Aardvarks2Zebras

CSU research could help bone implants last longer

Julie Ciaramella — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:31:03 +0000

Professors at Colorado State University have developed a new coating that could help bone implants last longer. Dr. Matt Kipper, an Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, is working with Dr. Nicole Ehrhart in the Flint Animal Cancer Center, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, on the research. They say their findings will benefit “both humans and animals at risk for losing a limb due to massive bone trauma or bone cancer.”

One Health Headlines: Friday, May 17, 2013

Michael San Filippo — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:10:50 +0000

In this week’s One Health roundup: The latest on the H7N9 bird flu outbreak in China; research shows veterinarians at risk due to inadequate infection control practices; a look at how genes in humans and dogs—including those related to disease—have been evolving in parallel for thousands of years; and much more.

As always, thanks for reading, and have a happy and healthy weekend!

China reports three new bird flu deaths, toll hits 35
Reuters

2 new diseases — 1 related to SARS and 1 new bird flu — could both spark global outbreaks
Washington Post

Inadequate infection control by vets widespread
Phys.org

Salmonella in live poultry traced to Ohio hatchery
WTVA-TV (Miss.)

Rabid bat bites Pasco baby
News Tribune (Wash.)

Second rabies case in Garrett involves goat
Cumberland Times-News (Md.)

Dog And Human Genomes Evolved Together
National Geographic News

Warming to hit half of plants, a third of animals
Agence France Presse

Fish in watershed more polluted than previously reported, study shows
Winston-Salem Journal (N.C.)

Poop on roof study helps understanding of E. coli bacteria
CBC News (Canada)

Pathogens go both ways

Julie Ciaramella — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:38:07 +0000

Over at the Worms & Germs Blog (which is a great resource if you’re interested in One Health and zoonotic diseases), Dr. Scott Weese writes that pathogens go both ways. When we think about zoonotic diseases, most of the time we think about animals transmitting diseases to humans — not the other way around.

Dr. Weese writes about a recent study in which a dog had a type of ringworm not found in dogs. In their research, scientists found that the dog’s owner was the carrier of the fungus, which led them to the conclusion that the owner transmitted the fungus to his dog. In his post, Dr. Weese explains why you shouldn’t always blame the dog.

What to do if you find a bat in your bedroom

Julie Ciaramella — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:48:55 +0000

What would you do if you woke up in the middle of the night and found a bat in your bedroom? A lot of us might be alarmed. Some of us might be clear-headed enough to leave the room, close the door, and call animal control. And some of us might do what Ann Hawthorne of Washington, D.C. did and open a window to let the bat fly out.

That’s the wrong move, experts say. Letting the bat go means it can’t be tested for rabies, which leaves you with unanswered questions about the status of your health. It’s hard to determine if a bat has bitten you (you can hardly feel their teeth sinking into your skin), especially if you’ve been asleep. Finding a bat in your room means you could have been sharing the same space with the bat for several hours, meaning the likelihood of being bitten goes up. While only a small percentage of bats carry rabies, you can never be too careful when it comes to seeking treatment — without treatment, your chances of surviving rabies are nonexistent. Since Hawthorne didn’t know if she’d been bitten, she went to an emergency room to be evaluated and received a series of costly vaccinations.

Knowing what to do when you find a bat in your home could save you money and stress. Here’s what to do, from the CDC:

If you are certain no people or pets have come in contact with the bat
Confine the bat to a room by closing all doors and windows leading out of the room except those to the outside. The bat will probably leave soon. If the bat doesn t leave, contact an animal control or public health agency for assistance. If help isn t available, follow the steps to capture a bat.

If there’s been contact between the bat and people or pets
If a bat is in your house and you have any question about whether the bat has been in contact with people or pets, you will want to have the bat captured and tested. Call animal control or a wildlife conservation agency for assistance. If professional assistance is not available, follow the steps to safely capture the bat and save it for testing.

Remembering these steps could help keep you and your pets safe from rabies.

Psittacosis reported in Argentina

Julie Ciaramella — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:56:08 +0000

Argentina has reported five cases of psittacosis, which is also known as parrot fever and ornithosis. It’s caused by Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly known as Chlamydia psittaci). Psittacosis is a bacterial infection in humans, and it can cause severe pneumonia and other serious health problems, according to a National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians report.

Psittacosis is spread to humans through the fecal matter and nasal discharge of infected birds; the first reported cases were a married couple who bought a monk parakeet at a bus terminal. Officials told the public to avoid buying birds on the street to mitigate the potential for a larger outbreak.