Infectious Diseases & Epidemiology

National Report - Scientists are testing a method of blocking two large-animal viruses - both considered potential bioterrorism agents - from infecting humans, by using an "entry inhibitor" approach.

New Delhi - 12/11/07 - The United States has pledged another $195 million to internationally fight avian influenza, bringing the country's total donations since 2005 to $629 million.

Madison, Wis. - A new $12.5 million University of Wisconsin (UW) facility slated to open next spring will focus on the study of influenza viruses to better understand the disease and possibly help prevent a future avian-flu pandemic. The two-story, 27,000 square-foot Institute for Influenza Viral Research initially will house 24 employees and grow to 35 when fully staffed, says Daryl Buss, DVM, PhD and dean of the UW School of Veterinary Medicine.

Athens, Ga. - The University of Georgia (UGA) College of Veterinary Medicine received a $1.18 million grant to develop rabies-virus vaccinations.

Atlanta - 11/8/07 - The United States is officially free of the type of rabies found in dogs -- the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) formally declared it in September -- but that doesn't mean canine rabies is no loger a matter for concern

Atlanta - 9/7/07 - The first-ever World Rabies Day - an international effort to raise awareness about the risks of rabies - kicks off tomorrow, Sept. 8. The event aims to heighten understanding of the impact of human and animal rabies, while encouraging prevention to help avoid more than 55,000 rabies-related deaths that are estimated to occur each year.

Atlanta, Ga. - World Rabies Day, originally designated for Sept. 8 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will be extended through several weeks to include global events with the shared goal of raising international awareness, education and disease prevention.

Please review influenza in animals

National Report - Canine and avian influenza are the focus of a research partnership between the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) and American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). The goal: Preventing the viruses from becoming internatioal pandemics.

Springfield, Mo. - Almost 200 cats were euthanized at the Southwest Missouri Humane Society (SMHS) after a suspected outbreak of the fast-spreading killer strain of calicivirus.

A 1-year-old castrated male domestic shorthaired cat was presented for evaluation of a 10-day history of lethargy, anorexia, decreased water consumption, and apparent discomfort.

Richmond, Va.- State veterinary officials quarantined six farms in northern Virginia that could have come in contact with a horse infected with equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1).

Madison, Wis. - A University of Wisconsin-Madison veterinary school virologist was recognized for his research on how influenza viruses replicate and the genetic contributors to virulence.

Orlando, Fla.- Fort Dodge Animal Health reports it received licensure of CaliciVaxâ„¢, the only vaccine licensed and proven effective against the deadly virulent systemic feline calicivirus (VS-FCV), which has emerged in the United States.

The test proved to be accurate, easy and cost-effective. But further documentation is needed.

Canine rickettsial infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Raleigh, N.C. - Rabies cases in North Carolina rose 13.5 percent in 2006 and 13 already have been identified this year, officials with the North Carolina Division of Public Health report.

MADISON, WI - 1/25/07 - In a study of nonhuman primates infected with the influenza virus that killed 50 million people in 1918, an international team of scientists found a critical clue to how the virus killed so quickly and efficiently.

Schaumburg, Ill. - Reported rabies cases dropped in 2005, according to a report in the December Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA).

Auburn, ALA. - 12/05/2006 - An Auburn University veterinary professor, in collaboration with researchers at Vaxin Inc. of Birmingham, has developed the first in ovo vaccine to protect chickens against avian influenza.

Kennel cough is a persistent problem

Lexington, Ky.- In combating an infectious disease outbreak, communication is key.

Canine distemper is a debilitating, persistent infection of the nervous system, caused by an enveloped single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the family of Paramixovirid?, Morbillivirus genus.

This virus is transmitted directly dog-to-dog. In fact, it is the first time that influenza has demonstrated efficient horizontal dog-to-dog transmission.

Harrisburg, Pa. - Pennsylvania began its oral rabies baiting program in August.

DAVIS, CALIF. - 9/8/06 - Corvids, including American crows, Yellow-billed Magpies, Western scrub-jays and other members of the Corvidae family, serve as the primary reservoirs or incubators for the mosquito-borne virus, according to research entomologist William Reisen of the Center for Vectorborne Diseases (also known as CVEC), a unit of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

The loss of more than $60,000 and interruption of her veterinary practice wasn't what kept Dr. Marlene Pinera awake at night...

Duluth, Ga.- Merial announces the release of Recombitek? KC2, an intranasal vaccine that protects dogs from infectious tracheobronchitis.

Necropsy is one of a clinician's best teachers; are we staying sharp?

Historically, cats have been considered to be resistant to influenza virus infections.