Aardvarks2Zebras

One Health Headlines: Friday, May 11, 2012

Michael San Filippo — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:31:07 +0000

When you think about animal venom, you probably think about the risk it poses to your health. But we lead off this week’s One Health roundup with a look at the healing powers of venom, which have led to drugs used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other diseases and conditions.

Other stories include a look at the spreading rabies outbreak in New Mexico, how equine therapy is helping veterans cope with their war injuries, the latest in animal research, and more.

Thanks for reading, and have a happy and healthy weekend!

Drugs with bite: The healing powers of venoms
New Scientist

Immune Cell Therapy Cures Diabetic Mice, Researchers Find
Bloomberg News

The secret of long life may be in a naked mole rat
San Antonio News-Express

Rabies outbreak spreads in New Mexico
Southwest Farm Press

Anamosa vet sparks rabies prevention program in Kenya
Eastern Iowa Life

Therapy Dog ‘Spirit’, Once Abused, Eases Pain for Sick, Dying
ABC News

Equine therapy helps veterans cope with injuries of war
Orlando Sentinel

Taking preventive measures and using common sense can prevent animal-borne diseases

Julie Ciaramella — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:29:32 +0000

Here at the AVMA, many stories pop up in our Google alerts every day about zoonotic diseases like rabies. Often, these diseases are completely preventable, whether it’s through vaccinations or common-sense, every day measures like hand-washing and proper hygiene. This article from the Durango Herald provides a good, quick overview of steps you can take to keep both you and your pets safe from rabies.

From the article:

When heading outdoors, particularly when and where wild animals and insects are active, wear insect repellant and appropriate clothing and protect your pets from fleas and ticks.

Remember not to handle or feed wild animals, especially those that appear sick, and do not pick up dead animals or animal waste.

Talk with your children about these precautions.

One Health Headlines: Friday, April 27, 2012

Michael San Filippo — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:16:06 +0000

This week’s One Health roundup includes new actions by the FDA and USDA to safeguard public health by protecting the health of animals and the safety of our food supply, research into new types of viruses found in bats that are linked to human disease, efforts by a Chicago zoo to eliminate rabies and save endangered carnivores in Tanzania, the latest in animal research, and much, much more.

Thanks for reading, and have a happy and healthy weekend!

FDA launches new strategy for foods and animal medicine
CIDRAP News (Minn.)

USDA cracks down on illegal residue in livestock
Des Moines Register (Iowa)

Toxic Gas in Dogs’ Vomit a Threat to Vets: CDC
HealthDay News

Bats may carry up to 66 new species of virus linked to measles and mumps, scientists say
National Post (Canada)

Eastern Montana county under quarantine after puppy tested positive for rabies
Great Falls Tribune (Mont.)

Chicago zoo helps vaccinate dogs in Tanzania
Belleville News-Democrat (Ill.)

Rabies cases on the rise in North Dakota this year
NECN.com

Anxious Mice Face Higher Cancer Risk
LiveScience

Companion dogs alert owners to changing blood sugar levels
Contra Costa Times (Calif.)

Dogs help to bring comfort in region’s hospitals
The Virginian-Pilot

Wondering what to do with expired or unused medications?

Dr. Kristi Henderson — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:37:18 +0000

Whether the unwanted medications – prescription or over-the-counter – were originally intended for humans or animals, proper disposal of unwanted medication is crucial to protect people, animals, and the environment. To help out, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is holding its fourth National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Find a collection site near you by visiting the DEA’s National Take Back Initiative.

The DEA reports that during the last three take-back events, 498.5 tons of medication were collected nationwide. This is HUGE, because it means that nearly 500 tons of unwanted medications didn’t get poured, flushed, or dumped into our environment.

Pouring drugs down the drain or flushing them doesn’t solve the problem – it just transfers the problem to the environment. Neither septic tank systems nor municipal sewage and water treatment facilities can eliminate pharmaceutical contamination. Studies have found a wide range of pharmaceuticals in rivers, streams, groundwater and drinking water nationwide.

Throwing medications into the garbage without secondary precautions can be problematic too. In addition to the concerns about needing to safeguard personal information that may appear on the prescription label, animal safety is an issue because household pets and other animals have been poisoned when they’ve eaten discarded medications. Did you know that over-the-counter and prescription medications – for both humans and animals – are now a leading cause of poisonings in pets? Similar to the FBI’s most wanted, there’s also a top 10 “poison pills” for pets.

In addition to utilizing the DEA’s 4th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, learn how you can make a difference and be part of the solution by visiting:

Disposal of Unwanted Medications (AVMA)
www.unwantedmeds.org (IISG)
Disposal of chemicals: Pharmaceuticals (AVMA members only)

Small outbreak of cryptosporidiosis linked to Minnesota petting zoo

Julie Ciaramella — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:35:21 +0000

An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis has been linked to a petting zoo in Minnesota, according to the Republican Eagle newspaper in Red Wing, Minn. Two people contracted the disease, which causes diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting, among other symptoms. More than a dozen other people also fell ill after attending a one-day petting zoo held by the Humane Society of Goodhue County.

Proper hygiene is the number one way to prevent cryptospordidiosis infections. If you attend a petting zoo or other exhibit of live animals, make sure to wash your hands immediately afterward to avoid infection.

The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians has a great, easy-to-understand resource on proper hygiene after visiting an animal exhibit. For more information on the causes and symptoms of cryptosporidiosis, the U.S. National Library of Medicine has a page on the disease.