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Rabies Confirmed in Brown County Cow, Nine People Advised for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Rabies Confirmed in Brown County Cow, Nine People Advised for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health has confirmed a case of rabies in a cow in Brown County, Minnesota, which was euthanized last week after exhibiting unusual behavior. The cow's brain tissue tested positive for the rabies virus on September 8. Following the confirmation, public health officials recommended that nine individuals who had direct contact with the animal or its saliva seek rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). These individuals include the cow's owner, the owner's daughter, two minor children, two veterinarians, and three veterinary technicians. The Board has quarantined 13 other cows on the same farm for monitoring and is observing over 40 additional cattle, a vaccinated horse, and three vaccinated dogs for symptoms. Two unvaccinated barn cats likely exposed to the rabid cow were euthanized.

Hillsborough County Reports First Dengue Fever-Related Death Amidst Rising Cases and Aggressive Mosquito Control Efforts

Hillsborough County Reports First Dengue Fever-Related Death Amidst Rising Cases and Aggressive Mosquito Control Efforts

Hillsborough County, Florida, has reported its first dengue fever-related death, as the county accounts for 88% of Florida's locally acquired dengue cases, with 134 infections reported so far. Doctors at Tampa General Hospital have treated over 100 dengue patients, noting severe symptoms like 'break-bone fever.' In response to the escalating situation, Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services is conducting aggressive aerial and truck-based treatments to eliminate both adult mosquitoes and larvae. These efforts appear to be effective, with mosquito trap numbers decreasing in certain locations and adult mosquito samples testing negative for dengue over the past two weeks. Furthermore, laboratory tests confirm that infected female mosquitoes are not passing the virus to their offspring. County officials are urging residents to assist by eliminating standing water on their properties and using bug spray, as the Aedes aegypti mosquito, responsible for dengue transmission, primarily breeds in man-made co...

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Second cow tests positive for rabies at New York farm

Second cow tests positive for rabies at New York farm

A second cow on the same southwest Livingston County farm has tested positive for rabies. Here's what to know.

Guam Department of Agriculture Details Animal Import and Export Health Regulations

Guam Department of Agriculture Details Animal Import and Export Health Regulations

The Guam Department of Agriculture (DOAG) has outlined comprehensive requirements for animal health, specifically concerning the import and export of pets. For pets arriving from the USA, including its territories, owners must submit an application for an entry permit at least 30 days prior to arrival, current and prior rabies certificates, and vaccination records for various diseases such as distemper, parvo, leptospirosis, and bordetella for dogs, and rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia for cats. A flight itinerary, quarantine facility reservation, and FAVN test results from a CDC-approved facility are also mandatory. A health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian, issued within 10 days of travel, is required. Pets meeting these criteria qualify for a 5-day or less commercial quarantine program, followed by home quarantine for the remainder of a 120-day period. International arrivals from non-exempt foreign countries have similar requirements but face stricter quarantine protocols, ...

Tick-Borne Illnesses on the Rise, West Texas Remains Low-Risk Area

Tick-Borne Illnesses on the Rise, West Texas Remains Low-Risk Area

Tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease and Alpha-gal Syndrome, are reportedly on the rise in various parts of the U.S., leading to increased public concern and a spike in emergency room visits for tick bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Ticks are small arachnids that feed on blood and can transmit diseases. While most tick bites do not cause serious health problems, prompt removal is crucial to prevent potential infections. Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses often mimic the flu, appearing 1 to 3 weeks after a bite. Alpha-gal Syndrome, transmitted by the lone star tick, can cause an allergy to red meat. Despite the national trend, West Texas is considered one of the least 'ticky' places in the mainland U.S. due to its arid climate and lower populations of large, warm-blooded animals that host ticks. Dr. Chris Ritzi, an entomologist at Sul Ross State University, notes that tick numbers have not surged in West Texas as they have in more humid regions.

Italy sees mosquitos spread the West Nile virus farther and longer as Europe warms

Italy sees mosquitos spread the West Nile virus farther and longer as Europe warms

Italian health authorities are seeing evidence that rising temperatures and longer warm seasons are helping mosquitoes spread West Nile virus across a wider area, during more months of the year

Suzanne Magaziner's Legacy: Rhode Island Community Farm to Reopen on Family Land

Suzanne Magaziner's Legacy: Rhode Island Community Farm to Reopen on Family Land

Suzanne Magaziner's Legacy: Rhode Island Community Farm to Reopen on Family Land

Orange County Mosquito Control Implements PCR Technology for Rapid Disease Detection Amidst Dengue Cases

Orange County Mosquito Control Implements PCR Technology for Rapid Disease Detection Amidst Dengue Cases

Orange County Mosquito Control in Florida has adopted new PCR technology to rapidly detect mosquito-borne illnesses, following the confirmation of two additional locally acquired dengue cases in Apopka. This technology allows the agency to test mosquito samples in its own lab for viruses such as West Nile, Zika, and dengue, significantly reducing the time it takes to get results. Previously, suspected virus samples had to be sent to external labs, often taking days to a week for results. With the new in-house PCR testing, results can now be obtained within a day, sometimes even by the afternoon of the same day mosquitoes are collected and processed. This expedited testing process enables Orange County Mosquito Control to respond more quickly and efficiently to potential outbreaks, enhancing their ability to identify and mitigate illnesses in the local mosquito population. The Florida Department of Health has reported over 40 locally acquired dengue cases in Florida this month, with three in Orange County.

As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer

As Europe warms, Italy sees West Nile virus spread farther and longer

Italian health authorities see evidence that rising temperatures and longer warm seasons are helping mosquitoes spread West Nile virus across a wider area, during more months of the year

CDC Issues Rabies Advisory Following Increase in Human Exposures and Vaccine Use Across U.S.

CDC Issues Rabies Advisory Following Increase in Human Exposures and Vaccine Use Across U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory due to a reported increase in human exposures to rabid or potentially rabid animals across multiple U.S. jurisdictions. The advisory, released on September 10, also addresses concerns about errors in administering rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Rabies-related inquiries to the CDC increased by 17% from July through August compared to the same period last year, and the use of rabies vaccines saw an estimated 33% increase, according to weekly pharmacy data. In California, bats account for over 9 in 10 rabid animals reported this year, with 232 out of 252 rabid animals being bats between January 1 and August 31. Three rabid bats have been reported in Sutter County, California, since late July, including one where a child may have had contact. The CDC emphasizes that rabies is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system, nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, but preventable with timely and appropriate post-ex...

Rhode Island Department of Health Issues Vaccination Recommendations for Respiratory Virus Season

Rhode Island Department of Health Issues Vaccination Recommendations for Respiratory Virus Season

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has released its vaccination recommendations for the upcoming respiratory virus season, urging residents to get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD, emphasized that vaccination is the best protection against serious illness. For the flu, everyone aged 6 months and older should receive an annual shot, with particular importance for older adults, young children, individuals with underlying medical conditions, and healthcare workers. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended annually for children aged 6 months to 2 years, individuals aged 19 and older, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Children aged 2 to 18 at higher risk for severe COVID-19 should also be vaccinated, and adults aged 65 and older are advised to get a second dose six months after their first to boost protection. RSV vaccination is recommended for many infants, young children, and older adults, as well as ...

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Cow tests positive for rabies at New York farm; 2 farmers receiving treatment

Cow tests positive for rabies at New York farm; 2 farmers receiving treatment

A cow on a single farm in southwest Livingston County tested positive for rabies. Health officials say the public is not at risk, while two farmers exposed to the animal are receiving preventive treatment.