:002011-07-14T13:33:49.248-04:00Milk: a Deadly Poison<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYpafipJyDE&feature=share">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYpafipJyDE&feature=share</a>Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-26723339648656112022011-06-29T04:50:00.000-04:002011-06-29T04:50:06.163-04:00tHE mAD cOWBOYI 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.<br />
<br />
Today I am president of Earth Save International, an organization promoting organic farming and the vegetarian diet.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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; <br />
<br />
<a href="http://naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=3BF0840B21A40DE3E8BAA6BD31C399AE">http://naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=3BF0840B21A40DE3E8BAA6BD31C399AE</a>Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-11617726440118221322011-06-19T12:51:00.003-04:002011-06-19T12:58:42.930-04:00The Europa (EU) Food Safety Comission & CodexAlimentarius<a href="http://ec.europa.eu/food/committees/advisory/index_en.htm">http://ec.europa.eu/food/committees/advisory/index_en.htm</a><br />
<br />
and this; <a href="http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/index_en.jsp">http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/index_en.jsp</a><br />
<br />
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.Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-57205051383308418702011-05-22T19:36:00.002-04:002011-05-22T19:36:23.009-04:004 New Bovine Diseases Emerging in Australia<a href="http://meatsubs.blogspot.com/2011/05/bovine-diseases-australia-emerging.html">http://meatsubs.blogspot.com/2011/05/bovine-diseases-australia-emerging.html</a>Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-81315458336818490962011-05-21T08:32:00.002-04:002011-05-21T08:32:18.471-04:00Update: S. Korean Beef Concerns<a href="http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2011/05/137_87356.html">http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2011/05/137_87356.html</a>Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-80401061580789858492011-05-19T06:35:00.002-04:002011-05-19T06:35:17.289-04:00Highly Contageous Horse Virus puts Washington State on Alert<a href="http://www.seattlepi.com/local/sound/article/Highly-contagious-horse-virus-puts-Kitsap-1385378.php">http://www.seattlepi.com/local/sound/article/Highly-contagious-horse-virus-puts-Kitsap-1385378.php</a>Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-47887285396352022252011-05-13T23:15:00.002-04:002011-05-13T23:15:36.283-04:00Meat Recall; CaliforniaCalifornia-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: <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-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.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-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.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-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.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-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.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The products were distributed to food service establishments in Nevada, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Consumers with questions about the recall should call (323) 826-2144, ext. 110 or 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854).Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-16656146086853085532011-04-30T21:45:00.003-04:002011-04-30T23:35:15.855-04:00BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS, BOVINE - UK (02): ENGLANDOpen 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; <a href="http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/disease_emergence/Chapter6.pdf">http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/disease_emergence/Chapter6.pdf</a><br />
(Google "Buffalo Field Campaign") <br />
**********************************************<br />
<br />
A ProMED-mail post<br />
<br />
<http: www.promedmail.org=""><br />
<br />
ProMED-mail is a program of the<br />
<br />
International Society for Infectious Diseases<br />
<br />
<http: www.isid.org=""><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Date: Wed 27 Apr 2011<br />
<br />
Source: Farmers Weekly Interactive [edited]<br />
<br />
<http: 04="" 126510="" 2011="" 27="" articles="" officials-mystified-by-cumbria-tb-case.htm="" www.fwi.co.uk=""><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Officials mystified by Cumbria TB case<br />
<br />
--------------------------------------<br />
<br />
Cumbria is facing its 1st large-scale outbreak of bovine tuberculosis<br />
<br />
(TB) on a dairy farm near Penrith where 64 animals have been<br />
<br />
slaughtered. The outbreak has already triggered calls for a<br />
<br />
county-wide TB test of all dairy cows to be considered.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The herd, which is in a 4-year testing programme, had been tested<br />
<br />
"clear" 18 months ago, according to the Animal Health and Veterinary<br />
<br />
Laboratories Agency. But as post-mortem examinations were being<br />
<br />
carried out on the slaughtered cattle this week, vets expressed<br />
<br />
concern over the length of time the disease may have been present on<br />
<br />
the farm.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Veterinary investigations will concentrate on the source of the<br />
<br />
outbreak which has occurred on a farm running a "closed" herd and<br />
<br />
where there are reported to have been no movements of cattle on or off<br />
<br />
the holding and no indication that wildlife in the area has become<br />
<br />
infected.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cumbria has been virtually free of bovine TB apart from a "pocket" of<br />
<br />
problems in a small area in the south-west corner of the county --<br />
<br />
more than 50 miles from the current outbreak.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
DEFRA vets said it would be 3 weeks before the full test results on<br />
<br />
the slaughtered cattle were available. Contiguous testing of cattle on<br />
<br />
neighbouring farms was already under way.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"The herd has been placed under movement restrictions, and a number<br />
<br />
of animals have been removed for slaughter after reacting to the skin<br />
<br />
test. Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency staff are<br />
<br />
working to determine the source of the infection and TB testing of<br />
<br />
neighbouring holdings is under way," said the official DEFRA<br />
<br />
statement.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Leading dairy cattle auctioneer Edward Brown of Harrison and<br />
<br />
Hetherington, said the outbreak was "deeply worrying" for Cumbria's<br />
<br />
dairy farmers. "Few cattle come into the county and when dairy farmers<br />
<br />
do buy cattle they are extremely cautious about where they come<br />
<br />
from."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cumbria milk producer Russell Bowman, chairman of the North West<br />
<br />
dairy board, said it was important that vets located the source of the<br />
<br />
outbreak as quickly as possible. "We're told it's a closed herd so<br />
<br />
that makes the situation even more worrying. We certainly don't want<br />
<br />
to discover that we've got TB in our wildlife here in Cumbria. At this<br />
<br />
stage we must hope animal health staff can contain the outbreak and<br />
<br />
can discover how the farm became infected," said Mr Bowman of<br />
<br />
Armathwaite, near Carlisle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[Byline: Jeremy Hunt]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
Communicated by:<br />
<br />
ProMED-mail<br />
<br />
<promed@promedmail.org><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[According to a later (28 Apr 2011] BBC news bulletin, the disease<br />
<br />
was found on a farm near Penrith, which has not been identified.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) said it<br />
<br />
did not know the source but the results of tests should be known next<br />
<br />
week.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It said bovine TB was relatively rare in Cumbria and it was working<br />
<br />
to ensure that remained the case. - Mod.AS<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The interactive HealthMap/ProMED map for Cumbria is available at:<br />
<br />
<http: 00uv="" healthmap.org="" r="">- CopyEd.EJP]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[see also:<br />
<br />
Bovine tuberculosis - UK: (Wales) badger control 20110328.0969<br />
<br />
2010<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
Bovine tuberculosis - UK (04): new control program 20100921.3396<br />
<br />
2002<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
Tuberculosis, cattle - UK 20020221.3599<br />
<br />
2001<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
Foot & mouth disease - UK (25) 20010318.0548]<br />
<br />
.................................................sb/arn/ejp/jw<br />
<br />
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############################################################Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-18129227029901842722011-04-27T20:45:00.000-04:002011-04-27T20:45:28.454-04:00Half of Grocery Meat contains Monsanto Drug Resistant Bacteria From Modi...<iframe height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ubAblkXWOaY?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="480" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-11926936517073975702011-04-18T10:33:00.000-04:002011-04-18T10:34:49.783-04:00Mad Cow Disease Traced to Saudi ArabiaApril 15th, 2011 by Rasheed <br /> <br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />=============================Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-24070765522624406262011-04-11T02:01:00.001-04:002011-04-11T02:03:19.417-04:00Un-Known Disease Plaguing Equines in EuropeATYPICAL MYOPATHY, EQUINE - EUROPE: POSSIBLE CAUSE ************************************************** <br />A ProMED-mail post <http:>ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases <br /><br />Date: 8 Apr 2011 Source: Horsetalk.co.nz [edited] <br /><br />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 <promed@promedmail.org>[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_): <http:>- 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: <http:>************************************************************ Visit ProMED-mail's web site at <http:>. 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 <http:>. For assistance from a human being, send mail to: <postmaster@promedmail.org>. ############################################################ ############################################################Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-76083464739387759062011-04-09T12:41:00.000-04:002011-04-09T12:42:29.050-04:00NITRITE, MILK, FATALITIES - CHINA: (GANSU)******************************************<br />A ProMED-mail post<br /><http://www.promedmail.org><br />ProMED-mail is a program of the<br />International Society for Infectious Diseases<br /><http://www.isid.org><br /><br />Date: Fri 8 Apr 2011<br />Source: The Guardian, Reuters report [edited]<br /><http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/08/tainted-milk-china-kills-three><br /><br /><br />Milk poisoning kills children in China<br />--------------------------------------<br />Xinhua news agency has reported in the latest food safety scandal to<br />hit the [Chinese] dairy industry, that 3 children have died & 35<br />people have become ill from drinking nitrite-tainted milk in China's<br />north-western Gansu province.<br /><br />Most of the 35 were children under 14, now being treated at 2<br />hospitals in Pingliang city, Xinhua said, citing the local government<br />and health bureau.<br /><br />"An initial investigation shows all the patients were poisoned by<br />nitrite after drinking bulk milk provided by 2 local dairy farms,"<br />Xinhua said.<br /><br />Nitrite is used for curing meat.<br /><br />The 2 farms were sealed off and their managers were being<br />investigated, Xinhua said.<br /><br />China's food sector has been beset by poisonings and toxin scandals<br />that have shaken consumer confidence, and dairy production has been at<br />the heart of those worries.<br /><br />China's quality inspection agency last week [week of 28 Mar 2011]<br />ordered nearly half the country's dairy firms to halt production as<br />part of a campaign to clean up the industry.<br /><br />In 2008, at least 6 children died and nearly 300 000 fell ill from<br />powdered milk laced with melamine, an industrial chemical added to<br />low-quality or diluted milk to fool inspectors by giving misleadingly<br />high readings for protein levels.<br /><br />Earlier this year [2011], Chinese quality authorities sought to calm<br />renewed public alarm after reports that some manufacturers had<br />illegally added a leather protein powder to dairy products to cheat<br />protein-content checks.<br /><br />Zhao Lianhai, who organised a website for parents of children who<br />became ill from tainted milk after his own son became sick, was jailed<br />for 2.5 years last November [2010] after being convicted of "inciting<br />social disorder."<br /><br />--<br />Communicated by:<br />ProMED-mail<br /><promed@promedmail.org><br /><br />[Sodium nitrite has on a number of occasions been mistaken for table<br />salt. However, to have it in milk is difficult for me to understand.<br />While it has been used in the meat industry, its use or purpose in the<br />milk industry sounds like adulteration of the product.<br /><br />Clinical signs of ingestion may include gastroenteritis, abdominal<br />pains, dizziness, bloody diarrhea, convulsions and collapse. Purging<br />(vomiting) and diuresis are expected. If the victim receives small,<br />repeated doses there may be headache and mental impairment. Generally<br />in the case of mistaking sodium nitrite for sodium chloride, the dose<br />may be larger for large meals typical of celebrations.<br /><br />Sodium nitrite has been used in curing meat for centuries. Nitrite is<br />added to certain foods to prevent the growth of the spore-forming<br />bacterium _Clostridium botulinum_, whose toxin causes botulism,<br />leading to paralysis and, potentially, death. The word botulinum comes<br />from the Latin word 'botulus', meaning sausage, which was responsible<br />for many deaths centuries ago before curing with nitrite was used. In<br />addition to serving as an antimicrobial, nitrite is used to produce<br />the characteristic flavor, texture, and pink color of cured meats.<br /><br />At significant blood levels, the nitrite's oxidation of the iron in<br />hemoglobin from the ferrous to the ferric state yields methemoglobin,<br />which does not carry oxygen and imparts a brown hue to the blood.<br />Symptoms of methemoglobinemia include headaches, fatigue, tachycardia<br />(fast heart rate), weakness, and dizziness. As oxygenation of tissues<br />decreases to the point of becoming truly inadequate, dyspnea<br />(shortness of breath), acidosis, arrhythmias (irregular heart<br />rhythms), coma, convulsions and even death may occur. - Mod.TG]<br /><br />[Maps of China can be seen at <http://www.sacu.org/maps/provmap.png><br />and <http://healthmap.org/r/0FTn>. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]<br /><br />[see also:<br />2010<br />----<br />Food poisoning - Russia (PE): sodium nitrite 20100910.3261<br />Melamine contamination, milk products - China (07) 20101126.4266<br />2008<br />----<br />Toxic ingestion, sodium nitrite - China (Guangdong) 20080225.0754<br />Infant kidney stones - China (02): Gansu, milk, melamine<br />20080912.2856<br />2006<br />----<br />Toxic ingestion, sodium nitrite - China (Hainan) 20060220.0552<br />2003<br />----<br />Food poisoning, milk, children - China (Liaoning) (02) 20030420.0966<br /><br />2002<br />----<br />Toxic ingestion, sodium nitrite - USA (New York) (02) 20020523.4301]<br />.................................................sb/tg/mj/jw<br />*##########################################################*<br />************************************************************<br />ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that<br />are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the<br />information, and of any statements or opinions based<br />thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in<br />using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID<br />and its associated service providers shall not be held<br />responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any<br />damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted<br />or archived material.<br />************************************************************<br />Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:<br /><http://www.isid.org/ProMEDMail_Donations.shtml><br />************************************************************<br />Visit ProMED-mail's web site at <http://www.promedmail.org>.<br />Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to<br />an individual moderator). If you do not give your full name<br />name and affiliation, it may not be posted. You may unsub-<br />scribe at <http://www.isid.org/promedmail/subscribe.lasso>.<br />For assistance from a human being, send mail to:<br /><postmaster@promedmail.org>.<br />############################################################<br />############################################################Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-30688998725393189182011-04-08T23:34:00.000-04:002011-04-08T23:35:30.545-04:00US Succeeds in Working 'Round Meat-Trade Barriers<a href="http://www.datamyne.com/blog/?tag=mad-cow-disease">http://www.datamyne.com/blog/?tag=mad-cow-disease</a>Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-33693991659018133012011-04-02T20:13:00.000-04:002011-04-02T20:14:37.429-04:00EQUINE HERPESVIRUS, EQUINE – USA: (NEW YORK) CORNELL UNIVERSITY*****************************************************************<br />A ProMED-mail post<br /><http://www.promedmail.org><br />ProMED-mail is a program of the<br />International Society for Infectious Diseases<br /><http://www.isid.org><br /><br />Date: 1 Apr 2011<br />Source: Cornell University [edited]<br /><http://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospital/operating_status.cfm><br /><br /><br />Equine Hospital: Current Operating Status and FAQs<br />--------------------------------------------------<br />Current Operating Status<br />------------------------<br />We are currently accepting only emergency cases and those that would<br />be placed in our isolation facility. In cooperation with the State<br />Veterinarian, the Cornell University Hospital for Animals' equine<br />barns are under voluntary quarantine status, with restricted access<br />and biosecurity protocols in place. This is in response to a confirmed<br />case of equine herpes virus, a virus that routinely circulates in the<br />general horse population. Movement of animals between the equine barns<br />and other Cornell facilities is not permitted.<br /><br />The diagnosis of equine herpes virus does not impact the Companion<br />Animal or Farm Animal Hospital. These hospitals remain open and<br />operating under normal conditions, as equine herpes virus does not<br />affect dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, or birds. Alpacas and<br />llamas might be affected and therefore we are also restricting<br />admission of those species. As equine herpes virus is not a zoonotic<br />agent, people are not at risk for contracting the virus.<br /><br />We believe there is a low risk of exposure, but we are taking every<br />precaution. We hope the following information will be helpful to horse<br />owners and to veterinarians.<br /><br />Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for horse owners<br />--------------------------------------------------<br />Q. Why has the equine hospital placed itself under quarantine?<br />A. The voluntary quarantine is in response to a confirmed case of<br />equine herpes virus. We believe there is a low risk of exposure, but<br />out of an abundance of caution, the Equine Hospital barns are under<br />quarantine status.<br /><br />Q. Have the Farm Animal Hospital or Companion Animal Hospital been<br />affected?<br />A. No. They are operating at normal status. The equine herpes virus<br />does not affect dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs, birds.<br />Alpacas and llamas might be affected and therefore we are also<br />restricting admission of those species.<br /><br />Q. My horse has been at Cornell. How will I know if I need to worry?<br /><br />A. Horses that were discharged from the Cornell Equine Hospital prior<br />to 18 Mar 2011 were not exposed to known cases in our hospital. We are<br />presently contacting horse owners whose horses could possibly have<br />been exposed to known equine herpes virus. We have contacted all<br />referring veterinarians who referred horses to our facility during<br />this time period. This virus also routinely circulates in the general<br />horse population.<br /><br />Q. Is there an outbreak?<br />A. No, it is not an outbreak.<br /><br />Q. Where can I get more information about equine herpes virus?<br />A.<br /><http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/equine_herpesvirus_brochure_2009.pdf><br /><br />FAQs for for veterinarians<br />--------------------------<br />Q. Should I isolate a horse that has been at Cornell?<br />A. It is always recommended that horses returning from veterinary<br />hospitals be isolated when possible. If horses can be isolated and<br />have not yet been, isolation is recommended.<br /><br />Q. How often should I temp?<br />A. Twice a day for 10 days; remember to keep good records.<br /><br />Q. Should I vaccinate the horses?<br />A. If there is a high risk, you should not vaccinate, but should<br />monitor temperatures. With temperatures of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or<br />greater, PCR of the nasal passages area could be done.<br /><br />Q. If I want to culture them, how should I do that?<br />A. Culturing for viruses is a good means for diagnosis, but PCR is<br />much quicker and sensitive in this case. PCR done on a nasal swab<br />would be the recommended test.<br /><br />Q. What is the best test?<br />A. PCR done on a nasal swab is the recommended test.<br /><br />Q. What is the best sample?<br />A. Nasal swab provides better results for determining shedding of the<br />virus. EDTA blood is also a good source for PCR and viral isolation,<br />but the optimum sample is always nasal swabs.<br /><br />Q. How should I take a nasal sample for PCR?<br />A. A synthetic-tipped swab is preferred, but cotton is acceptable.<br />This can be just a routine length culturette; it does not have to be a<br />nasal pharyngeal swab using a broodmare endometrial culturette. It<br />should be used to swab the nasal passages of the horse. The sample<br />should be placed in viral transport media if available. If not, place<br />swab into a plain red-top blood tube with one to two drops of sterile<br />saline. Do not put large amounts of saline into tube. Ship overnight<br />on an ice pack to a diagnostic laboratory. Cornell performs the PCR<br />for equine herpes virus. Visit <http://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/test/><br /><br />Q. Where do I get information about equine herpes virus?<br />A. Please refer to the American Association of Equine Practitioners<br />(includes biosafety guidelines):<br /><http://www.aaep.org/pdfs/control_guidelines/Equine%20Herpes%20Virus.pdf><br />In addition, you can find information here:<br /><http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/equine_herpesvirus_brochure_2009.pdf><br /><br />--<br />Communicated by:<br />Karyn L. Bischoff<br /><klb72@cornell.edu><br /><br />[The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine serves as a<br />referral hospital as well as teaching hospital. Realizing that horses<br />referred to the teaching hospital may require surgery or other<br />intensive treatments, the hospital is being extremely cautious<br />regarding unlikely but possible exposure to equine herpes virus.<br /><br />More information on equine herpesvirus can be found in ProMED-mail<br />post 20091212.4227. Readers are encouraged to read it. - Mod.TG]<br /><br />[see also:<br />2010<br />----<br />Equine herpesvirus - USA (04): (NY) 20101129.4286<br />Equine herpesvirus - USA (03): (NJ) 20100408.1131<br />Equine herpesvirus - USA (02): (NJ) susp. 20100403.1071<br />Equine herpesvirus - USA: (LA) 20100101.0016<br />2009<br />----<br />Equine herpesvirus, equine - USA: (SC) susp. 20091212.4227<br />Equine herpesvirus - USA (03): (FL) 20091203.4126<br />Equine herpesvirus - USA (02): (PA) 20090729.2663<br />Equine herpesvirus - USA: (OK) 20090206.0546<br />2008<br />----<br />Equine herpesvirus - USA (04): (KY) 20081120.3669<br />Equine herpesvirus - USA (03): (MD) 20081115.3614<br />Equine herpesvirus - USA (02): (KY) 20080410.1320<br />Equine herpesvirus - USA: (MD) susp. 20080124.0304]<br />.................................................tg/ejp/mpp<br />*##########################################################*<br />************************************************************<br />ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that<br />are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the<br />information, and of any statements or opinions based<br />thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in<br />using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID<br />and its associated service providers shall not be held<br />responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any<br />damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted<br />or archived material.<br />************************************************************<br />Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:<br /><http://www.isid.org/ProMEDMail_Donations.shtml><br />************************************************************<br />Visit ProMED-mail's web site at <http://www.promedmail.org>.<br />Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to<br />an individual moderator). If you do not give your full name<br />name and affiliation, it may not be posted. You may unsub-<br />scribe at <http://www.isid.org/promedmail/subscribe.lasso>.<br />For assistance from a human being, send mail to:<br /><postmaster@promedmail.org>.<br />############################################################Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-31911369111557537492011-04-01T10:21:00.001-04:002011-04-01T10:21:43.919-04:00CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE, CERVID - USA (08): (KANSAS)****************************************************<br />A ProMED-mail post<br /><http://www.promedmail.org><br />ProMED-mail is a program of the<br />International Society for Infectious Diseases<br /><http://www.isid.org><br /><br />Date: Thu 31 Mar 2011<br />Source: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) [edited]<br /><http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Hunting/TEN-KANSAS-DEER-CONFIRMED-POSITIVE-IN-CWD-TESTS><br /><br /><br />On 2 Mar 2011, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP)<br />announced that 10 deer from northwestern Kansas had tested positive<br />for chronic wasting disease [CWD], the same number as last year [2010]<br />although 2 of those deer were found in counties farther east than any<br />previous confirmations. These were animals taken by hunters in the<br />2010 hunting seasons.<br /><br />6 confirmed cases of CWD deer were taken by hunters in Decatur County<br />and one each from Graham, Norton, Sherman, and Smith counties. The<br />Norton, Sherman, and Smith cases were firsts for those counties. The<br />cases included 9 white-tailed and one mule deer. This season's [2010]<br />testing results brings the total number of confirmed CWD cases in<br />Kansas to 40 since testing began in 1996. In total, 2503 animals were<br />tested for CWD for the 2010 deer seasons. Although most testing is<br />finished for the year, KDWP will continue testing some vehicle-killed<br />and sick or suspect-looking deer, as well as deer taken with<br />depredation permits, through 31 Jul [2011]. If US Department of<br />Agriculture funding is available, a new surveillance period will begin<br />[1 Aug 2011].<br /><br />Annual testing is part of ongoing effort by KDWP to monitor the<br />prevalence and spread of CWD. The fatal disease was first detected in<br />a wild deer taken in Cheyenne County in 2005. 3 infected deer were<br />taken in Decatur County in 2007 and 10 tested positive in 2008, all in<br />northwest Kansas.<br /><br />CWD is a member of the group of diseases called transmissible<br />spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Other diseases in this group<br />include scrapie in sheep and goats, bovine spongiform encephalopathy<br />(BSE or mad cow disease) in cattle, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in<br />people. CWD is a progressive, fatal disease that results in small<br />holes developing in the brain, giving it a sponge-like appearance<br />under the microscope. An animal may carry the disease without outward<br />indication (only 2 of the 40 positive animals showed signs) but in the<br />later stages, signs may include behavioral changes such as decreased<br />interactions with other animals, listlessness, lowering of the head,<br />weight loss, repetitive walking in set patterns, and a lack of<br />response to humans. Anyone who discovers a sick or suspect deer should<br />contact the nearest KDWP office.<br /><br />"It must be noted that many signs of CWD are indicative of other<br />diseases," says KDWP wildlife disease coordinator Shane Hesting.<br />"Thus, a sick deer may or may not be infected with CWD. CWD is a<br />serious deer disease but is still a rare disease in Kansas. There is<br />no vaccine or other biological method that prevents the spread of CWD.<br />However, there is no evidence that CWD poses a risk to humans or<br />livestock in the natural environment."<br /><br />Still, precautions should be taken. Hunters are advised not to eat<br />meat from animals known to be infected, and common sense precautions<br />are advised when field dressing and processing meat from animals taken<br />in areas where CWD is found. More information on CWD can be found on<br />KDWP's website at <http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us> or at the Chronic<br />Wasting Disease Alliance website at <http://www.cwd-info.org.>.<br /><br />--<br />Communicated by:<br />Terry S Singeltary Sr<br /><flounder9@verizon.net><br /><br />[The finding of infected 2 deer in counties further east represents a<br />slight expansion of the disease. While the actual number of positive<br />deer remains the same as the previous level, it may provide insight to<br />know how many years it has remained at this level without an expansion<br />of territory. - Mod.TG]<br /><br />[The state of Kansas can be located on the HealthMap/ProMED-mail<br />interactive map at <http://healthmap.org/r/00C->. A Kansas county map<br />can be seen at<br /><http://www.digital-topo-maps.com/county-map/kansas.shtml>. -<br />Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]<br /><br />[see also:<br />Chronic wasting disease, cervid - USA (02): (KS) 20110107.0084<br />2010<br />----<br />Chronic wasting disease, cervid - USA (07): (KS) 20100313.0814<br />Chronic wasting disease, cervid - USA (06a): (KS) 20100312.0801<br />Chronic wasting disease, cervid - USA (05): (KS) 20100311.0790<br />Chronic wasting disease, cervid - USA (04): (KS) 20100306.0741<br />2008<br />----<br />Chronic wasting disease, cervids - USA: (KS) 20080119.0247<br />2006<br />----<br />Chronic wasting disease, cervids - USA (KS) 20060124.0237]<br />.................................................tg/mj/mpp<br />*##########################################################*<br />************************************************************<br />ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that<br />are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the<br />information, and of any statements or opinions based<br />thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in<br />using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID<br />and its associated service providers shall not be held<br />responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any<br />damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted<br />or archived material.<br />************************************************************<br />Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:<br /><http://www.isid.org/ProMEDMail_Donations.shtml><br />************************************************************<br />Visit ProMED-mail's web site at <http://www.promedmail.org>.<br />Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to<br />an individual moderator). If you do not give your full name<br />name and affiliation, it may not be posted. You may unsub-<br />scribe at <http://www.isid.org/promedmail/subscribe.lasso>.<br />For assistance from a human being, send mail to:<br /><postmaster@promedmail.org>.<br />############################################################<br />############################################################Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-17347228810764694722011-03-30T01:56:00.000-04:002011-03-30T01:57:17.700-04:00Audit Chides USDA for Approving Tainted Eggs<a href="http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/03/inspector-general-tells-how-government-does-not-work/">http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/03/inspector-general-tells-how-government-does-not-work/</a>Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-81546049158046982212011-03-18T15:17:00.000-04:002011-03-18T15:17:52.801-04:00As U.S Gov lies many venison eaters will die from CWD/Mad Deer Disease (...<iframe height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rkv2Z5ApRbQ?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-48372115710701286662011-03-16T22:28:00.000-04:002011-03-16T22:31:37.802-04:00BRUCELLOSIS, BOVINE - USA (02): (TEXAS)***************************************<br />A ProMED-mail post<br /><http:><br />ProMED-mail is a program of the<br />International Society for Infectious Diseases<br /><http:><br /><br />Date: Mon 14 Mar 2011<br />Source: KRGV [edited]<br /><br />Disease forces government to slaughter rancher's cattle<br />-------------------------------------------------------<br />A Starr County rancher is without his herd of cattle. The government<br />ordered them sold and slaughtered to keep a disease from spreading to<br />other cattle or people.<br /><br />Of the 38 head of cattle, 8 tested positive for bovine brucellosis.<br />It's a potentially deadly disease that took the government about 80<br />years to get rid of. It came back. This time, they weren't taking any chances.<br /><br />Silence fills the air on this Starr County ranch. The corrals sit<br />empty, no bulls, cows, or calves. All of the rancher's livestock are<br />gone, slaughtered by order of the Texas Animal Health Commission.<br /><br />"All the cattle, even the ones that tested negative. The explanation<br />they gave me is that since they were offspring from the other cattle<br />and the bull, they had to destroy all of them," said the Starr County rancher.<br /><br />The state sent a letter to the rancher after part of their herd was<br />tested for the disease in January [2011]. Veterinarians claimed<br />several of the cows were infected with bovine brucellosis. It's the<br />1st confirmed case in more than 5 years.<br /><br />The rare bacterial infection causes cows to abort their fetus. It's a<br />meat livestock producer's nightmare.<br /><br />Veterinarian Jack Valerius says brucellosis spreads through birth<br />fluids and milk.<br /><br />"We just don't want this to be present and begin to expand without<br />knowing where it is and getting rid of it because there's been a lot<br />of effort and a lot of money spent to accomplish this eradication,"<br />says Valerius.<br /><br />It has caused heartaches and headaches for the rancher. "My email<br />machine is loaded with things like that. That I should be sent to<br />jail. That I should be sent to prison for selling infected cattle.<br />How did I know that these cattle were infected?" says the rancher.<br /><br />The rancher expects the state will pay for his cattle soon. Right<br />now, that's the least of his worries. "I just hope that something<br />like this doesn't happen to my neighbors," says the rancher.<br /><br />"Now they're in the process of testing the herds in the surrounding<br />areas, approximately 1 mile [1.6 km] from where these cases were<br />found, and so far, I understand there are no positives," says Valerius.<br /><br />The rancher and his wife wanted to raise a few head of cattle. "It's<br />something my father had started many, many years ago, and we<br />continued. But it's over now, and I just don't wish that for anyone<br />else," he said.<br /><br />The ranch is quarantined. Their hopes and the herd are gone.<br /><br />Brucellosis can also cause a disease in humans known as undulant<br />fever. It proved to be deadly in the 1930s and '40s, but modern<br />medicine has made it treatable.<br /><br />[Byline: Polo Sandoval]<br /><br />--<br />Communicated by:<br />ProMED-mail<br /><promed@promedmail.org><br /><br />[Brucellosis, in cattle, water buffalo, and bison is caused almost<br />exclusively by _Brucella abortus_ ; however, _B. suis_ or _B.<br />melitensis_ are occasionally implicated in some cattle herds. _B.<br />suis_ does not appear to be contagious from cow to cow. Infection<br />spreads rapidly and causes many abortions in unvaccinated cattle. In<br />a herd in which the disease is endemic, an infected cow typically<br />aborts only once after exposure; subsequent gestations and lactations<br />appear normal. After exposure, cattle become bacteremic for a short<br />period and develop agglutinins and other antibodies; some resist<br />infection and a small percentage of infected cows recover. A positive<br />serum agglutination test usually precedes an abortion or a normal<br />parturition but may be delayed in about 15 per cent of cows. The<br />incubation period may be variable and is inversely related to stage<br />of gestation at time of exposure. Organisms are shed in milk and<br />uterine discharges, and the cow may become temporarily infertile.<br />Bacteria may be found in the uterus during pregnancy, uterine<br />involution, and infrequently, for a prolonged time, in the non-gravid<br />uterus. Shedding from the vagina largely disappears with the decrease<br />of fluids following parturition. Some infected cows that previously<br />aborted shed brucellae from the uterus at subsequent normal<br />parturitions. Organisms are shed in milk for a variable length of<br />time -- in most cattle for life.<br /><br />Natural transmission occurs by ingestion of organisms, which are<br />present in large numbers in aborted fetuses, fetal membranes, and<br />uterine discharges. Cattle may ingest contaminated feed and water, or<br />lick contaminated genitals of other animals. Venereal transmission by<br />infected bulls to susceptible cows appears to be rare. Transmission<br />may occur by artificial insemination when _Brucella_ -contaminated<br />semen is deposited in the uterus but, reportedly, not when deposited<br />in the mid-cervix. Brucellae may enter the body through mucous<br />membranes, conjunctivae, wounds, or intact skin.<br /><br />Brucellae have been recovered from fetuses and from manure that has<br />remained in a cool environment for more than 2 months. Exposure to<br />direct sunlight kills the organisms within a few hours.<br /><br />Because organisms are shed in the milk, unpasteurized milk, and<br />cheese represent a human health concern. Many individuals believe<br />drinking unpasteurized milk is better for their health. Diseases that<br />are not killed by pasteurization represent a risk to the consumer.<br />Brucellosis in humans causes malaise, fever, chills, sweats,<br />headache, neck pain, low back pain, joint pain, muscle pain,<br />occasionally diarrhea, constipation, anorexia, weight loss, abdominal<br />pain, weakness, irritability, insomnia, and depression. Brucellosis<br />has been called undulating fever because of its habit of producing<br />fever and signs that wax and wane over an extended period of time.<br /><br />Portions of this comment have been extracted from<br /><http: cfile="htm/bc/110502.htm&word=Brucellosis">.<br />- Mod.TG]<br /><br />[Texas can be located on the HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map at<br /><http:>. Starr County in south Texas can be<br />located on the map at<br /><http:>. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]<br /><br />[see also:<br />Brucellosis, cervid - USA: (MT) 20110228.0659<br />Brucellosis, bovine - USA: (WY) 20110212.0481<br />2010<br />----<br />Brucellosis, human, livestock - Russia: (SR) RFI 20101206.4363<br />Brucellosis, bovine - USA (04): (WY) bison 20101202.4325<br />Brucellosis, bovine - USA (03): (WY)20101126.4261<br />Brucellosis, bovine - USA (02): (MT, WY)20101107.4041<br />Brucellosis, bovine - USA: (WY)20101101.3956]<br />...................................tg/mj/dk<br /><br />*##########################################################*<br />************************************************************<br />ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that<br />are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the<br />information, and of any statements or opinions based<br />thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in<br />using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID<br />and its associated service providers shall not be held<br />responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any<br />damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted<br />or archived material.<br />************************************************************<br />Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:<br /><http:><br />************************************************************<br />Visit ProMED-mail's web site at <http:>.<br />Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to<br />an individual moderator). If you do not give your full name<br />name and affiliation, it may not be posted. You may unsub-<br />scribe at <http:>.<br />For assistance from a human being, send mail to:<br /><postmaster@promedmail.org>.<br />############################################################Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-5945004170135688752011-03-11T14:26:00.000-05:002011-03-11T14:26:56.543-05:00The Horse | African Horse Sickness Outbreak: Western Cape Confirms 12 Cases<a href="http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=17888&src=VW">The Horse African Horse Sickness Outbreak: Western Cape Confirms 12 Cases</a>Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-70439654725674777602011-03-11T14:02:00.002-05:002011-03-11T14:07:34.387-05:00Mad-Cow Horses in Australia?Who says horses dont get mad cow disease?<br /><br />UNDIAGNOSED NEUROLOGICAL ILLNESS, EQUINE - AUSTRALIA: REQUEST FOR<br />INFORMATION<br />*****************************************************************************<br />A ProMED-mail post<br /><http:><br />ProMED-mail is a program of the<br />International Society for Infectious Diseases<br /><http:><br /><br />Date: Wed 9 Mar 2010<br />Source: The Horse [edited]<br /><br />Australian authorities seek information on unexplained neurologic<br />cases<br />-----------------------------------------------------------------------<br />The State Government of Victoria's Department of Primary Industries<br />(DPI) wants veterinary practitioners to submit samples from horses<br />displaying unexplained clinical signs of nervous system disease.<br /><br />Victoria's acting chief veterinary officer, Dr Andrew Cameron, said<br />DPI was investigating a number of cases of unexplained neurologic<br />disease in horses. "Samples from veterinary practitioners<br />investigating any cases of nervous system disease will help our<br />investigation," Cameron said.<br /><br />In Victoria, cases have been observed along the Murray River and in<br />an area of about 50 km [31 mi] around Ballarat. Unexplained neurologic<br />cases have also been observed recently in South Australia and New<br />South Wales. The main clinical sign in horses is ataxia<br />(incoordination).<br /><br />"The coincidence of these cases with a period of extraordinarily high<br />mosquito activity after a heavy rainy season, and the apparent<br />association with proximity to water bodies is highly suggestive of<br />arbovirus (insectborne) infection," Cameron said.<br /><br />"Cases of neurological disease have been previously seen in horses<br />during periods of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE, an Australian form<br />of encephalitis) activity, such as in 1974," Cameron explained. "While<br />recent evidence of Ross River virus infection (an Australian arbovirus<br />spread by mosquitoes that causes joint and nervous system disease in<br />horses, according to the Victoria Government Health Information<br />website) has been detected in some of the horses sampled to date, the<br />possibility of MVE or other arboviruses is also being investigated.<br /><br />"The horse is usually a 'dead-end' host for mosquito-borne arbovirus<br />infections," he added. "There is no risk to humans from direct contact<br />with horses, and it is highly likely that the great majority of horses<br />infected with arbovirus will develop no clinical symptoms."<br /><br />Horse owners are encouraged to consult with their veterinary<br />practitioner as to means of reducing horse exposure to mosquitoes.<br /><br />"Stabling during the dawn and dusk periods of mosquito activity is a<br />valuable strategy, and topical treatments and repellents are<br />available," Cameron said.<br /><br />"There is no association with bat populations, and the symptoms and<br />course of illness in affected horses are unlike Hendra virus<br />infection, which has also been ruled out by precautionary testing," he<br />concluded.<br /><br />--<br />communicated by:<br />ProMED-mail<br /><promed@promedmail.org><br /><br />[Some of the videos showing the affected horses are quite dramatic<br />and sad for the animals and their owners. The videos are making their<br />way through many veterinary emails and websites and can be obtained<br />from the Biosecurity Australia website at<br /><br /><a href="http://www.daff.gov.au/ba">http://www.daff.gov.au/ba</a><br /><br /><br />While indeed this may be Murray Valley encephalitis re-emerging, it<br />may well be Ross River virus. We look forward to an accurate<br />diagnosis. - Mod.TG<br /><br />The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Australia can be seen at<br /><http:>. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]<br /><br />.................................................sb/tg/mj/sh<br />*##########################################################*<br />************************************************************<br />ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that<br />are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the<br />information, and of any statements or opinions based<br />thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in<br />using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID<br />and its associated service providers shall not be held<br />responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any<br />damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted<br />or archived material.<br />************************************************************<br />Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:<br /><http:><br />************************************************************<br />Visit ProMED-mail's web site at <http:>.<br />Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to<br />an individual moderator). If you do not give your full name<br />name and affiliation, it may not be posted. You may unsub-<br />scribe at <http:>.<br />For assistance from a human being, send mail to:<br /><postmaster@promedmail.org>.<br />############################################################<br />############################################################Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-48101032825216758902011-03-11T01:16:00.000-05:002011-03-11T01:17:18.984-05:00New Fears Humans Could Catch Fatal Cow VirusJohnnes Disease; <a href="http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/fears-humans-could-catch-fatal-cow-virus-1.1089553?localLinksEnabled=false">http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/fears-humans-could-catch-fatal-cow-virus-1.1089553?localLinksEnabled=false</a>Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-22851155371252322762011-03-07T14:09:00.000-05:002011-03-07T14:10:14.581-05:00Hundreds of Sick Cows Reported in Mexico: Undiagnosed DiseaseUNDIAGNOSED ILLNESS, BOVINE - MEXICO: (02) (SAN LUIS POTOSI)<br />************************************************************<br />A ProMED-mail post<br /><http://www.promedmail.org><br />ProMED-mail is a program of the<br />International Society for Infectious Diseases<br /><http://www.isid.org><br /><br />Date: Sun 6 Mar 2011<br />From: David Thomson <thomson.david48@gmail.com> [edited]<br /><br /><br />[re: Undiagnosed illness, bovine - Mexico: (SL), RFI 20110305.0724]<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------<br />There is not enough information for a speculative diagnosis in this<br />post, but might keep bovine babesiosis in the differential list for<br />it.<br /><br />If an unsuspecting vet is called to examine a "dead" cow lying<br />flat-out in a pen or paddock in a tick-infested area, or a farm worker<br />is required to move an apparently quite sick cow, and it suddenly<br />jumps up when disturbed and proceeds to very aggressively attack,<br />quite often it turns out to be a case of cerebral babesiosis -- a<br />different kind of "mad cow" to the one affected by the prion disease,<br />quite often occurring in apparently acute 'outbreaks' and just the<br />sort of thing that might come across via a language translation.<br /><br />--<br />David Thomson<br />Sub-regional Animal Health Specialist<br />Secretariat of the Pacific Community - Port Moresby<br /><thomson.david48@gmail.com><br /><br />[The original article was rather sparse on details. While it<br />mentioned hundreds of animals are affected, it did not indicate over<br />what period of time. The article implied it was recently and not over<br />a vast period of time. Nevertheless, it may well have occurred over<br />the course of several weeks. Otherwise, we might have to suspect a<br />very rapid moving lethal virus, bacterium, or toxin. These may have<br />been able to affect hundreds of animals in a rapid fashion.<br /><br />Cerebral babesiosis is possible and should be kept on a differential<br />list. Babesiosis in several species of animals is on the rise in<br />Mexico and southern Texas.<br /><br />If the situation occurred over several weeks, it makes rabies,<br />especially from vampire bats more plausible, but if a shorter time<br />frame is involved, then it may not be as likely.<br /><br />Listeriosis affects many species of animals, including humans.<br />Initially, affected animals are anorectic, depressed, and disoriented.<br />They may propel themselves into corners, lean against stationary<br />objects, or circle toward the affected side. Facial paralysis with a<br />drooping ear, deviated muzzle, flaccid lip, and lowered eyelid often<br />develops on the affected side, as well as lack of a menace response<br />and profuse, almost continuous, salivation; food material often<br />becomes impacted in the cheek due to paralysis of the masticatory<br />muscles. Terminally affected animals fall and, unable to rise, lie on<br />the same side; involuntary running movements are common.<br /><br />Toxins may include, plants, other feed related toxicants, salt<br />intoxication/water deprivation, or chemicals such as insecticides.<br /><br />We are looking forward to an accurate diagnosis and reporting of the<br />situation.<br /><br />Portions of this comment were extracted from<br /><http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/51400.htm>.<br />- Mod.TG]<br /><br />[see also:<br />Undiagnosed Illness, bovine - Mexico: (SL), RFI 20110305.0724]<br />.................................................tg/mj/sh<br />*##########################################################*<br />************************************************************<br />ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that<br />are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the<br />information, and of any statements or opinions based<br />thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in<br />using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID<br />and its associated service providers shall not be held<br />responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any<br />damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted<br />or archived material.<br />************************************************************<br />Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:<br /><http://www.isid.org/ProMEDMail_Donations.shtml><br />************************************************************<br />Visit ProMED-mail's web site at <http://www.promedmail.org>.<br />Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to<br />an individual moderator). If you do not give your full name<br />name and affiliation, it may not be posted. You may unsub-<br />scribe at <http://www.isid.org/promedmail/subscribe.lasso>.<br />For assistance from a human being, send mail to:<br /><postmaster@promedmail.org>.<br />############################################################<br />############################################################Mz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354860022303047325.post-87752573906871564572011-03-04T22:09:00.001-05:002011-03-04T22:12:57.754-05:00New Case of Mad Cow / Alberta, Canada<a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/prairies/mad-cow-disease-found-in-alberta-dairy-cow-cfia/article1930738/">http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/prairies/mad-cow-disease-found-in-alberta-dairy-cow-cfia/article1930738/</a><br /><br />In 2009, we imported over ONE MILLION cows from CanadaMz.Many Nameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03024590325712635526noreply@blogger.com0