Updated 5/5/08
News
National Pet Week
May 4-10, 2008
Pets have profound affects on the lives of their human owners. They provide us with love, endless hours of companionship, and wonderful relationships that help fill our our lives. National Pet Week is a celebration of those relationships.
Being a pet owner is not just fun and games. Being a responsible pet owner requires that your pet's health is properly cared for. Information on the health of your pet is included here, but make sure to talk with your veterinarian about your particular situation.
NH Department of Health and Human Services
PRESS RELEASE CONTACT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Information Office
April 7, 2008
603-271-6526
DHHS Releases New Lyme Disease Data Concord, NH
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is releasing the report "New Hampshire Tick-Borne Disease Bulletin: 2007 Update." The report details diseases carried by ticks, specifically the black-legged (or deer) tick, in New Hampshire and the incidence of Lyme disease in the State in 2007.
"We have reported earlier that the incidence of Lyme disease in New Hampshire is increasing," said Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas, "but the surprising finding is how pervasive the disease is. Over fifty percent of the ticks sampled in Rockingham, Strafford, and Hillsborough counties tested positive for Lyme disease."
There were 892 cases of Lyme identified in the State in 2007, and 619 the year before. While the number of reported cases of Lyme disease in New Hampshire residents is increasing, it is not known whether this is because of an increased number of ticks carrying the disease or a heightened awareness among patients and clinicians or both. Early symptoms of Lyme disease often, but not always, include a large circular rash at the site of the tick bite, accompanied by chills, fever, headache, fatigue, stiff neck, swollen glands, and joint pain.
"Black-legged ticks can also carry and transmit two other diseases, babesiosis and anaplasmosis, to people in the State," said Dr. José Montero, State Epidemiologist, "but it is important to remember that these three illnesses are all preventable by avoiding being bitten by ticks. We don't want to discourage anyone from enjoying the outdoors, but just to take precautions when outside."
To prevent tick bites: Avoid tick-infested areas such as overgrown grass and brush and leaf litter Use insect repellent Wear protective clothing Do a tick check after being outdoors Reduce ticks around your home by keeping grass short and removing leaf litter Monitor yourself if you are bitten by a tick and tell your healthcare provider if you develop any symptoms.
Lyme disease is one of the topics DHHS is focusing on this week in recognition of National Public Health Week.
For more information about Lyme disease, visit the DHHS website at www.dhhs.nh.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov. For more information about National Public Health Week go to www.nphw.org.
2008/2009 New England and New York Dairy/Meat Goat
and Dairy Sheep Directory
A few weeks ago you received a letter and a directory form with a deadline for submission of March 15. You still have time to be in the new 2008/2009 New England & New York Dairy/Meat Goat and Dairy Sheep Directory!
Go to www.uvm.edu/sustainableagriculture/smallrumi.html for an online copy of the forms to fill out, submit or download to print out and mail in. View the 2006/2007 version at this site to see this useful directory. Many resources listed are in the back. List your veterinary practice for only $15. You may use your credit card on the form supplied.
DROP DEADLINE: POSTMARK BY MARCH 24, 2008 The Directory will be available by MAY in hard copy and on the web. You will receive a hard copy and can download a pdf file anytime
For further information, contact Carol Delaney Small Ruminant Dairy Specialist, University of Vermont, 270 Main Street/200B Terrill Hall, Burlington, Vermont 05405 at 802-656-0915 or Carol.delaney@uvm.edu
The 2006/2007 New England Dairy/Meat Goat and Dairy Sheep Directory can be found at: www.uvm.edu/sustainableagriculture/smallrumi.html
Psittacosis
December 27, 2007
From Dr. Bob Johnson, Public Health Veterinarian
Vermont is one of a number of states implicated in this widespread issue. The main chain store in question is implementing appropriate control measures and reporting sick and normal birds that are positive for C. psittaci. The following information was issued to Florida county health depts by Florida public health officials 12/26/07. Please report suspected cases of psittacosis to the Vt Agency of Agriculture and the Vt Dept of Health.
Psittacosis and Florida Bird Vendor
A probable human case of psittacosis has been identified in a pet store employee in Minnesota; a second ill employee from the same store is being evaluated. Some birds in the store were linked to a Florida vendor who provides birds for pet store retailers nationwide. Sick birds testing positive for psittacosis in several other pet stores around the country have been linked to the same Florida vendor since mid-October. Only Minnesota has reported a probable human case. Florida has had one bird that was positive for Chlamydophila psittaci (healthy appearing) linked to this vendor.
This incident is suspected to be associated with a change in bird management dating from the beginning of September. The management change was reversed November 1 and efforts are being made to identify the source of infection as the Florida vendor purchases birds from multiple avian breeders. All State Public Health Veterinarians or other appropriate health and agriculture officials in the forty-five states that received birds from the Florida vendor since September 1 have been notified and impacted pet stores have received management guidance. The vendor's local county health department and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are working together with the vendor to review management practices.
Psittacosis is reportable to both the Florida Department of Health and FDACS. The causative agent of psittacosis, Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci) is a relatively common bacterial infection in birds and can infect many avian species, particularly psittacine type birds (i.e. cockatiels, parakeets, parrots, macaws, etc.). Some birds can be asymptomatic carriers and shed the bacteria intermittently, especially following stresses such as shipping, crowding and chilling. Incubation periods in birds usually range from 3 days to several weeks, but disease can appear with no identifiable exposure. Symptoms are non-specific and can include decreased activity, decreased appetite, ruffled feathers, discharge from the eyes or nose, diarrhea, abnormal stool color, and death. Diagnostic testing can be difficult to interpret, especially in asymptomatic birds. Doxycycline treatment is effective when administered using adequate duration and dose. A veterinarian should be consulted when determining diagnostic and treatment protocols.
Chlamydophila psittaci is shed in the feces and nasal discharges of infected birds, and can be transmitted to people via aerosolization of fecal dust or respiratory secretions. Disease in people is uncommon. Those coming in prolonged contact with birds such as pet store workers and pet bird owners are at greatest risk of infection. The disease can be more severe in pregnant women. The incubation period is typically 5-14 days but can be longer. Symptoms are flu-like in most cases and may include fever, chills, headache, malaise, myalgia, photophobia and/or respiratory symptoms such as a non-productive cough. Less commonly, infections can affect other organs or organ systems such as the heart, liver, joints, and central nervous system. Rare cases may be fatal. Recommended diagnostic testing is serology using microimmunofluorescence (MIF) or complement fixation (CF) using serum. Cross-reaction with Chlamydia pneumoniae or C. trachomatis can occur with serologic assays, particularly the CF test. Tetracyclines are the drugs of choice; adequate duration of treatment is important to prevent relapses.
The organism is killed by most common disinfectants. Pet shop personnel and other bird workers cleaning cages or working with sick birds should wear gloves, protective clothing, and respiratory protection such as disposable N-95 masks. Workers should wash hands thoroughly after cleaning cages or handling birds. Good management practices in pet stores and aviaries help prevent human and bird illness from this relatively common bird disease and include:
* consulting with a veterinarian on animal health and husbandry issues
* providing appropriate personal protection protocols and material for staff
* requiring documentation of appropriate psittacosis testing or treatment from vendors
* establishing an isolation protocol for new or sick birds
* maintaining complete records of bird source and sale
* maintaining complete animal health records
* cleaning animal cages regularly and maintaining store cleanliness
* reducing staff and public exposure to bird fecal material
* avoiding animal crowding and other stresses
* screening tests for birds with frequent public contact (bird encounters, nursing homes)
State to Start 11th Annual Bait Drop Today
For Immediate Release: Aug. 7, 2007
Media Contact: Communication Office
Vermont Department of Health
802-863-7281
BURLINGTON - The 11th annual Rabies Bait Drop will begin today in an effort to slow a growing number or rabies cases that have spread through the northern part of Vermont and across the border into Quebec.
This time last year there were only 38 confirmed cases of rabies in Vermont, mostly in raccoons and skunks. So far in 2007, there have been 110 confirmed cases. Quebec, which had only two suspected cases in 2006, has already confirmed 41 cases of animal rabies.
"We have seen a higher number of rabies cases this year, particularly raccoon rabies," said Dr. Robert Johnson, state veterinarian for the Vermont Department of Health. "The bait drop will be denser this year than in previous years based on our mapping of cases here in Vermont where we have seen clusters, such as the northwest corner of the state in Franklin County."
The bait will be dropped from an altitude of 500 feet. The planes will fly uniform grid lines 0.3 miles apart and drop more than 400,000 fishmeal cakes at a rate of eight baits per second. As wildlife detect and then devour the bait - the animals are inoculated. A bait navigator stationed in the front of each of the three twin-engine Beachcraft aircra ft will have the job of making sure the small wax casings containing oral vaccine do not land on any cars, houses, water or people.
The bait drop will be expanded this year to include communities in Clinton County, New York.
Anyone who finds the bait should leave it untouched, unless it is discovered on a lawn or driveway where it is unlikely to attract a raccoon. Remove the bait with a glove and wash your hands with soap and water.
The bait cannot cause rabies if it is touched or eaten and is not harmful to children or pets, but it does have an objectionable smell if it gets on your skin. No human cases of rabies have been reported in Vermont this year.
Since 1992, the USDA has offered a toll-free Rabies Hotline in Vermont. Keep a safe distance from wild animals and, if bitten, call 1-800-472-2437.
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Burlington Police Department Dog Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
Contact: Kathryn Finnie
Executive Director
802-878-6888
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 3007
BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Stoney, a Vermont Certified Drug Dog and Patrol Dog, and his handler, Corporal Thomas Radford of the Burlington Police Department, at the VVMA’s Summer Meeting on June 22.
This is the first time this award has ever been presented by the VVMA. Stoney will be retiring after an eight year career with the Burlington Police Department. Stoney holds the Vermont Police Canine record of 961 drug finds and has confiscated hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs and almost a half-million dollars in suspected drug money.
The Stoney-Radford team was the Vermont Police Canine Drug Detection Team of the Year in 2000 and 2003, and the Vermont Police Canine Overall Best Team of the Year in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, Stoney received the Burlington Police Distinguished Service Award, the Vermont State Police Lifesaving Award, and the Vermont Police Canine Association Lifesaving Award.
“Stoney is the epitome of a well-trained, well-mannered service dog who is willing to give his last gasp of life to work for Corporal Radford” said Stoney’s veterinarian and VVMA member Dr. Steven Metz. Stoney is also a wonderful companion and Radford family member. “The VVMA would like to honor the unique human-animal bond that has allowed Stoney and Corporal Radford to work so well to help Vermonters remain safe, and we thank them both for their service”, said Dr. Elizabeth Alton, VVMA President.
The VVMA’s mission is to promote animal well-being and public health, to provide education for veterinarians and the public, and to enhance the ability of veterinarians to succeed.
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Vermont Health Department Reminds Vermonters to Avoid Contact with Wild Animals Due to Rabies Concerns
BURLINGTON – The Vermont Department of Health is reminding people not to feed or touch wild animals after three cases were reported this month involving five raccoons who were illegally taken in as pets and had to be tested for rabies.
The animals were killed and tested negative for rabies at the Health Department laboratory. Last year in Vermont, 59 animals tested positive for rabies, including 37 raccoons. Twenty-seven animals have tested positive in 2006, including 18 raccoons.
“The best prevention is to avoid exposure,” said Nancy Carey, a wildlife rehabilitator from the Pine Haven Refuge in Underhill, Vt. “Stay away from wild or stray animals and be sure to vaccinate your pets. Call the rabies hotline, or your local police dispatcher who will contact a game warden to assist you.”
The rabies hotline number is: 1-800-4 RABIES (800-472-2437).
Carey can rehabilitate raccoons, skunks, foxes and woodchucks if the animals have not been handled by people. The animals can be cared for at the refuge until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild. Once the animals are taken in as pets and improperly handled, and people are either bitten or exposed to saliva, the potential for rabies exposure necessitates a test for the disease.
The test for rabies is taken from a tissue sample from the animal’s brain that cannot be extracted while the animal is still alive.
“It is against the law to possess wild animals, and wild animals that have been handled by people cannot be watched for 10 days like domestic animals to rule out rabies,” said Dr. Robert Johnson, state veterinarian for the Vermont Department of Health. “You simply should not take in a wild animal and hope to adopt it as a pet. Common sense is one of the best defenses against rabies.”
A recent case involved contact with a raccoon that would not move for an oncoming car, which led the driver to fear for the safety of the animal.
“If the animal is in harm’s way and needs to be moved, do it without direct contact by wearing gloves or even using the floor-mat in your car – anything except your hands,” Carey said. “Then call the hotline and find out who can respond to the animal’s need. Don’t take it home.”
Canine Influenza Virus
Canine Influenza Virus -
Questions and Answers - Download Here (approx. file
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Tick Season Heightens Importance of Awareness and Prevention of Lyme Disease
BURLINGTON – Deer ticks in the nymph stage are tiny, about the size of a poppy seed, but they are the main source of transmitting Lyme disease to people from May through July.
A total of 101 cases of Lyme disease have been reported in Vermont from 1999-2005, including a season-high 29 cases last year.
“Human cases of Lyme disease have been reported from all over Vermont, it is not a problem that is limited to just one area of the state,” said Patsy Tassler, Ph. D. an epidemiologist with the Vermont Department of Health. “Daily tick checks and prompt removal of any attached ticks can prevent transmission of Lyme disease.”
Lyme disease in humans can vary from no illness to severe disease that in rare cases, if left untreated by antibiotics, can spread to the brain or heart. Ticks thrive in areas of high humidity and they are most commonly found in grassy, brushy, wooded, and shaded areas.
“If you are bitten by a tick let your doctor know as soon as possible,” Tassler said. “Ticks can carry a number of different diseases and some have general symptoms, such as fever or nausea, and a tick bite may be the only clue to the cause of the illness.”
Call your physician if you experience any symptoms of Lyme disease after a tick bite such as fatigue, chills and fever, muscle joint and pain, headache or swollen lymph nodes.
When working or hiking in the woods, or fields, put on insect repellent and wear protective clothing. Carefully inspect for - and promptly and safely remove - any attached ticks.
Other tips to prevent tick bites:
· Wear light colored clothing so that it is easier to see ticks
· Tuck your pants into your socks
· Use insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin that are labeled for ticks, but do not apply them to infants. Follow the directions on the label.
· Check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks daily and remove ticks promptly.
Dr. Robert Johnson, state public health veterinarian for the Vermont Department of Health, said that all owners of dogs and cats should consult with their local veterinarian about recommendations on tick prevention, particularly for dogs that spend a lot of time in wooded areas and near lakes, ponds and streams.
Although most commonly diagnosed in dogs, it is also possible for cats, horses, goats and cattle to get Lyme disease. Common symptoms include sudden severe pain or lameness, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite.
For more information about ticks and Lyme disease in Vermont, visit the Health Department website at: healthvermont.gov.
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