EEE / NY / Equine Infection / Human Death

EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS - USA (31): (NEW YORK), EQUINE, HUMAN


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ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: 24 Sep 2010

Source: Syracuse.com [edited]







Two more horses in Onondaga County have tested positive for eastern

equine encephalitis, the county Health Department announced Friday

[24 Sep 2010] afternoon.



The horses, which were kept on Lamson Road in Lysander, became ill

and died on 17 Sep 2010, officials said.



So far, 3 cases of EEE have been confirmed this year [2010] in the

county, officials said. The 1st horse, which was stabled on Oswego

Road in Lysander, was euthanized on 10 Sep 2010.



An Onondaga County resident infected with the virus died earlier this

month [September 2010], the 4th human EEE death in Central New York since 1971.



County health officials Friday [24 Sep 2010] also announced that no

EEE was found among mosquitoes trapped last week and tested this week.



Although EEE cases are rare, the virus is one of the most serious

mosquito-borne diseases. About 1/3rd of people infected with it die.

Most survivors suffer significant brain damage. There is no specific

treatment for EEE, nor is there a human vaccine.



Symptoms can range from a mild flu-like illness to sudden fever,

muscle pains and a headache that's often followed quickly by seizures

and coma. Symptoms can appear within 5-15 days after the bite of an

infected mosquito. EEE is diagnosed through blood or spinal fluid.



Fresh water swamps like the Cicero Swamp are breeding grounds for

EEE-infected mosquitoes. The county conducted aerial spraying of the

swamp earlier this month [September 2010].



Dr. Cynthia Morrow, county health commissioner, urged people to

continue to remain vigilant and to take measures to reduce exposure

to mosquitoes.



She advised residents to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeve

shirts and long pants outdoors, and refrain from outdoor activity

during prime mosquito feeding times at dawn and dusk.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail



[Although this article states that EEE cases are rare, clearly that

is in humans. This year [2010] has seen many equines affected with

this mosquito-borne disease. Mosquitoes transmit the disease to

horses and to people. Horses cannot transmit the disease to other

horses or to humans.



Horses can be given a preventative vaccine, and owners should

consider a spray or wipe-on product manufactured for the horse to

keep flies and mosquitoes off of the animals.



Human beings are encouraged to use mosquito repellant, avoid the

mosquito-prime times of dusk and dawn, to wear long sleeves when out

at these times, and to clean up any location of standing water that

may be a source of mosquito breeding. - Mod.TG]



[It is noteworthy that earlier this month (September 2010), there was

a human fatality from EEE in Onondaga County NY (see prior

ProMED-mail posting Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (27): (NY)

human 20100905.3188), and late last month (August 2010), there was a

report on an equine case of EEE in neighboring Oswego County NY.



For a map of New York State showing counties, see

. - Mod.MPP]



[see also;

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (30): (AL, NE, OH) equine 20100918.3375

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (29): (MI) 20100914.3311

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (28): (MI,FL) 20100907.3202

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (27): (NY) human 20100905.3188

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (26): (MI, FL) equine, human 20100901.3115

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (25): (MA) human 20100830.3089

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (24): (NY, MI) equine, cervid 20100827.3045

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20100807.2691

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

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

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (11): (FL) fatal, human, equine 20100731.2569

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA: (FL) 20100527.1755]

.........................................sb/tg/msp/mpp



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Diseased Cattle Graveyard Declared Safe for Development

ANTHRAX, HISTORIC GRAVESITE ­ RUSSIA (MOSCOW)


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International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: 25 Sep 2010

Source: Pgorod [edited]







In cattle cemetery built sports complex

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

Specialists VyatGU in Russia have proved that the

territory of the former anthrax cattle cemetery poses no danger to residents.



The green area of 1500 square meters [1794 square

yards] on the streets of Moscow, opposite the

House of press "Vyatka," was ownerless for 80

years. The reason: Formerly it had been a burial

site for diseased animals. Two years ago, experts

at the Vyatka State University decided to

investigate what dangers this land presented.



The scientists took 180 soil samples, which were

then sent to the Saratov Institute "Microbe."

Anthrax spores were not detected and so the chief

sanitary doctor Gennady Onishchenko decided to

reduce the sanitary protection zone about the

cattle cemetery from 1500 to 50 sq. meters [60

square yards]. The scientists have proposed to

preserve the 50 sq. meters, and the remaining

1450 sq. meters to be used for the construction

of socially significant University structures.

The university needs a brand new "Polytechnical" sports complex.



Construction on the remaining cattle cemetery

site includes fencing and monitoring conditions.

The action plan includes, inter alia, the

creation of embankments and asphalt. All this is

intended to strengthen the security guarantees

for the facility, said Julia Ageyeva, the spokesperson for VyatGU.



Work on former cattle cemetery site will begin

immediately after the signing of the tripartite

plan between the Vyatka State University,

Rosselkhoznadzor and Rospotrebnadzor. The draft

for area development is being prepared.



[Byline: Helen Siyanovich]



--

Communicated by:

Sabine Zentis

Castleview Pedigree English Longhorns, Gut Laach

52385 Nideggen, Germany





[Over the past 10 years there have been scattered

reports about this historic cattle grave, but

little of any meaning. It is fortunate that it

appears to be safe for development. - Mod.MHJ]



[see also:

Anthrax, livestock - Russia (Chechnya, Moscow, Penza) 20060223.0587]

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



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ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that

are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the

information, and of any statements or opinions based

thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in

using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID

and its associated service providers shall not be held

responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any

damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted

or archived material.

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Is Our Gov't Killing Our Cows? - Anthrax as a Bio-Weapon

http://www.iacsp.com/a9.html

Bovine TB Epidemic in UK Results in Un-Fettered Badger Kills

BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS - UK (03): NEW CONTROL PROGRAM


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A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





[1]

Date: Wed 15 Sep 2010

Source: Defra press release [edited]







Proposals for additional measures to help control bovine tuberculosis

in cattle were published for public consultation today [15 Sep 2010]

by Agriculture Minister Jim Paice.



Defra is consulting on a proposal to issue licences to farmers and

landowners who wish to cull and/or vaccinate badgers at their own

expense. These licences would be subject to strict licence criteria

to ensure badger control is done effectively, humanely and with high

regard for animal welfare.



Jim Paice said: "Bovine TB is having a devastating effect on many

farm businesses and families, especially in the West and South West

of England. Last year [2009], 25 000 cattle were slaughtered because

of the disease, and it cost the taxpayer over GBP 63 million [USD

98.4 million] in England alone."



"We can't go on like this. It's clear that the current approach has

failed to stop the spread of this terrible disease. We need to take

urgent action to halt its spread. No single measure will be enough to

tackle the disease on its own. But the science is clear: there is no

doubt that badgers are a significant reservoir for the disease, and

without taking action to control the disease in them, it will

continue to spread. No country in the world has eradicated bovine TB

without dealing with the reservoir in wildlife. That's why I'm today

[15 Sep 2010] launching a consultation on how we can tackle the

disease in badgers. A decision on our approach will be taken

following the consultation. I intend to publish a comprehensive and

balanced bovine TB eradication programme early in 2011."



The consultation proposes issuing licences under the Protection of

Badgers Act 1992 to enable farmers and landowners to cull badgers, at

their own expense. Under the government's new proposal, they will be

able to use vaccination either on its own or in combination with

culling. Licences would be subject to strict criteria to ensure

culling is carried out effectively, humanely and with high regard to

animal welfare. They will also be asked to explain how they intend to

minimise the negative effect in the surrounding area identified by

the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT). Farmers and landowners

are already able to apply for licences to vaccinate badgers.



Culling will only be allowed in areas where there is a high incidence

of bovine TB in cattle.



Jim Paice added: "I have looked carefully at the potential for using

badger vaccination. Based on veterinary advice and the available

scientific evidence, the government's assessment is that vaccination

on its own will not reduce disease as quickly as culling. However, by

using it in combination with culling, it is possible to maximise the

effectiveness of badger control in reducing bovine TB in cattle."



"Cattle measures will remain central to the government's bovine TB

programme, though some changes are planned to ensure that they are

better targeted on the basis of disease risk. Most existing cattle

measures will remain firmly in place; in some cases, controls will be

tightened where we know there is a higher disease risk, and in some

cases, burdens on farmers will be reduced, but only where we are

confident that this will not increase disease risk." Jim Paice

confirmed that pre-movement testing will remain in place following a

review and announced some minor changes to TB testing that will take

effect immediately.



Further details can be found via

.



Notes



1. The consultation closes on 8 Dec 2010 and can be found at

.



2. Badger culling has the potential to reduce bovine TB in cattle by

rapidly reducing the overall number of infected badgers, thus

reducing the rate of transmission of the disease to cattle. The main

body of evidence on the impact badger culling has on incidence of

bovine TB in cattle is the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT),

which took place between 1998 and 2007. The results of this major

government-funded trial demonstrate that badger culling, done on a

sufficient scale, in a widespread, coordinated and efficient way, and

over a sustained period of time, would reduce the incidence of bovine

TB in cattle in high incidence areas. No other country in the world

with a similar reservoir of bovine TB in wildlife has eradicated TB

from cattle without stringent wildlife control measures.



3. The RBCT showed that incidence of TB in cattle on land immediately

surrounding the culling area increased initially. Over the course of

the trial, this negative effect tailed off, and the latest RBCT

analysis shows that the level of TB in cattle in the surrounding area

is comparable with the un-culled survey-only areas. However, measures

can be put in place to mitigate the negative effects seen in the

surrounding area, such as setting a required minimum area over which

culling must take place and making use of barriers such as coastlines

and major rivers, to limit badger movement. Also badgers in the

surrounding area could be vaccinated.



4. Badger control licences would be subject to strict criteria to

ensure that measures are carried out effectively, humanely, and with

high regard to animal welfare. This will include a requirement that

any culling must take place over a minimum area of 150 sq/km so we

can be confident it will have a net beneficial effect. This means

that we would expect to receive licence applications from groups of

farmers and landowners rather than individuals. Applicants will also

need to demonstrate that they have considered taking further steps to

minimise the potential detrimental effect at the edge of a culling

area.



5. Licences will only permit culling by cage-trapping and shooting,

and by shooting free-running badgers, carried out by trained,

competent operators with appropriate firearms licences. Defra ruled

out gassing and snaring on the basis that we do not have sufficient

evidence to demonstrate that they are humane and effective methods of

culling.



6. The government will fund the cost of the licensing operation and

monitor the effects of the policy. We expect the farming industry to

bear the direct costs of badger control.



7. We will continue to look over the next few months at: Changes to

TB terminology; strengthening controls on high risk unconfirmed

breakdowns; extending the use of gamma interferon testing to all

confirmed breakdown herds in the 2-year testing areas; providing

better support for TB restricted farmers by enhancing their options

for selling surplus stock.



8. In 2009/10, controlling bovine TB cost the taxpayer GBP 63 million

[USD 98.4 million] in England. An additional GBP 8.9 million [USD

13.9 million] was spent on research.



--

Communicated by:

Sabine Zentis

Gut Laach

52385 Nideggen, Germany





******

[2]

Date: Wed 15 Sep 010

Source: Written Ministerial Statement [edited]







Bovine Tuberculosis, by the Minister of State for Agriculture and

Food (Jim Paice)

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

Bovine TB is having a devastating effect on many farm businesses and

families. The situation is steadily getting worse; the number of

animals slaughtered each year is unacceptable, and more farms are

affected as the disease spreads across the country. The area of

England affected by bovine TB has grown from isolated pockets in the

late 1980s to cover large areas of the West and South West of

England. 6.4 percent of herds in England were under bovine TB

restriction at the end of 2009. The figure was 14.3 percent in the

South West. In 2009, over 25 000 cattle were slaughtered due to TB in

England.



The cost to government of controlling bovine TB in England was over

GBP 63 million [USD 98.4] in 2009/10 (excluding scientific research).

These costs are rising year by year, and there is a strong case for

early effective action to turn this around. Furthermore, this has

been raised as a concern by others across Europe, and we are under

increasing pressure from the European Commission to strengthen our

controls.



Eradicating bovine TB is our long term goal, but it is clear that the

approach to date has failed. We need to take additional measures

urgently to stop the disease spreading and to start to reverse the

rising trend. The farming industry, veterinary profession and

government need to work in partnership to achieve this.



There is no single solution to tackling bovine TB; we need to use

every tool in the toolbox. Cattle measures will remain the foundation

of our bovine TB control programme, but we will not succeed in

eliminating the disease in cattle unless we also tackle the disease

in badgers. The science is clear; there is no doubt that badgers are

a reservoir of the disease and transmit bovine TB to cattle. No other

country in the world with a similar reservoir in wildlife has

eradicated TB from cattle without stringent wildlife control measures.



That is why the Coalition Government has committed, as part of a

package of measures, to develop affordable options for a

carefully-managed and science-led policy of badger control in areas

with high and persistent levels of bovine TB in cattle. I am today

[15 Sep 2010] launching a consultation on the government's proposed

approach to badger control in England.



Badger culling has the potential to reduce bovine TB in cattle by

rapidly reducing the overall number of infected badgers, thus

reducing the rate of transmission of the disease to cattle. The main

body of evidence on the impact badger culling has on incidence of

bovine TB in cattle is the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT)

which took place between 1998 and 2007. The results of this major

government-funded trial demonstrate that badger culling, done on a

sufficient scale, in a widespread, coordinated and efficient way, and

over a sustained period of time, would reduce the incidence of bovine

TB in cattle in high incidence areas. Analysis of the results

covering the whole period from the beginning of culling to July 2010

show that the beneficial effects of culling persist over this time

and that the initial detrimental effect seen at the edge of the

culled area had disappeared by 12-18 months after culling stopped.



The proposal on which I am launching the consultation today [15 Sep

2010] is to issue licences under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992

to enable farmers and landowners to cull badgers, at their own

expense. Under existing arrangements, farmers and landowners are

already able to apply for licences to vaccinate badgers. Under the

government's new proposal, they will be able to use vaccination

either on its own or in combination with culling. The government's

proposal will empower farmers to take control of reducing the risks

of transmission from the wildlife reservoir at the local level.



Licences would be subject to strict criteria to ensure that the

badger control measures are carried out effectively, humanely, and

with high regard to animal welfare. This will include a requirement

that any culling must take place over a minimum area of 150 square km

so we can be confident it will have a net beneficial effect. This

means that we would expect to receive licence applications from

groups of farmers and landowners rather than individuals. Applicants

will also need to demonstrate that they have considered taking

further steps to minimise the potential detrimental effect at the

edge of a culling area. Culling licences will only permit culling by

cage-trapping and shooting, and by shooting free-running badgers,

carried out by trained, competent operators with the appropriate

licences. We have ruled out gassing and snaring on the basis that we

do not currently have sufficient evidence to demonstrate that they

are humane and effective methods of culling.



I have looked carefully at the potential for using badger

vaccination. Based on veterinary advice and the available scientific

evidence my assessment is that vaccination will not be as effective

as culling in quickly lowering the weight of infection in the badger

population. Vaccination does not guarantee that all badgers are fully

protected from infection, and it would take some time to develop

immunity within a local population. In addition, the fact that the

1st injectable badger vaccine was only licensed in March 2010 means

that there is only very limited experience of using vaccination in

the field and no hard evidence on the contribution badger vaccination

would make to reducing the disease in cattle. However, vaccination is

still likely to reduce disease risk and have greater disease control

benefits than taking no action to tackle bovine TB in badgers. In

addition, when used in combination with culling, vaccination could

help to mitigate the perturbation effects of cul!

ling.



The government's highest priority is to reduce the deficit, and it is

vital that any new policy is affordable. This is why we expect the

farming industry to bear the direct costs of badger control.

Government will fund the licensing operation and monitor the impacts

of the policy.



I do not approach these issues lightly. No one wants to kill badgers,

but the scientific evidence and veterinary advice clearly suggests

that this is the quickest and most effective way to bring down the

weight of infection in the badger population and in turn reduce the

rate of transmission of bovine TB to cattle. We also don't want to

see culling for longer than is necessary, and we intend to review how

the policy is working after 4 years.



I have met with the Badger Trust and separately with other interested

stakeholders to explain the evidence and rationale behind the

proposal. All have been offered the opportunity to discuss the

consultation in further detail with Defra.



The consultation is available on Defra's website

()

from today [15 Sep 2010] and will close on 8 Dec 2010. A decision on

this policy will be made early in 2011, taking account of views

provided during this consultation and the available scientific and

economic evidence.



The consultation document also highlights that we are planning a

number of changes to existing cattle measures to ensure that they are

better targeted on the basis of disease risk. Most existing cattle

measures will remain firmly in place; in some cases, we will be

looking to tighten controls where we know there is a higher disease

risk; and in some cases we will be looking to reduce burdens on

farmers, but only where we are confident that this will not increase

disease risk.



I am today [15 Sep 2010] publishing the report of a review of

pre-movement testing which is available on the Defra website

().

This has concluded that the current policy has been successful in

reducing bovine TB spread, provided a significant benefit for the

taxpayer and a net benefit for the farming industry. The pre-movement

testing policy will, therefore, remain in place, though we plan to

look again at the current exemptions to see whether they are still

necessary.



We will be making some minor changes to TB testing with immediate

effect. These include reducing the testing of new and reformed herds,

stopping the testing of young calves, rationalising post-breakdown

testing in low-risk herds where bovine TB is not confirmed and

rationalising the testing of herds neighbouring a confirmed TB

breakdown. These changes will reduce costs to the taxpayer and the

burden on farmers without increasing disease risk, and will ensure we

are not gold-plating EU legal requirements.



Over the next few months, I also intend to make changes to TB

terminology, strengthen controls on high risk unconfirmed breakdowns,

reduce the number of tracing tests and extend the use of gamma

interferon testing to all confirmed breakdown herds in the 2 yearly

testing areas. And I will ensure better support for TB restricted

cattle farmers by enhancing their options for selling surplus stock.

Further details of these changes will be announced in due course.



The Coalition Government is committed to dealing with this terrible

disease and reducing its burden on farmers and the taxpayer as

quickly as possible. A decision on our approach will be taken

following the consultation on badger control being launched today [15

Sep 2010]. I intend to publish a comprehensive and balanced bovine TB

eradication programme early in 2011.



--

Communicated by:

Sabine Zentis

Gut Laach

52385 Nideggen, Germany





******

[3]

Date: Wed 15 Sep 2010

Source: The Telegraph [edited]







Allowing farmers to cull badgers on their land was never going to be

a popular political decision, and it's no surprise that the new

government has made the move at this early stage of parliament: an

election is sufficiently far away that much of the popular disquiet

will have calmed down by then.



The outcry against badger culling is not based on the threat to the

species: there's no shortage of badgers in the United Kingdom. Recent

estimates have put the population at 250 000 adults, with around 172

000 cubs being born each spring. The anger is based instead on an

understandable concern for the individual animals rather than any

conservation-based risk to the species.



The plans have been made after a sharp rise in tuberculosis in

cattle, which is thought to be spread by badgers. But how big a

problem is bovine TB? Historically, the main issue has been the risk

to humans, not to animals. In the 1930's, 2500 people were dying

annually from the disease. Around 9000 people are currently infected

with TB every year in the UK, but most of these cases are now caused

by the human TB bug (_Mycobacterium tuberculosis_). The government

bovine TB control strategy has been highly effective, with less than

one per cent of all confirmed cases of TB in humans now due to

infection with _Mycobacterium bovis_ (Bovine TB). Yet the disease has

proven stubbornly difficult to eradicate completely from the national

herd, and in recent years, the incidence has been increasing.



There's been huge controversy over the role of badgers in the spread

of bovine TB (bTB), with successive studies producing apparently

contradictory results. Yes, badgers are definitely involved in

spreading the disease, but no, killing them does not always improve

the situation. If healthy badgers are killed in a TB-free area,

infected badgers may wander into the newly vacated niche, bringing TB

with them. Badger-lovers argue that this means that any culling of

badgers is not justified. Others reach a different conclusion: if

badger culling is carried out, it just needs to be planned carefully

so that it doesn't make things worse.



Over a year ago, the British Veterinary Association established a new

policy approving of the culling of badgers in specific circumstances,

based on their experts' best assessment of all the evidence

available. The BVA justified its decision with logical bullet points,

paraphrased as follows:



1. The continuing spread of bTB within cattle and wildlife has an

unacceptable impact on animal health and welfare and has the

potential for being a risk to public health.



2. Cost-effective control and eradication of bTB from cattle and

wildlife populations must be the ultimate aim. Further action must be

taken immediately to reverse the increasing prevalence of TB in

cattle.



3. Control measures in cattle must be accompanied by simultaneous and

coordinated measures in badgers and other wildlife and susceptible

farmed species.



4. In certain circumstances, targeted and managed badger culling is

necessary in carefully selected areas where badgers are regarded as a

significant contributor to the persistent presence of bTB. The

methods employed by this control must be humane.



The danger of today's headlines ("Farmers to get all clear to cull

badgers") is that an uncontrolled anti-badger pogrom may be

unleashed. Healthy badgers may be killed in areas without TB, leading

to the inwards migration of TB-carrying badgers from neighbouring

areas.



If the unsavoury task of killing badgers has to be done, it must only

be done in a calculated, careful way with close veterinary

supervision. And the results must be monitored, so that if, after

all, it is not effective, it must be stopped.



In the meantime, efforts need to continue to produce an effective

oral vaccine for badgers; once this is available, old Brock can

finally be left to live in peace.



[Byline: Pete Wedderburn]



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail



[Subscribers are referred to the 8 Apr 2009 Final Report of the

Bovine TB Advisory Group, presented to UK's Minister for Farming and

the Environment, and the chief veterinary officer for Defra,

available at

.



The conclusions (page 4) included the following point 8, with which

we fully concurred (see archived 20090707.2443):



"Given the current rate of spread of TB, we are concerned there may

be over-reliance on a future vaccination programme (cattle and

badgers); this should not negate the urgent need for measures to

tackle the problem now." - Mod.AS]



[see also:

Bovine tuberculosis - UK: (England), wild boar 20100522.1703

Bovine tuberculosis - UK: (England) sheep 20100319.0879

2009

----

Bovine tuberculosis, human - UK: (England) 20090808.2815

Bovine tuberculosis - UK (05): (England) alpaca 20090730.2667

Bovine tuberculosis - UK (04): badger vaccination 20090707.2443

Bovine tuberculosis - UK (03): increased incidence 20090514.1809

Bovine tuberculosis - UK, New Zealand: vaccination 20090325.1160

Bovine tuberculosis - UK (02): (Wales) 20090323.1143

Tuberculosis, bovine - UK: (02) 20090320.1121

Tuberculosis, bovine - UK: (Wales) 20090107.0066

2008

----

Bovine tuberculosis, feline - UK (02) 20081126.3722

Bovine tuberculosis - UK: increased incidence 20081123.3696

Bovine tuberculosis, domestic animals - UK (03): 2005-2006 20081114.3594

Bovine tuberculosis, domestic animals - UK (02) 20081112.3565

Bovine tuberculosis, domestic animals - UK 20081111.3551

Bovine tuberculosis, feline - UK 20081005.3141

Bovine tuberculosis, human, canine - UK: (England) (02) 20080927.3054

Bovine tuberculosis, human, canine - UK: (England) 20080903.2751

Bovine tuberculosis, caprine - UK: (Wales) 20080723.2229

Bovine tuberculosis - UK, Ireland, Netherlands ex UK 20080718.2186

2006

----

Bovine tuberculosis, human - UK (England) (02) 20061015.2967

Bovine tuberculosis, human - UK (England) 20061009.2896

2004

----

Bovine tuberculosis, human - UK (Gloucestershire) (02) 20040716.1930

Bovine tuberculosis, human - UK (Gloucestershire) 20040714.1890]

................................................arn/msp/lm



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using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID

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or archived material.

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Russia Dumps 200 Tonnes of Anthrax Tainted Horsemeat

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, EQUINE - RUSSIA (02): (OMSK) DUMPLINGS DUMPED


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

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: 14 Sep 2010

Source: Itar-Tass [edited]

http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=15489745&PageNum=0



Some 200 tons of convenience foods to be disposed over anthrax threat

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

About 200 tons of convenience foods that might contain anthrax

bacillus will be disposed of in Russia's cities of Omsk,

Khanty-Mansiisk, Tver, Surgut, and others.



Chief sanitarian doctor for Russia's Omsk region Alexander Kriga on

Monday [13 Sep 2010] ordered [the disposal] of more than 195 tons of

meat-stuffed convenience foods produced in the period from 13 Jul

through 6 Aug 2010 by the Darina company and 2 more private

enterprises. The companies used horse meat bought from the Aitenov

farm, where anthrax cases were reported among horses. Moreover, 6

farm workers were reported to catch the disease, and one of them died.



According to Kriga, subject to disposal will also [cover] prepared

foods made from meats other than horse meat but manufactured within

the same time span and with the use of the same equipment.

"Practically all our resolutions are challenged at courts but the

claimants lose every one of them," he noted.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail





[Back in late July/early August 2010 some 127 people were under

observation and preventive prophylaxis, and 6 were hospitalized with

one death. Then the Russian press mentioned some 2.5 metric tons of

horse meat had been identified as possibly contaminated. Products

manufactured between 13 Jul and 28 Jul 2010 were then identified for

destruction. Plus 14.3 tons had been shipped to Nizhnevartovsk

[Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region], about 11 tons to Tver and

Khanty-Mansiysk, and 500 pounds to Moscow. Patently the problem is

much larger than originally considered. - Mod.MHJ]



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

- CopyEd.EJP]



[see also:

Anthrax, human, equine - Russia: (OM) dumplings 20100805.2644

2009

----

Anthrax, human, equine - Russia: (Bashkortostan) 20090113.0141

2008

----

Anthrax, human, equine - Russia (03): (Bashkortostan) 20081123.3699

Anthrax, human, equine - Russia (02): (Bashkortostan) 20080907.2789

Anthrax, human, equine - Russia: (RB) 20080830.2720]

....................sb/mhj/ejp/lm



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EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA - UK (02): ENGLAND, FRANCE, OIE

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

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





In this update:

[1] Equine infectious anemia, UK - Devon

[2} Equine infectious anemia, UK - Northumberland

[3] Equine infectious anemia, France



******

[1] Equine infectious anemia, UK - Devon

Date: 14 Sep 2010

Source: OIE WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database) Disease

Information 2010; 23(37) [edited]







Equine infectious anaemia, United Kingdom

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

Information received on 13 Sep 2010 from Dr Nigel Gibbens, Chief

Veterinary Officer, Department for Environment, Food and Rural

Affairs, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, London,

United Kingdom



Summary

Report type: Immediate notification

Start date 08 Sep 2010

Date of 1st confirmation of the event 11 Sep 2010

Report date 13 Sep 2010

Date submitted to OIE 13 Sep 2010

Reason for notification: Reoccurrence of a listed disease

Date of previous occurrence 30 Apr 2010

Manifestation of disease: Clinical disease

Causal agent: Equine infectious anaemia virus

Nature of diagnosis: Laboratory (advanced)

This event pertains to a defined zone within the country



New outbreaks

Outbreak 1 (IDHR 2010/14) Highampton, Beaworth, Devon, England

Date of start of the outbreak 08 Sep 2010

Outbreak status: Continuing (or date resolved not provided)

Epidemiological unit: Farm

Species Equidae

Susceptible 3

Cases 1

Deaths O

Destroyed 1

Slaughtered O

Affected Population: The affected horse is a 6-year-old gelding

housed at a private farm. The horse was anemic with raised

temperature and ventral edema. 2 other horses are also present on the

premises, but show no clinical signs.



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

Unknown or inconclusive



Epidemiological comments: The EIA positive horse has been on the farm

since summer 2008 when it was imported into the United Kingdom. The

suspected case was reported by the private veterinarian due to

clinical illness and severe anemia. The horse was also found to be

positive for piroplasmosis. None of the other horses showed any

clinical signs. A full epidemiology inquiry is being carried out.



The infected horse was sampled on 9 Sep 2010. The horse was humanely

destroyed on 11 Sep 2010. The premises including any remaining horses

have been placed under restrictions and the horses have been sampled.



Control measures - Measures applied: Quarantine; Movement control

inside the country; Disinfection of infected

premises/establishment(s); Dipping / Spraying; Modified stamping out;

No vaccination; No treatment of affected animals



Measures to be applied - Screening.



Diagnostic test results

Laboratory name and type: Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA),

Weybridge (National laboratory)

Species Equidae

Test Coggin's test

Test date 11 Sep 2010

Result Positive



Future Reporting

The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail





*****

[2} Equine infectious anemia, UK - Northumberland

Date: 7 Sep 2010

Source: OIE WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database) Disease

Information 2010; 23(37) [edited]







Equine infectious anaemia, United Kingdom

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

Information received on 07 Sep 2010 from Dr Nigel Gibbens, Chief

Veterinary Officer, Department for Environment, Food and Rural

Affairs, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, London,

United Kingdom



Summary

Report type: Immediate notification

Start date 01 Sep 2010

Date of 1st confirmation of the event 06 Sep 2010

Report date 07 Sep 2010

Date submitted to OIE 07 Sep 2010

Reason for notification: Reoccurrence of a listed disease

Date of previous occurrence 30 Apr 2010

Manifestation of disease: Sub-clinical infection

Causal agent: Equine infectious anaemia virus

Nature of diagnosis: Laboratory (advanced)

This event pertains to a defined zone within the country

Related reports



Immediate notification (07 Sep 2010)

Follow-up report No. 1 (10 Sep 2010)



New outbreaks

Outbreak 1 Ashington, Northumberland, England

Date of start of the outbreak 01 Sep 2010

Outbreak status: Continuing (or date resolved not provided)

Epidemiological unit: Farm

Species: Equidae

Susceptible 17

Cases 1

Deaths O

Destroyed 1

Slaughtered O

Affected Population There were 17 non-thoroughbred horses on the

premises, including 6 imported from the Netherlands. One of the

imported horses tested positive for EIA and was humanely destroyed in

the afternoon of 7 Sep 2010. The remaining 16 horses are housed in

stable boxes and one in a loose yard. None are at grass.



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

Introduction of new live animals

Legal movement of animals



Epidemiological comments: The horses were introduced to the United

Kingdom as legal imports on 15 Aug 2010. They were subjected to a

documentary, identity and physical checks as part of routine

post-import testing. These checks disclosed documentary

irregularities and as a result of this the horses were sampled for

EIA on 1 Sep 2010. One horse was confirmed as positive for EIA by

AGID (Coggin's) test and the premises and all horses on it have been

placed under restriction. The remaining 5 imported horses were

confirmed negative by AGID. All horses on the premises are being

sampled and tested today (7 Sept 2010). The veterinary epidemiology

inquiry is on-going.



Control measures - Measures applied: Quarantine; Movement control

inside the country; Disinfection of infected

premises/establishment(s); No vaccination; No treatment of affected

animals



Measures to be applied - Screening



Laboratory name and type: Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Weybridge

(National laboratory)

Species Equidae

Test Coggin's test

Test date 06 Sep 2010

Result Positive



Future Reporting: The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports

will be submitted.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail





********

[3] Equine infectious anemia, France

Date: 14 Sep 2010

Source: OIE WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database) Disease

Information 2010; 23(37) [edited]







Equine infectious anaemia, France

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

Information received on 14 Sep 2010 from Dr Jean Luc Angot, Directeur

General Adjoint, Direction Generale de l'Alimentation, Ministere de

l'Agriculture et de la Peche, Paris, France



Summary

Report type: Immediate notification

Start date 07 Sep 2010

Date of 1st confirmation of the event 07 Sep 2010

Report date 14 Sep 2010

Date submitted to OIE 14 Sep 2010

Reason for notification:Reoccurrence of a listed disease

Date of previous occurrence December 2009

Manifestation of disease: Sub-clinical infection

Causal agent:Equine infectious anemia virus

Nature of diagnosis: Laboratory (advanced)

This event pertains to a defined zone within the country



New outbreaks

Outbreak 1 Steenvoorde, Nord

Date of start of the outbreak 07 Sep 2010

Outbreak status: Continuing (or date resolved not provided)

Epidemiological unit: Farm

Affected animals

Species: Equidae

Susceptible 40

Cases 3

Deaths O

Destroyed 0

Slaughtered O

Affected Population The affected farm is a farm producing mare's milk

for human consumption. The infected animals have been isolated and

will be euthanized in the following days. Control measures have been

imposed on the farm, including movement control and testing of all

horses in the holding.



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

Introduction of new live animals; Legal movement of animals



Epidemiological comments: The 3 infected horses were introduced in

France from Romania in April 2008.



No clinical signs were observed and affected animals were detected as

part of an epidemiological investigation targeting horses at risk of

equine infectious anemia (horses imported into France from Romania

since 1 Jan 2007).



Control measures - Measures applied; Movement control inside the

country; No vaccination; No treatment of affected animals



Measures to be applied - Control of arthropods; Quarantine;

Screening; Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s);

Modified stamping out.



Laboratory name and type: ANSES (National Food Security Agency),

Dozule (National laboratory)

Species Equidae

Test Coggin's test

Test date 07 Sep 2010

Result Positive



Future Reporting

The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail





[The full epidemiologic report for the outbreak in Devon will be of

great interest because of the previous outbreak of EIA reported

earlier this month in Northumberland. It and subsequent follow-up

reports will be of continuing interest as it is unclear whether there

is any connection to Romanian origin horses, either directly or via

the Netherlands.



The same question applies to the French outbreak, as there are

documented cases of EIA being exported to Germany and the UK from

Romania this year. Given the harsh report of the European Commission,

Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) -- see Equine infectious anemia -

Romania: control deficiencies 20100914.3313 -- after their mission to

Romania, one would have to presume that Romanian horses are somehow

involved. Good shoe leather epidemiology in terms of traceback of

exposed horses and movement of horses through different European

countries is of the utmost importance at this time because equine

infectious anemia is a very unforgiving disease, best dealt with by

humane euthanasia of infected animals because of their potential to

spread the disease to other nearby horses. - Mod.PC]



[see also:

Equine infectious anemia - Romania: control deficiencies 20100914.3313

Equine infectious anemia - UK: England, Devon 20100912.3298

Equine infectious anemia - Netherlands: (GE) RFI 20100909.3250

Equine infectious anemia - Germany (03): (HE) ex Romania 20100908.3232

Equine infectious anemia - Germany (02): (HE) OIE 20100904.3180

Equine infectious anemia: resources available 20100415.1226

Equine infectious anemia - UK ex Romania via Belgium: RFI 20100209.0439

Equine infectious anemia - Belgium: (WV) OIE 20100203.0371

Equine infectious anemia: UK ex Romania 20100121.0235]

...................sb/pc/ejp/lm



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ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that

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thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in

using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID

and its associated service providers shall not be held

responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any

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or archived material.

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EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS - USA (29): (MICHIGAN)

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

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: Mon 13 Sep 2010

Source: The Oakland Press, Associated Press (AP) report [edited]







Health officials are reminding people to be vigilant about taking

steps to prevent the spread of eastern equine encephalitis in

Michigan.



The Kalamazoo Gazette reports there have been recent reports of 7

more dead horses from the disease. They include 2 in Calhoun County

and 1 each in Allegan, Kalamazoo, Jackson, Eaton, and Shiawassee

counties.



Lab testing in recent months has confirmed 42 Michigan horses with

the mosquito borne disease. Another 77 have been diagnosed with

clinical signs.



The disease is rare but can be deadly among humans. Last month

[August 2010], Michigan health officials reported that lab tests

confirmed that 3 people contracted the disease.



Health officials say people should take steps to avoid being bitten

by mosquitoes and horses should be vaccinated.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail





[The state of Michigan in the Great Lakes Region of the US can be

located on the HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map at

.

The counties mentioned are located in southern Michigan and can be

seen on the map at

.



Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is preventable. In horses, it

requires at least 2 initial vaccinations and then boosters every 6

months in areas likely to have active disease. The protective titer

of the EEE vaccine wanes quicker than other equine encephalitis

titers.



Mosquito repellents made for horses can be used on the animals in

accordance with the label directions.



Human beings should dress accordingly, wearing long sleeves, avoiding

dusk and dawn exposure when mosquitoes may be more active, and using

insect repellant with DEET. Elimination of mosquito breeding sites is

critical to reducing the mosquito population. Small puddles, such as

those inside of an old tire, or a constant puddle in the garden or

flower bed, or even unclean water buckets for pets or horses can

serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.



The disease is generally preventable in human beings and in pets. - Mod.TG]



[see also:

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (28): (MI, FL) 20100907.3202

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (26): (MI, FL) equine, human 20100901.3115

Eastern equine encephalitis - USA (24): (NY, MI) equine, cervid 20100827.3045

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

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

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

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

...................................sb/tg/mj/lm



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

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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

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Dead Animal Flesh in Your Heart?

Other uses for dead animal parts besides food; http://www.maverickbio.com/biological-medical-device-materials.php?Heart-Valve-Materials-1

PRION DISEASE UPDATE 2010 (08) / New Strain Found

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

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 6

Sep 2010 -- no new vCJD cases

[2] France: Institut de Veille Sanitaire -- monthly statistics as of Wed 1

Sep 2010 -- no new vCJD cases

[3] USA - National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center -- Sat 31

Aug 2010

[4] New sporadic prion disease



******

[1] UK: National CJD Surveillance Unit -- monthly statistics as of Mon 6

Sep 2010 -- no new vCJD cases

Date: Mon 6 Sep 2010

Source: UK National CJD Surveillance Unit, monthly statistics [edited]







The number of deaths due to definite or probable vCJD cases remains 169. A

total of 4 definite/probable patients are still alive so that the total

number of definite or probable vCJD cases is still 173. So far, 2

fatalities have been recorded in 2010.



Although 3 new deaths due to vCJD were recorded in 2009 and 2 deaths so far

in 2010, the overall picture is still consistent with the view that the

vCJD outbreak in the UK is in decline, albeit now with a pronounced tail.

The 1st cases were observed in 1995, and the peak number of deaths was 28

in the year 2000, followed by 20 in 2001, 17 in 2002, 18 in 2003, 9 in

2004, 5 in 2005, 5 in 2006, 5 in 2007, one in 2008, 3 in 2009, and now 2 so

far in 2010.



Totals for all types of CJD cases in the UK so far in the year 2010

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

During the 1st 8 months of 2010, there have been 95 referrals, 29 fatal

cases of sporadic CJD, 2 fatal cases of vCJD, 2 cases of iatrogenic CJD,

and single cases of familial CJD and GSS.



--

communicated by:

ProMED-mail





******

[2] France: Institut de Veille Sanitaire -- monthly statistics as of 1 Sep

2010 -- no new vCJD cases

Date: Wed 1 Sep 2010

Source: IVS - Maladie de Creutzfeldt-Jakob et maladies apparentees [in

French, trans. & summ. Mod.CP, edited]







During the 1st 8 months of 2010, there were 1090 referrals, 47 confirmed

cases of sporadic CJD, one case of familial CJD, and no cases of iatrogenic

CJD or vCJD.



A total of 25 cases of confirmed or probable vCJD have now 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 so far in 2010.



The 25 confirmed cases comprise 13 females and 12 males. All 25 are now

deceased. Their median age is 37 (between 19 and 58). 7 were resident in

the Ile-de-France and 18 in the provinces. All the identified cases have

been Met-Met homozygotes. No risk factor has been identified. One of the 25

had made frequent visits to the United Kingdom.



--

communicated by:

ProMED-mail





******

[3] USA - NPDPSC 31 Aug 2010 -- no indigenous vCJD cases

Date: Sat 31 Aug 2010

Source: US National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center [edited]







During the 8 month period 1 Jan 2010 to 31 Aug 2010, there were 204

referrals, 124 of whom were classified as prion disease, comprising 85

cases of sporadic CJD, 20 of familial CJD, and no cases of iatrogenic CJD

or vCJD.



Since 1996 when records began there have been 3702 referrals, of which 2177

were classified as prion disease, comprising 1834 cases of sporadic CJD,

315 of familial CJD, 4 of iatrogenic CJD, and 3 of vCJD. The 3 cases of

VCJD, 2 were considered to have been contracted in in the United Kingdom

and one Saudi Arabia. The prion disease category includes 21 (19 in 2010)

cases with type determination pending in which vCJD has been excluded.



[There is a striking difference in the frequency of familial (genetic) CJD

in the three countries. In the UK familial CJD accounts for about 5 per

cent of all cases of CJD, in France it is about 2.4 to 5 per cent, whereas

in the USA it is 16 per cent. The relevant demographic and/or genetic

factors merit investigation. - Mod.CP]



--

communicated by:

ProMED-mail





******

[4] New sporadic prion disease

Date: Fri 13 Aug 2010

Source: Science Daily [edited]







New sporadic prion protein disease:

variably protease-sensitive prionopathy shares genotype characteristics

with Creutzfeldt-Jakob

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

A new sporadic prion protein disease has been discovered. Variably

protease-sensitive prionopathy (VPSPr), as it has been named, is the 2nd

type of complete sporadic disease to be identified since Creutzfeldt-Jakob

disease (CJD) was reported in the 1920s. The landmark finding from the

National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center at Case Western

Reserve University is published in the August [2010] issue of Annals of

Neurology [see abstract below].



Normally, the human prion protein gene comes in 3 types due to its

capability to encode prion proteins that contain only the amino acid

methionine, commonly identified as M, both methionine and valine, commonly

identified as V, or only for the amino acid valine at position 129.

Therefore, when it comes to the prion protein gene unaffected people can be

identified as 129MM, 129MV or 129VV. Sporadic CJD (sCJD), which is the most

common human prion disease, can affect patients who have any one of the 3

types of the prion protein gene.



In 2008, Pierluigi Gambetti and Wen-Quan Zou, with collaborators, reported

the discovery of this novel disease, which affected patients who exhibit

only one of the 3 types of the prion protein gene. In this follow-up study,

they discovered that all 3 genetic groups can be affected also by this

novel disease which now joins sCJD in displaying this feature. However,

VPSPr is associated with an abnormal prion protein that exhibits

characteristics very different from those of sCJD, as well as other prion

diseases, suggesting that it may be caused by a different mechanism,

perhaps more akin to other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's

disease. This finding may exemplify, for the 1st time, the possibility that

the prion protein affects the brain with different mechanisms.



While examining cases received at the National Prion Disease Pathology

Surveillance Center where he is the director, Dr Gambetti observed that a

subset of cases had clinical and pathological features quite different from

those of all known types of human prion diseases. Further, after being

tested for prion proteins via the Western blot [technique] -- the gold

standard of prion disease diagnosis -- the cases were negative. Dr Gambetti

then collaborated with Dr Zou, associate director at the center, to solve

the riddle of a disease that exhibited some features of a prion disease in

histopathological examination but was negative using the standard Western

blot test.



Dr Zou's lab performed a full characterization of the disease and

discovered that the VPSPr-associated abnormal prion protein formed a

ladder-like electrophoretic profile on Western blotting. "When I obtained

the 1st Western blot result of these cases with a different antibody

against prions, I was surprised that these cases consistently exhibited

this particular profile; one that I had never seen in my more than 10 years

of work on human prion diseases," Dr Zou, assistant professor of pathology

at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, recalls. This ladder-like

profile is quite distinctive and very different from the profile of common

prion diseases. "Discovery of this unique type of prion provides solid

evidence that this novel disease may possess a pathogenesis that is

different from that of the major prion diseases currently known," Dr Zou adds.



Despite extensive research, a relatively large group of neurodegenerative

diseases associated with dementia remain undefined. Before being discovered

and characterized, VPSPr was one of the undefined dementing diseases. The

discovery of VPSPr is chipping away at that group. In the 2 years since its

discovery, more than 30 cases have been reported.



"If, as the current evidence indicates, the VPSPr mechanism of affecting

the brain is different from that of other sporadic prion diseases, such as

sCJD, the discovery of VPSPr would also provide the 1st example that the

prion protein may spontaneously damage the brain with different

mechanisms," concludes Dr Gambetti, professor of pathology at Case Western

Reserve School of Medicine. "This might apply to other dementing illnesses

as well, and has implications for the strategies that need to be followed

to attain a cure."



Drs Gambetti and Zou, along with their extensive research team, plan to

further characterize the abnormal prion protein associated with VPSPr as

well as other important features of the protein, such as the disease's

propensity for transmission upon inoculation and its replication in test

tubes. These features in VPSPr will be compared with those of sCJD to

obtain a complete picture of how the abnormal prion protein attacks the

brain in these 2 diseases.



--

communicated by:

ProMED-mail rapporteur Mary Marshall



[The following is the reference for the paper discussed above followed by

the authors' abstract:

Zou WQ, Puoti G, Xiao X, Yuan J, Qing L, Cali I, et al. Variably

protease-sensitive prionopathy: A new sporadic disease of the prion

protein. Ann Neurol. 2010 Aug;68(2):162-72.

().



Department of Pathology, National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance

Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.



Abstract

--------

Objective: The objective of the study is to report 2 new genotypic forms of

protease-sensitive prionopathy (PSPr), a novel prion disease described in

2008, in 11 subjects all homozygous for valine at codon 129 of the prion

protein (PrP) gene (129VV). The 2 new PSPr forms affect individuals who are

either homozygous for methionine (129MM) or heterozygous for

methionine/valine (129MV).

Methods: A total of 15 affected subjects with 129MM, 129MV, and 129VV

underwent comparative evaluation at the National Prion Disease Pathology

Surveillance Center for clinical, histopathologic, immunohistochemical,

genotypical, and PrP characteristics.

Results: Disease duration (between 22 and 45 months) was significantly

different in the 129VV and 129MV subjects. Most other phenotypic features

along with the PrP electrophoretic profile were similar but distinguishable

in the 3 129 genotypes. A major difference laid in the sensitivity to

protease digestion of the disease-associated PrP, which was high in 129VV

but much lower, or altogether lacking, in 129MV and 129MM. This difference

prompted the substitution of the original designation with "variably

protease- sensitive prionopathy" (VPSPr). None of the subjects had

mutations in the PrP gene coding region.

Interpretation: Because all 3 129 genotypes are involved, and are

associated with distinguishable phenotypes, VPSPr becomes the 2nd sporadic

prion protein disease with this feature after Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease,

originally reported in 1920. However, the characteristics of the abnormal

prion protein suggest that VPSPr is different from typical prion diseases,

and perhaps more akin to subtypes of Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease.



VPSPr is not linked to eating infected meat. However, like CJD, the new

condition happens sporadically. It was 1st identified because of the

fast-advancing form of dementia seen in those affected. They were also

unable to speak or move. But tests for CJD proved negative. Further

molecular examination as described above has shown VPSPr was a prion

disease, but one which looked very different to those already known. - Mod.CP]



[see also:

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

2009

---

Prion disease update 2009 (10) 20091103.3784

vCJD - Italy: susp. 20091024.3671

Prion disease update 2009 (09) 20091005.3461

Prion disease update 2009 (08) 20090908.3170

Prion disease update 2009 (07) 20090806.2783

Prion disease update 2009 (06) 20090706.2433

Prion disease update 2009 (05) 20090602.2054

Prion disease update 2009 (04) 20090406.1337

vCJD, 5th death - Spain (Cantabria) 20090307.0953

Prion disease update 2009 (03) 20090305.0918

Prion disease update 2009 (02) 20090202.0463

Prion disease update 2009 (01) 20090108.0076

2008

---

Prion disease update 2008 (14): new vCJD wave imminent? 20081218.3980

Prion disease update 2008 (13) 20081201.3780

Prion disease update 2008 (12) 20081103.345

Prion disease update 2008 (11) 20081006.3159

vCJD, mother & son - Spain: (Leon) 20080926.3051

Prion disease update 2008 (10) 20080902.2742

vCJD - Spain: susp. 20080410.1311

Prion disease update 2008 (05) 20080408.1285

Prion disease update 2008 (01): correction 20080104.0046

Prion disease update 2008 (01) 20080102.0014

2007

---

Prion disease update 2007 (08) 20071205.3923

Prion disease update 2007 (07) 20071105.3602

Prion disease update 2007 (06) 20071003.3269

Prion disease update 2007 (05) 20070901.2879

Prion disease update 2007 (04) 20070806.2560

Prion disease update 2007 (03) 20070702.2112

Prion disease update 2007 (02) 20070604.1812

Prion disease update 2007 20070514.1542

CJD (new var.) update 2007 (05) 20070403.1130

CJD (new var.) update 2007 (04) 20070305.0780

CJD (new var.) update 2007 (03) 20070205.0455

CJD (new var.) update 2007 (02): South Korea, susp 20070115.0199

2006

---

CJD (new var.), blood transfusion risk 20061208.3468

CJD, transmission risk - Canada (ON) 20061207.3457

CJD (new var.) update 2006 (12) 20061205.3431

CJD (new var.) update 2006 (11) 20061106.3190

CJD (new var.) update 2006 (10) 20061002.2820

CJD (new var.) - Netherlands: 2nd case 20060623.1741

CJD (new var.) - UK: 3rd transfusion-related case 20060209.0432

CJD (new var.) update 2006 (02) 20060206.0386

CJD (new var.) update 2006 20060111.0101

2005

---

CJD (new var.) update 2005 (12) 20051209.3547

CJD (new var.) update 2005 (11) 20051108.3270

CJD (new var.) update 2005 (10) 20051006.2916

CJD (new var.) update 2005 (02) 20050211.0467

CJD (new var.) - UK: update 2005 (01) 20050111.0095]



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







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BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS, BOVINE - USA (07): (MICHIGAN)

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

A ProMED-mail post



ProMED-mail is a program of the

International Society for Infectious Diseases





Date: Tue 7 Sep 2010

Source: Up North Live [edited]







Second bovine TB case detected in Emmet County

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

The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) is holding an meeting for

Emmet County cow producers, after the United States Department of

Agriculture (USDA) classified a farm as being infected with bovine

tuberculosis (TB). Previous routine bovine TB surveillance testing

conducted by the MDA found a bovine TB positive herd in Emmet County in

March 2010. During the depopulation of the herd, a breeding bull was found

to be infected. During MDA's outbreak investigation of the herd it was

discovered the bull was leased to another producer in Emmet County.



On 13 Aug 2010, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

classified the farm as being infected with bovine TB. This is the 2nd

infected herd in Northern Lower Michigan's Modified Accredited Advanced

Zone (MAAZ). The meeting for Emmet County producers is scheduled for Thu 16

Sep 2010 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the West Traverse Township Hall at

8001 M-119 in Harbor Springs. At this meeting, Dr James Averill (MDA's

bovine TB project coordinator) will discuss herd investigation, impact to

producers and the community, and answer questions.



"We have tested or scheduled all the cattle herds within a 10 mile [16 km]

radius circle around the positive herd that was identified last March

[2010], and they have been negative so far," said Dr Averill. "The trace

investigation is almost complete and only this herd was found to be exposed

to a lesioned animal. With this additional herd designation, the status of

the MAAZ is a concern as 4 positive cattle herds in a year may cause a drop

in our status. We've tested 67 farms in the special surveillance circle test."



On 4 Jan 2010, MDA, in coordination with USDA, expanded the MAAZ to include

Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, and Otsego counties. The

goal is to return bovine TB Free status to the entire state and testing is

an effective way to prevent bovine TB from spreading to other herds. MDA is

working to move a majority of the MAAZ to TB Free status while maintaining

MAAZ status for the above listed counties along with Presque Isle County.



"With the continued presence of bovine TB in the wild white-tailed deer

population in Northern Lower Michigan, Emmet County herd producers need to

utilize wildlife risk mitigation systems to protect their investments,"

said Averill. "As a reminder, producers should use such tools as disease

control permits, fencing, and sound livestock management practices to

reduce the risk of disease."



While infection can occur by nose-to-nose direct contact, infection is much

more likely to occur through indirect transmission through contaminated

feed. Beef and dairy farmers can decrease the risk of exposing their cattle

to bovine TB by limiting cattle-to-deer contact and protecting cattle feed

from deer.



This Emmet County herd is the 4th TB affected herd identified in Michigan

in 2010 -- a beef herd in Alcona County, and another in Alpena County are

in the Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ) where the disease is most prevalent.

The current bovine TB eradication effort began in 1998, and all of

Michigan's one million cattle were tested by the end of 2003. Testing

continues in the state for movement from one farm to another. Since 1998,

MDA and USDA have detected 50 cattle herds and 4 privately owned cervid

operations. These premises either have been depopulated or the herds were

quarantined and placed under a test-and-remove program.



--

communicated by:

ProMED-mail





[ProMED-mail post 20100325.0948 contains comments from Dr James Averill the

MDA bovine TB coordinator:



"If we test all the cattle herds within a 10-mile radius circle around the

positive herd, and they are negative, the status of the MAAZ will not be

impacted, as there would have to be at least 3 positive cattle herds in the

zone in a year, for the status to drop," said Dr James Averill, MDA's

bovine TB project coordinator.



Sadly these addition infected herds could affect the Modified Accredited

Advance Zone's status and may drop the status to Modified Accredited, which

would mean the entire state is in the same zone. A drop in status could

mean more testing for the state, and more testing for producers wishing to

move their animals. A map of the split state status may be found at

.



For more detailed information on bovine tuberculosis readers are encouraged

to see the moderator's comments on ProMED-mail post 20100325.0948.



The interactive HealthMap/ProMED map for Michigan is available at

- Mod.TG]



[see also:

Bovine tuberculosis, bovine - USA (06): (OH)20100715.2362

Bovine tuberculosis, bovine - USA (05): (CO) 20100614.1989

Bovine tuberculosis, bovine - USA (04): (KY) 20100528.1768

Bovine tuberculosis, cervid - USA: (MI) 20100418.1265

Bovine tuberculosis, bovine - USA (03): (NE) 20100409.1144

Bovine tuberculosis, bovine - USA (02): (MI) 20100325.0948

Bovine tuberculosis, bovine - USA: (SD) 20100107.0065

2009

---

Bovine tuberculosis - USA (12): (MN), cervid 20091222.4315

Bovine tuberculosis - USA (11): (IN) cervid 20090804.2742

Bovine tuberculosis - USA (10): (IN) cervid, bovine 20090714.2508

Bovine tuberculosis - USA (09): (IN) cervid, bovine 20090711.2480

Bovine tuberculosis - USA (08): (IN) cervid, bovine 20090628.2343

Bovine tuberculosis - USA (07): (MN) cervid 20090625.2307

Bovine tuberculosis - USA (06) (NE) (02) 20090620.2270

Bovine tuberculosis - USA (05): (NE) 20090613.2198

Bovine tuberculosis - USA (04): (TX) conf. 20090613.2195

Bovine tuberculosis - USA (03): (NE) cattle, elk 20090603.2060

Bovine tuberculosis - USA (02): (ND) 20090514.1811

Bovine tuberculosis - USA: (TX), susp 20090423.1536

Tuberculosis, captive wildlife - USA: (NE) 20090414.1423]



.................sb/tg/mj/sh







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ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that

are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the

information, and of any statements or opinions based

thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in

using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID

and its associated service providers shall not be held

responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any

damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted

or archived material.

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

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 .

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