Archive for editor
PRO/AH> Equine viral arteritis – Poland: (WP) OIE
Other Animal Disease -- PolandInformation received on [and dated] 15 Jul 2019 from Dr Pawel Niemczuk, chief veterinary officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, POL Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Warsaw, PolandSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 23 Jun 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 26 Jun 2019Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: June 2010Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – USA, Canada: O103, O121, ground bison, alert, recall
E. coli -- United StatesAn international investigation is under way as public health officials report more than 20 people have been infected with _Escherichia coli_ linked to ground bison, which is now under recall. "As of 16 Jul 2019, Northfork Bison Distributions Inc is voluntarily recalling its ground bison, referred to as Bison Ground, and its ground bison patties, referred to as Bison Burgers and/or Buffalo Burgers, produced between 22 Feb 2019, and 30 Apr 2019," according to a public alert Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> BSE, cattle – Spain (02): (GA) atypical H-type, OIE
BSE -- SpainInformation received on 16 Jul 2019 from Dr Valentin Almansa, director general, [Health of Agricultural Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food], Madrid, Spain.SummaryReport type: immediate notification (final report)Date of start of the event: 3 Jul 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 10 Jul 2019Date of event resolved: 10 Jul 2019Reason for notification: reoccurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 19 Feb 2019Manifestation of disease: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Japanese encephalitis – Malaysia: (SA) human, pig
Japanese Encephalitis -- MalaysiaThe Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus has been detected in Tambunan [Sabah], about 100 km (62 mi) from [the state capital, Kota Kinabalu], says the state agriculture and food industries minister Datuk Junz Wong on [Tue 16 Jul 2019]. He said Health Department officials in Sabah had detected the virus in a pig farm in Kampung Lubang, Tambunan on [11 Jul 2019].On being informed, the Department of Veterinary Services started inspection at all 7 pig farms within the vicinity. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rodenticide poisoning – Norway: red fox
Poisoning -- NorwayTraditional rat poison causes small rodents to die from internal bleeding within a few days. The active substances prevent the blood from clotting. Norway banned the use of rat poison by private individuals in 2014. Yet researchers have found active substances from rodenticides in 54% of the red foxes they examined, according to a recent study."We were surprised how many of the foxes had consumed rat poison. The discovery worries us," says veterinarian and doctoral student Kristin Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Japanese encephalitis & other – India (18): (AR)
Japanese Encephalitis -- IndiaAs many as 11 positive cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) have been detected in Arunachal Pradesh, a statement from the health department said on Monday [15 Jul 2019].JE is a flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses, and is spread by mosquitoes. JE is the main cause of viral encephalitis in many countries of Asia with an estimated 68 000 clinical cases every year.Lobsang Jampa, the state's senior statistical officer for integrated disease surveillance Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – Iceland (03): O26, ice cream susp
E. coli -- IcelandAt least 3 children have developed kidney failure after being diagnosed with _Escherichia coli_ infections that are linked to eating ice cream from a farm. A cluster of infections due to Shiga toxin producing enterohemorrhagic _E. coli_ (EHEC) O26:H11 has been traced to the tourist attraction Efstidalur II farm in Blaskogabyggd in the south of Iceland.The 17 ill children are aged between 14 months and 12 years. At least 3 of them developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Toxic algae – Canada: (NB) dog
Algae -- CanadaA dog that went swimming in a New Brunswick river notorious for toxic algae has died, and animal welfare experts are warning pet owners of the risk. The dog was playing in the St John River in Fredericton when it began to vomit, according to a vet who treated the animal. The dog's owners rushed the animal to the vet, but it died shortly after arrival.Veterinarian Dr Colleen Bray said she believes because of the dog's signs and the suddenness of its death, it likely came in contact Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Equine influenza – UK (11): horse, EIV H3N8 Florida clade 1, spread
Equine Influenza -- United KingdomMore than 200 cases of equine influenza (EI) have been confirmed by laboratory testing in Britain so far this year [2019], compared with just 2 outbreaks [see comment] reported in 2018. Dr Richard Newton, The Animal Health Trust's (AHT) Director of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance, said the effect of increased horse movement and mixing of horses at events in the summer was a contributing factor.The latest 3 cases were confirmed on 10 and 11 Jul [2019].On 10 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (67): Congo DR (NK,IT) cases, WHO, Goma
Ebola -- DR CongoThank you, Mark, and thank you for your leadership and partnership.Please accept my respect and appreciation.Your excellency, Oly Ilunga,The right honourable Rory Stewart,Excellencies, colleagues, friends:Yesterday, WHO was notified of 2 very sad developments in the Ebola outbreak in DRC. The 1st was a case of Ebola in the city of Goma, in a pastor who had traveled from Butembo. Although this is a very concerning development, it's one that we and the government have expected and Read more [...]
Using Worker Absenteeism to Track the Flu
Is flu on the rise among workers? Those working in public health track the number of flu-related hospital and doctor visits, but many people suffer symptoms and don’t seek medical treatment. So, how do we know how many people are sick with the flu during a flu pandemic or a seasonal epidemic? Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses a mathematical model to estimate the total number of flu illnesses in the United States, but this is not done until the end of the flu Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV (57): Saudi Arabia (NJ,RI) WHO
MERS -- Saudi ArabiaFrom 1-31 May 2019, the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported 14 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) infection, including 5 deaths. Of the 14 cases reported, 4 cases were associated with 2 separate clusters. Cluster 1 involved 2 cases (case no. 6 and case no. 7) living in the same household in Alkharj, Riyadh, and cluster 2 involved one patient (case no. 9) and one healthcare worker (case no. 11) in Riyadh.MERS-CoV Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Malaria – Malaysia (02): Pahang, resurgence
Malaria -- MalaysiaHealth officials in Malaysia are investigating a malaria cluster in Kuala Lipis, Pahang state. On [Thu 11 Jul 2019], 4 confirmed cases of malaria were reported to Kuala Lipis District Health Office (PKD) from Betau Health Clinic. All cases involve Orang Asli children aged 4-10 from 2 villages, 2 cases [each] from Kampung Pagar and Kampung Serdang. All cases have been taken to the Kuala Lipis Hospital ward and given treatment.Kuala Lipis has not reported a malaria case for the past Read more [...]
Safely dispose of hazardous materials at free event – Rome News-Tribune
Safely dispose of hazardous materials at free event Rome News-Tribune
The Keep Cobb Beautiful staff will host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on July 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway …
Safely dispose of hazardous materials at free event – Cherokee Tribune Ledger News
Safely dispose of hazardous materials at free event Cherokee Tribune Ledger News
The Keep Cobb Beautiful staff will host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on July 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway …
Safely dispose of hazardous materials at free event – MDJOnline.com
Safely dispose of hazardous materials at free event MDJOnline.com
The Keep Cobb Beautiful staff will host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on July 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway …
PRO/EDR> Infant botulism – USA (02): (TX) more cases
Botulism -- United StatesHealth officials have now confirmed 3 cases of infant botulism in East Texas, and a possible 4th case is under investigation. "We are certainly curious about where this originated from," said Russell Hopkins, with Northeast Texas Public Health District. According to Hopkins, 2 cases occurred in Troup, one in Mineola, and they are expecting a 4th case to be confirmed in Tyler."We're not really sure what the commonality is, because they are kind of spread out," Hopkins said. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabbit hemorrhagic disease – UK (02): (Jersey) pet rabbit: fatal
Other Animal Disease -- United KingdomA new strain of a disease that is frequently fatal to rabbits has been confirmed for the 1st time in Jersey by New Era Vets. Rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease, also known as VHD [or RHD] is highly contagious for both domestic and wild rabbits and hares. The 2nd strain VHD2, is the one that has been found locally.The virus can be spread through flies, insects, or birds which act as indirect hosts. Humans can also pass it on if they can come into contact with an Read more [...]
Photos: Haz mat incident closes Old Bedford Road to traffic – wickedlocal.com
Photos: Haz mat incident closes Old Bedford Road to traffic wickedlocal.comTeen concocting smoke bomb prompts hazardous materials incident, police say WCVB BostonTeen mixing chemicals sparks hazardous materials incident in Concord The Boston Globe2 firefighters, teen hospitalized due to smoldering chemicals inside Concord home Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7NewsTeen Mixing Chemicals On Stove Causes Scare At Concord Home CBS BostonView full Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Undiagnosed respiratory illness – USA (02): (VA) fatal, retirement community
Respiratory Illness -- United StatesTesting will continue this week to try to learn why 55 residents of the Greenspring assisted-living center in Springfield have become ill, 20 have been hospitalized, and 2 have died in recent weeks. County health officials say the center has been closed to new admissions while efforts to pinpoint the cause of the infections continue."The individuals who died were hospitalized with pneumonia. Both were older adults and had complex medical problems. The Health Department Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (17): Europe (Greece) horse, OIE
West Nile Virus -- GreeceInformation received on [and dated] 15 Jul 2019 from Mrs Chrysoula Dile, head, Animal Health Directorate, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, GreeceSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 9 Jul 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 9 Jul 2019Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 31 Dec 2019Manifestation of disease: sub-clinical infectionCausal agent: West Nile fever virusNature of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Japanese encephalitis & other – India (17): (AS)
Japanese Encephalitis -- IndiaWith the death of 5 more patients on Sunday [14 Jul 2019], the toll in Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases in Assam rose to 76, a National Health Mission (NHM) bulletin stated. The registered positive JE cases across the state also increased to 348 from 334 on Friday [12 Jul 2019]. The 5 deaths were reported from Darrang, Nalbari, Tinsukia, Kamrup and Udalguri districts, the bulletin said.Giving the cumulative figures for JE/AES (acute encephalitis syndrome), the bulletin Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hydrogen sulfide – France: (BT) fatal, sea lettuce
Poisoning -- FranceHolidaymakers heading to France have been warned about a green tide of potentially toxic sea lettuce possibly having killed 2 men in under a week. An 18 year old oyster farmer died in Morlaix Bay last Saturday [6 Jul 2019], and a 70 year old retiree passed away in Douarnenez Bay on Tuesday [9 Jul 2019].The Brittany beauty spots where the unidentified men apparently succumbed to heart attacks "in minutes" are hugely popular with tourists, including thousands who arrive from the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Kenya (12): (KU) human, cattle
Anthrax -- Kenya[A photograph of] a man who ate the meat of an infected cow displays a swelling, a symptom of anthrax, at Mowlem in Kisumu County on 12 Jul 2019. [Actually it is a typical necrotic ulcer on his left forefinger that is healing, indicating that he has had it for a couple of weeks, dating the outbreak. - Mod.MHJ]The anthrax outbreak in Kisumu County has been contained, county director of health Dickens Onyango said on Sunday [14 Jul 2019]. The disease has left one person dead and others Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Unexplained deaths, camel – Kenya (02): (BA) enterotoxemia susp, RFI
Undiagnosed -- KenyaThe Baringo County government does not have drugs to treat an outbreak of a bacterial disease among camels, county veterinary director John Wameyo has said. "Going by the symptoms, we have identified the deadly disease as enterotoxaemia -- [a] bacterial disease spread as a result of animals drinking dirty water," he told the Star on Tuesday [9 Jul 2019] [see comment]. "The disease requires special antibiotics and vaccination. As a department, we don't have any stock of medication Read more [...]
DG Digest: Should training providers be able to administer CDL skills testing?
The summer doldrums continue in the regulatory sector, with minimal activity underway. The FMCSA is the big player this week, with a significant proposal to modify CDL driver testing standards. Here’s all the latest: FMCSA The agency proposes to allow States to permit a third party skills test examiner to administer the Commercial Driver’s License... Read more [...]
Does Slip-Resistant Footwear Reduce Slips, Trips, and Falls in Food Service?
Slips, trips, and falls are the second most common type of fatal work-related injuries and the third most common type of non-fatal work-related injuries in the United States (1, 2). Although falls from heights are more likely to result in a fatality, falls on the same level (which often start as a slip or trip) occur more frequently and can cause injury. Recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that 50% of all same-level falls resulted in more than 10 days away from work (1, 2, 3). Sprains, Read more [...]
Chemical fire in Rochester forces residents indoors – News – The Times – The Times
Chemical fire in Rochester forces residents indoors – News – The Times The Times
Residents of Rochester and surrounding communities were cautioned to stay indoors Saturday morning after a second chemical release was reported at a …
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – Iceland (02)
E. coli -- IcelandA total of 16 children have been diagnosed with the bacterial infection, and concerns have been raised that tourists may spread it further, RUV [the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service] reports. The outbreak is purported to have originated in Efstadal 2, a farm and restaurant near Laugarvatn, after a group of schoolchildren visited the place, with some of them contracting _Escherichia coli_ infection. To be clear: none of the food nor any of the employees tested positive for Read more [...]
SpaceX blames chemical leak for anomaly that destroyed Crew Dragon capsule – WFTV Orlando
SpaceX blames chemical leak for anomaly that destroyed Crew Dragon capsule WFTV Orlando
SpaceX said a chemical leak was behind the anomaly that destroyed a Crew Dragon spacecraft in April, according to a news release.
ROCHESTER FIRE: Residents forced inside when chemical fire leaked chlorine gas into air – WPXI Pittsburgh
ROCHESTER FIRE: Residents forced inside when chemical fire leaked chlorine gas into air WPXI Pittsburgh
ROCHESTER, Pa. – Residents in parts of Beaver County were told to stay inside and not to open their windows when a chemical fire leaked chlorine gas into the …
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (59): Pakistan (KP,PB)
Polio -- PakistanAnother 4 polio cases surfaced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces on [Sun 14 Jul 2019], bringing the total number of these cases to 45 this year [2019]. A 6 month old boy from Kala Khel union council of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bannu district has been diagnosed with polio, according to the National Institute of Health. Anti-polio campaign workers visited the family during immunization campaigns, but the child could not be administered anti-polio vaccine as the parents reportedly Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Colony collapse disorder, apis – Russia: update
Other Animal Disease -- RussiaThe crops that bring us most of our food provide for 35 per cent of calorie intake, as well as most minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Nuts, melons, and berries will not grow without pollinating insects. Bees also pollinate citrus fruits, apples, onions, broccoli cabbage, zucchini, beans, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, coffee, cocoa, avocados, and coconuts. The production of these crops belongs to most valuable segments of the global food industry. Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Unidentified disease, vegetable crops – Sri Lanka: (north, central)
Undiagnosed -- Sri LankaAn unidentified disease has affected vegetable cultivations in the northcentral and central [provinces of Sri Lanka]. Due to this disease, in the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa [North Central], and Matale [Central] districts especially, a large area of cultivations have been destroyed.The farmers said that there are various characteristics of this disease affecting many vegetables including pumpkin, kekiri [cooking melon], cucumber, water melon, winged beans, bitter gourd, beans, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (16): Europe (Germany) owl, OIE
West Nile Virus -- GermanyInformation received on [and dated] 10 Jul 2019 from Dr Dietrich Rassow, director for animal health and animal welfare, chief veterinary officer, Directorate of Animal Health and Animal Welfare, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Berlin, GermanySummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 3 Jul 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 9 Jul 2019Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 18 Jul Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Southern tomato virus – Germany: 1st rep (NI)
Other Plant Disease -- GermanyGreenhouse tomatoes from Lower Saxony showed symptoms consisting of mottling, yellowing, and/or chlorotic spots. 8 samples were analysed by high throughput sequencing, 2 samples were pooled. STV sequences were detected in 2 of the pools, and no other virus sequences were detected. The full genomes were assembled by mapping to STV reference (Genbank). The sequences had 99.9% nt identity to each other and to [an] STV isolate from Switzerland [see link below].To confirm Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Vesicular stomatitis: possible vector
Vesicular Stomatitis -- Worldwide/UnknownDonaldson AI. Bats as possible maintenance hosts for vesicular stomatitis virus. Am J Epidemiol. 1970; 92(2): 132-6. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a121185Dr Donaldson may have a point. This may be something the United States Department of Agriculture or a university might choose to pursue and verify.In Panama, vesicular stomatitis virus was found to infect members of 7 mammalian orders, including opossums, xenarthrans (sloths, anteaters, and armadillos), Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Syphilis – Europe: ECDC, MSM, 2010-2017
Syphilis -- Worldwide/UnknownThe number of syphilis cases has been consistently going up across Europe since 2010, mostly affecting men who have sex with men [MSM] living in urban areas. In 2017, notification rates reached an all-time high in the EU/EEA [European Union/European Economic Area] countries with more than 33 000 reported cases. An in-depth ECDC study published today [12 Jul 2019] describes the factors behind this increase and outlines the evidence-based options for public health control Read more [...]
