WISCONSIN MAN mauled by BLACK BEAR ~ MONTANA confirms 2 cases of HANTAVIRUS ~ CALIFORNIA university police issue MOUNTAIN LION warning ~ CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE moving toward SHENANDOAH and YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARKS ~ RABIES reports from AR, CA, CT, ID, MDx2, NCx2, OH, TX, VA, & WA ~ ANNOUNCEMENT: USDA APHIS meeting re FERAL SWINE damage management.

Black bear. Courtesy U.S. Forest Service.

Wisconsin 05/16/13 greenbaypressgazette.com: by Nathan Phelps – A man was bitten, cut and scratched Wednesday when he was attacked by a black bear on Finch Lane in Silver Cliff in Marinette County. Gerre Ninnemann encountered the bear just before 1:30 p.m. after seeing it go after his dog, according to a Marinette County Sheriff’s Department report. Ninnemann called his dog back to the house and tried to run inside, but the bear ran him down from behind and took him to the ground. The animal started biting and clawing at his back, the report said. Ninnemann was able to get up and make it to the corner of the cabin, but was caught by the animal again.

Marinette County

His wife, Marie, grabbed a shotgun from the home and used it to hit the bear on the head. At that point, Gerre Ninneman again was able to get away from the bear. He used theshotgun to poke it in an effort to keep it away as they retreated into the cabin. The bear continued to circle the cabin and look in the windows, according to the report. A Marinette County deputy shot and killed the bear. A conservation warden took possession of the bear to check for possible rabies, according to the incident report. Gerre Ninneman was taken to Bay Area Medical Center in Marinette for treatment.

Hantavirus:

Gallatin County

Montana 05/17/13 bozemandailychronicle.com: County and state officials today confirmed two new cases of hantavirus and the first 2013 death in the state from the illness. A Gallatin County woman in her 20s died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, and a Carbon County man in his 40s was diagnosed with it, the Department of Health and Human Services reported.

Carbon County

The Gallatin County woman is the 10th person in Montana to die from hantavirus. Both people appear to have had recent exposure to rodents. There have been 37 reported cases of hantavirus in Montana since 1993. With one or two cases a year, Montana is second only to New Mexico in the number of cases. – For further details read May 18 report at www.dailychronicle.com

Mountain Lion Sightings:

California 05/14/13 sanluisobispo.com: by Julia Hickey – A mountain lion sighting at Cal Poly on Monday night has brought the number of sightings at or near the university to four this month. All of the sightings have taken place near Poly Canyon Village, said George Hughes, chief of police for the University Police Department. “This mountain lion has been seen on the hillside. That’s its natural habitat; it’s not unusual,” Hughes said. The first sighting took place May 2 on Stenner Creek Road; followed by two sightings Sunday near the Poly Canyon Village parking structure; and a fourth sighting at 9:30 p.m. on Monday night in the same area near the structure. Police are assuming that all sightings are of the same mountain lion, Hughes said.  Although mountain lions are secretive and attacks on humans are rare, police say there are considered threats. – For recommendations see http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2013/05/14/2508213/mountain-lion-poly-canyon-village.html

Chronic Wasting Disease:

Virginia 05/14/13 dailyprogress.com: by Aaron Richardson -  A deadly brain disorder affecting deer, moose and elk is on the region’s doorstep, and its spread could be impossible to stop. Chronic wasting disease, a progressive condition that can remain idle for years before killing the infected animal, has been found in deer 25 miles from the Shenandoah National Park’s northern border, said park biologist Rolf Gubler. The park stretches northeast from outside Waynesboro to Front Royal. Experts say there is no evidence that chronic wasting can be transmitted to humans. But its effect on deer, as well as moose and elk, is devastating — symptoms include dramatic weight loss, tremors and teeth-grinding — and the disease is incurable. Park officials held meetings on chronic wasting earlier this spring in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg and Washington, and they are working on a plan to contain the infection. That could include thinning the heaviest populations of whitetail deer in the park. – For complete article see http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/chronic-wasting-disease-in-deer-likely-to-move-farther-east/article_173a965a-bcea-11e2-ad43-0019bb30f31a.html

Wyoming 05/14/13 thewildlifenews.com: Information gleaned from the Wyoming Game & Fish Department indicates that deadly Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is advancing towards western Wyoming’s winter elk feed grounds and Yellowstone National Park. A new map from the Greater Yellowstone Coalition shows the areas where the disease has been detected in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are within 45 miles of winter elk feedgrounds and about 40 miles from Yellowstone Park’s northeast corner. The 2012 information reveals the farthest advance west of CWD in deer in Wyoming yet. Last year, three mule deer were found infected with CWD in Green River, Wyo.; an infected moose was found near Idaho in Star Valley, Wyo., in 2008. Veteran conservationist Lloyd Dorsey of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition said the disease is now essentially on the doorstep of the elk feed grounds, including the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole. Dorsey notes that deer from the endemic disease areas to the east and south migrate north and west to elk herd units in the upper Green River and Jackson Hole, where most of the winter feed grounds are located. For more information on the map depicting CWD areas and Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s efforts to phase out the artificial elk feeding areas and transition to healthier, free ranging wildlife, see http://www.greateryellowstone.org/elkrefuge – For complete article see http://www.thewildlifenews.com/2013/05/17/chronic-wasting-disease-closes-in-on-yellowstone/

West Nile Virus (WNV):

Mississippi 05/15/13 Madison County: State health officials have confirmed the first human case of WNV reported in the state this year in early April. Last year, 247 cases of WNV were reported statewide, including 5 fatalities. – See http://www.dailyleader.com/news/article_e7036d56-bd8c-11e2-97b0-0019bb2963f4.html

Rabies:

Arkansas 05/16/13 Garland County: Officials confirm nine skunks have tested positive for rabies in the county in the last three months. Pope County has the highest in the state with 13 cases, and statewide Arkansas had more confirmed cases by May of this year than in the entire year of 2011. With 90 confirmed cases and the summer months still ahead, the Natural State is on track to surpass the 131 cases recorded in 2012. – See http://arkansasmatters.com/fulltext?nxd_id=663792

California 05/14/13 Santa Clara County: A bat found April 12^th on the Los Gatos Creek Trail between Lark Avenue and Charter Oaks Drive has tested positive for rabies. – See http://campbell.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/bat-found-on-los-gatos-creek-trail-tests-positive-fore594fe7b41

Connecticut 05/14/13 New Haven County: A raccoon found May 12^th in the vicinity of Pope and Hawley roads in Oxford has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.voicesnews.com/articles/2013/05/14/arts_and_living/pets_and_wildlife/doc519274565e1f2493782011.txt

Idaho 05/14/13 Kootenai County: A bat found on an interior staircase of a home in the county has tested positive for rabies. Everyone living in the home is now being treated for potential exposure to the virus. – See http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/may/14/rabid-bat-flies-north-idaho-home/

Maryland 05/16/13 Garrett County: Seven people are being treated for exposure to rabies after a goat in the southern area of the county tested positive for the virus. – See http://times-news.com/local/x730880365/Second-rabies-case-in-Garrett-involves-goat

Maryland 05/14/13 carrollcountytimes.com: by Kelcie Pegher – The Carroll County Health Department is seeking a medium-sized dog with a black coat that bit a person at Memorial Park in Taneytown May 5, according to a release from Carroll County Government. Joe Mancuso, the rabies coordinator for Carroll County said from the description that was given to him, it does not appear as though the dog had rabies.  If you have any information to help locate the dog or its owner, contact the Carroll County Health Department at 410-876-1884, or the Carroll County Humane Society at 410-848-4810.

North Carolina 05/15/13 Henderson County: A gray fox that attacked and bit a woman who was working in the garden at her home on Penny Drive in Hendersonville has tested positive for rabies. The fox bit her several times on the left hand and right leg. Later that night, the fox bit a man in the vicinity of Sweetwater Hills Drive and fortunately the man managed to kill the animal with his flashlight. Both bite victims are being treated for exposure to the virus. – See http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20130515/NEWS/130519867?p=2&tc=pg

North Carolina 05/15/13 Guilford County: A fox that bit two children on Sunday who were sitting on the deck at their apartment on Guyer Street in High Point has tested positive for rabies. One was bitten on the hand, the other on the leg. – See http://www.news-record.com/news/1225066-91/rabid-fox-bites-two-children

Ohio 05/16/13 Mahoning County: A raccoon found in the vicinity of Cherry Hill Place in Boardman has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.vindy.com/news/2013/may/16/second-rabid-raccoon-found-in-mahoning-c/?nw

Texas 05/16/13 Taylor and Jones counties: A skunk found in the 3400 block of Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene has tested positive for rabies. Three unvaccinated dogs had been in contact with the skunk. Last month, two rabid skunks were captured within the city’s limits. – See http://www.reporternews.com/news/2013/may/16/third-skunk-in-abilene-this-year-with-rabies/

Virginia 05/14/13 Pittsylvania County: A raccoon found in the vicinity of Laniers Mill Road has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/article_ccdf3da2-bcd7-11e2-843e-001a4bcf6878.html

Washington 05/14/13 Franklin County: A bat that bit an 11-month-old child twice in Pasco has tested positive for rabies. The child and her grandmother, who removed the bat from the child’s back, are being treated for exposure to the virus. The bat few from the deck umbrella as it was being opened. – See http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/05/14/2597353/rabid-bat-bites-pasco-baby.html

Announcement:

On Thursday, May 23^rd, APHIS’ Wildlife Services and Veterinary Services programs will host a scoping meeting to provide more information about a national approach to feral swine damage management and take comments from participating stakeholders.  Anyone who is unable to attend in person can join the meeting via a live Webcast.  Additional meeting information is available on the Wildlife Services’ Web site at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/feral_swine/index.shtml.  A Notice announcing APHIS’ intent to prepare an environmental impact statement to examine the potential impacts of alternatives for feral swine damage management was published in today’s Federal Register. The public comment period closes June 12.  http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=APHIS_FRDOC_0001-1436.

Event Logistics:

Date:  Thursday, May 23, 2013 ~ Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT

Location: 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737

MOUNTAIN LION approaches CALIFORNIA HIKER ~ WEST NILE VIRUS reports from TN, & TX ~ RABIES reports from AL, CO, DC, GA, KS, MI, NJx2, NY, SC, & TX ~ ANNOUNCEMENT: CDC announced new LYME and other TICKBORNE DISEASE resources.

Mountain lion. Courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey.

California 05/08/13 marinscope.com: by Soren Hemmila – A Mill Valley woman reported seeing a mountain lion while hiking alone near Tam Valley last weekend. Mill Valley resident Elizabeth Kennard said she was hiking on a trail near Tennessee Valley Road when she spotted a mountain lion about 40 feet away. “I first thought oh my goodness maybe it’s a bob cat, don’t be scared,” Kennard said. “Then I saw it was larger and I saw its long tail and knew it wasn’t a bobcat.” The mountain lion leaped at something in the undergrowth and then turned and stared at Kennard before it started walking toward her. “There was nothing nearby to throw so I started backing slowly away and shouting very loudly,” Kennard said. Finally the mountain lion turned and went into the bushes. – For complete article see http://www.marinscope.com/mill_valley_herald/news/article_69183560-b829-11e2-a8df-0019bb2963f4.html

West Nile Virus (WNV):

Tennessee 05/07/13 Shelby County: The Health Department reported that mosquitoes collected in seven ZIP codes across the county — 38116, 38122 and 38127 in Memphis, 38133 in Bartlett, 38125 in Germantown, 38017 in Collierville and 38141 in unincorporated areas — tested positive for WNV. It’s the earliest detection in the dozen or so years since the virus initially spread to the county. – See http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2013/may/07/health-officials-report-earliest-ever-detection/

Texas 05/03/13 Denton County: Mosquitoes trapped in Lewisville on April 30^th in the vicinity of the 800 block of College Street and the 1700 block of South Edmond behind the Renaissance Village Retirement Center have tested positive for WNV. Spraying has been scheduled in both areas. – See http://www.coppellgazette.com/articles/2013/05/03/lewisville_leader/news/8622.txt

Rabies:

Alabama 05/07/13 Baldwin County: Health officials have issued a Rabies Alert after a fox that was found in the vicinity of Fairhope tested positive for rabies. – See http://blog.al.com/pr-community-news/2013/05/rabid_fox_in_baldwin_county_pr.html

Colorado 05/03/13 Washington County: A sick feral cat that bit and scratched an adult and a minor has tested positive for rabies. This is the second feral cat to test positive for rabies in the northeastern part of the state this year. – See http://www.yumapioneer.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5391&Itemid=39

District of Columbia 05/03/13: A sick raccoon captured in the 3100 block of Macomb Street NW has tested positive for rabies. Cleveland Park residents have been advised to secure trash cans, repair access holes in their homes, and keep pets on a leash. – See http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Rabid-Raccoon-in-Cleveland-Park-205969911.html

Georgia 05/08/13 DeKalb County: The communities of Brookhaven and Chamblee have issued Rabies Alerts after county officials captured two raccoons in the Harts Mill Court area on April 26^th and in the Ragley Hall Road area on April 30^th. Both raccoons tested positive for rabies. – See http://brookhaven.patch.com/articles/brookhaven-chamblee-communities-on-rabies-alert

Kansas 05/03/13 McPherson County: A cow examined by a veterinarian in the City of McPherson late last month has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.mcphersonsentinel.com/article/20130503/NEWS/130509705/1001/NEWS

Michigan 05/07/13 Wayne County: A bat that was found in Palmer Park on April 24^th and was unable to fly has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/22183912/bat-f

New Jersey 05/03/13 Salem County: A raccoon that fought with two vaccinated dogs in Quinton Township last week has tested positive for rabies. The dogs’ owner cleaned the dogs after the scuffle and is being treated for possible contact with the raccoon’s saliva and exposure to the rabies virus. – See http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2013/05/rabid_raccoon_reported_in_quin.html

New Jersey 05/03/13 Cape May County: A raccoon shot by police on Route 47 in Cape May Court House has tested positive for rabies. A skunk that fought with a dog in Swainton on May 1^st and was also shot by police was presumed to be rabid. And another skunk that fought with a dog in a separate incident on May 3^rd in Cape May Court House is being tested for rabies. – See http://shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/2010-04-07-20-18-16/middle-township-news/38093-middle-police-shoot-two-animals-suspected-to-have-rabies.html

New York 05/08/13 Oneida County: A fox that attacked a man twice in the vicinity of Pheasant Lane in New Hartford on Monday was shot by police and has tested positive for rabies. The man is receiving post exposure treatment. – See http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/05/fox_from_new_hartford_attack_h.html

South Carolina 05/08/13 Saluda County: A raccoon that bit a man in the county recently has tested positive for rabies. Health officials declined to release further information. – See http://www.indexjournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=40&ArticleID=18489

Texas 05/03/13 Montague County: A skunk that entered a local residence in Bowie last weekend has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2013/may/03/briefly-5-3/

Announcement:

National 05/08/13 cdc.gov: News Release – The CDC has announced the release of a comic strip for school-aged children that teaches them how to prevent tick bites, even when Mom and Dad aren’t around:  See http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/resources/toolkit/DontletTicksbitemeComicFS_508.pdf

And Tickborne Diseases of the United States: A Reference Guide for Health Care Providers. – See http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/resources/TickborneDiseases.pdf

NEBRASKA resident shoots stalking MOUNTAIN LION ~ WASHINGTON health officials asking people to send in TICKS ~ ARIZONA county finds this year’s first WEST NILE VIRUS mosquito ~ CDC publishes “Diagnosis and Management of Q FEVER” ~ RABIES reports from CO, GA, NY, & TXx2 ~ ANNOUNCEMENT: Three organizations accepting applications for AWARDS.

Mountain lion. Courtesy U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Nebraska 03/28/13 Dawes County: A resident of the Pine Ridge reported that he shot and killed a mountain lion on Wednesday after attempts to scare the animal off failed. The lion, which displayed no apparent fear, was walking along a creek about 20 yards from the man and about 150 yards from the man’s home. The incident occurred about 10 miles south of Chadron. – See http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/mountain-lion-killed-in-dawes-county/article_73019051-2f3b-533f-93ce-7e1406102683.html

Ticks:

Female Rocky Mountain Wood Tick. Courtesy CDC.

Washington 03/27/13 coh.wa.gov: News Release – Tick season is in full swing in western Washington, and it’s kicking into gear in the eastern side of the state. The Department of Health invites people all over the state to send ticks to the agency for a project to learn more about what types of ticks live in Washington. “Different types of ticks carry different diseases,” explains Liz Dykstra, public health entomologist for the Department of Health.

Female Western Black-legged Tick. Courtesy CDC.

“We’re asking people to help us learn more by sending us ticks for identification so we understand the risks for disease in different areas.” Washington has relatively few cases of tick-borne disease, yet each year a few cases of relapsing fever, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are reported to state health officials. – For complete release see http://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/2013NewsReleases/13037TickSeason.aspx

West Nile Virus (WNV):

Arizona 03/28/13 Maricopa County: Officials confirm the first positive WNV mosquito sample, meaning the virus is getting an early start this year. Last year the county had 76 lab-confirmed human cases of WNV including two related fatalities. – See http://www.azfamily.com/news/health/Early-start-for-Maricopa-Countys-West-Nile-season-200430001.html

Q Fever:

National 03/29/13 cdc.gov: Q fever, a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, can cause acute or chronic illness in humans. Transmission occurs primarily through inhalation of aerosols from contaminated soil or animal waste. No licensed vaccine is available in the United States. Because many human infections result in nonspecific or benign constitutional symptoms, establishing a diagnosis of Q fever often is challenging for clinicians. This report provides the first national recommendations issued by CDC for Q fever recognition, clinical and laboratory diagnosis, treatment, management, and reporting for health-care personnel and public health professionals. The guidelines address treatment of acute and chronic phases of Q fever illness in children, adults, and pregnant women, as well as management of occupational exposures. These recommendations will be reviewed approximately every 5 years and updated to include new published evidence. – See http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6203a1.htm?s_cid=rr6203a1_e

Rabies:

Colorado 03/28/13 Weld County: A skunk found in a neighborhood south of Lee Lake in between Highway 257 and Weld County Road 76 in Windsor has tested positive for rabies. As the animal had bite marks officials are concerned that a domestic or some other wild animal may also be infected and spreading the virus through the area. – See http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20130328/NEWS01/303280028/Rabies-concerns-increase-second-skunk-found-near-Windsor

Georgia 03/27/13 Fayette County: A raccoon shot be a sheriff’s deputy off Padgett Road and Lone Oak Drive a short distance south of GA HWY 85 has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.thecitizen.com/articles/03-27-2013/rabies-confirmed-lone-oak-dr

New York 03/27/13 Lewis County: A skunk in Lowville reported to be acting strangely has tested positive for rabies. An unvaccinated domestic animal that was in direct contact with the skunk had to be euthanized. – See http://www.wwnytv.com/news/local/Skunk-Tests-Positive-For-Rabies-In-Lewis-County-200227271.html

Texas 03/27/13 McLennan County: A feral cat that bit and scratched a Waco resident on March 24^th in the 3700 block of South 3^rd Street has tested positive for rabies. The cat was in the victim’s yard with her animals and when she tried to pick it up the cat became very aggressive. – See http://www.kcentv.com/story/21811264/cat-attacks-woman-tests-positive-for-rabies-in

Texas 03/28/13 McLennan County: A skunk found with two dogs by a property owner in the 16000 block of Wortham Bend Road in Waco earlier this week has tested positive for rabies. This is the second confirmed rabies infection in the county this year. – See http://www.wacotrib.com/news/environment/second-rabies-case-confirmed-in-waco-area/article_94b842af-c4d0-5717-833c-767794f97e3d.html

~ AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT ~

We would like to inform you that the following three awards are currently open for applications. If you are interested, you should apply directly to the organisation involved. We hope you find the information useful.

1. Rabies in the Americas Award: GARC is pleased to announce that applications are welcomed from students in Asia and Africa for financial support to attend the 24^th annual Rabies in the Americas (RITA) meeting in October 2013. Deadline: July 12th, 2013. For more details, see http://rabiescontrol.net/news/news-archive/announcing-financial-support-award-for-a-student-to-attend-rita.html

2. World Veterinary Day Award, offered by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). This recognises the most successful celebration of the veterinary profession. It applies to national veterinary associations, either on their own, or in collaboration with other selected veterinary bodies. This year’s theme is ‘Vaccination’. Deadline: May 1st, 2013. For further details, see http://www.worldvet.org/taxonomy/term/38

3. Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs: Award to attend the 5th International Symposium on Non-Surgical Contraceptive Methods of Pet Population Control in Oregon, US. This is open to veterinary students, interns and residents currently enrolled in a college or school of veterinary medicine anywhere in the world. Deadline: April 6, 2013. For more details -http://www.acc-d.org/5th%20Symp-Student%20Contest

Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for the latest news, campaign information and updates on projects from our community around the world – http://www.rabiescontrol.net/support-us/sign-up-to-our-newsletter.html.

Warm regards,

The Global Alliance for Rabies Control Campaigns Team

www.rabiesalliance.org

Celebrity GRAY WOLF OR-7 returns to OREGON ~ COYOTES killed in COLORADO after report of attack on 5-year-old BOY ~ MOUNTAIN LION killed in COLORADO after snatching and eating leashed PET ~ HORSE at Santa Anita Park in CALIFORNIA found with EQUINE HERPES VIRUS-1 ~ FOLLOW-UP REPORT: Fatal HUMAN RABIES case in MARYLAND due to kidney transplant ~ Other RABIES reports from CT, MO, TX, VA, & WV ~ ANNOUNCEMENT: International Symposia on ENTOMOLOGY

Gray wolf. Photo by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Oregon 03/13/13 dfw.state.or.us: Update – Wolf OR7 crossed the state border into southwest Klamath County, Ore. sometime yesterday evening. He first crossed into California on Dec. 28, 2011. ODFW does not post daily location information on OR7 or any GPS-collared wolf. Wolves throughout Oregon are protected by the state Endangered Species Act. West of Hwys 395-78-95, wolves are also protected by the federal ESA. OR7 may cross back into California and use areas in both states. ODFW will continue to monitor his location and coordinate with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Fish and Game. – More information here: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/nongame/wolf/ and http://californiagraywolf.wordpress.com/

Coyote Attacks:

Colorado 03/15/13 kdvr.com: by David Mitchell – Two coyotes were shot and killed in the city of Boulder after a report of a coyote biting a 5-year-old boy. Boulder and Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials shot a female coyote Tuesday night and a male coyote Thursday night. Both animals were on city open space east of Foothills Parkway and near the Boulder Creek Path. The aggressive incident happened last weekend and was reported Monday according to a statement released Friday. A father told the city he was with two 5-year-old boys who were playing near the creek when two coyotes surrounded them. As one of the boys ran to his father, one of the coyotes chased him and bit his leg. “The bite resulted in a scratch, but fortunately, didn’t puncture the skin,” the statement says.

The city just completed a four-week hazing program for coyotes designed to reduce their activity and reports of them approaching or chasing people. One other bite had been reported. “When a coyote attacks and bites a human, the situation has to be addressed,” said Larry Rogstad, area wildlife manager for Boulder Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “From the patterns of behavior over the last month and a half and the recent bite, we felt these coyotes presented a risk to humans and, therefore, it was necessary to remove them. Thanks to a detailed report from the father, we are confident that we identified the same coyotes and that they were animals already known to resource officers from both organizations.” Both the city and wildlife officials will keep an eye on coyote activity in Boulder. Aggressive incidents towards humans should be reported to Boulder at 303-441-3333 or CPW at 303-291-7227.

Mountain Lion Sightings:

Colorado 03/15/13 gazette.com: by Ryan Maye Handy – A ravenous and bold mountain lion was captured and euthanized Wednesday, hours after it snatched and ate a leashed miniature Daschund that was on a walk with its owner. The big cat had been lurking in southwestern Colorado Springs neighborhoods since January before Colorado Parks and Wildlife rangers set a trap Wednesday night and caught it. Hours earlier, around 7 a.m., a man was walking his dog in a park in the area when the mountain lion snatched the dog, yanking its leash out of the man’s hands, and fled with it. Earlier this month, rangers had tried to chase the mountain lion out of the neighborhood and back into the wilderness, said Michael Seraphin, a spokesman for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. – For complete article see http://www.gazette.com/articles/lion-152323-dog-mountain.html

Equine Herpes Virus-1:

California 03/15/13 harnesslink.com: Ontario Racing Commission officials have confirmed that a horse at Santa Anita Park has been diagnosed with Equine Herpes Virus-1. All horses from California being shipped into Woodbine Racetrack shall require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection dated within 24 hours prior to shipping. – For further details see http://www.harnesslink.com/www/Article.cgi?ID=104282

Follow-Up Report:

(See MARYLAND resident dies of RABIES posted 03/14/13)

Maryland 03/14/13 washingtonpost.com: by David Brown – A Maryland man who two weeks ago became the state’s first fatal case of rabies in nearly 40 years contracted the infection from a kidney transplant, according to two people familiar with the case. Three people in other states received organs from the same donor, but their conditions were not immediately known. The recipient died at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington after being in the hospital for about a month, according to the people with knowledge of the case, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. He had received a kidney from a Florida man in an operation at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in 2011. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compared rabies virus obtained from the recipient and determined that it was genetically identical to the virus recovered from the organ’s donor, said the two people involved in the case. CDC officials were expected to announce some details of the case Friday. – For complete report see http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/maryland-rabies-case-came-from-kidney-transplant-sources-say/2013/03/14/4f47361e-8cf9-11e2-9f54-f3fdd70acad2_story.html

Other Rabies Reports:

Connecticut 03/14/13 Fairfield County: Health officials have confirmed that a raccoon picked up this week in the Hill Farm Road area of the City of Fairfield has tested positive for rabies. – See http://longisland.news12.com/news/rabies-infected-raccoon-captured-fairfield-health-dept-cautions-residents-1.4813007?firstfree=yes

Missouri 03/14/13 Cape Girardeau County: According to public health officials, a skunk captured in the northwest part of the county has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.semissourian.com/story/1949973.html

Texas 03/16/13 Tarrant County: A skunk reported to be displaying unusual behavior in the vicinity of Wedglea Drive in north Bedford has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.ntxe-news.com/artman/publish/article_82005.shtml

Virginia 03/14/13 Arlington County: A raccoon seen fighting with two dogs in the water at Glen Carlyn Park last weekend has tested positive for rabies. Anyone who may have had contact with a raccoon in the park in the past week should seek immediate medical attention. – See http://clarendon.patch.com/articles/county-possible-rabies-exposure-around-glen-carlyn-park

West Virginia 03/14/13 Mercer County: A raccoon that fought with a dog last week in the Princeton Avenue area of Bluefield has tested positive for rabies. The dog and a person who tried to intervene were both exposed to the virus. – See http://bdtonline.com/editorials/x2101728847/Human-exposure

~ ANNOUNCEMENT ~

Photo by Bugboy52.40. Wikimedia Commons.

The International Symposia on Entomology (ISE-2013), hosted by OMICS Group Conference, will be held in Orlando, Florida, September 4-6, 2013. The main theme of the conference is “Exploring the description of new species, geographical distribution, genome organization and diseases related to insects”. Exhibitor sponsors are welcome. For further details see http://www.omicsgroup.com/conferences/entomology-2013/cfa.php or e-mail johnross@omicsgroup.net

CALIFORNIA scientists find new VIRUS causing fatal BRAIN CANCER in RACCOONS ~ ANNOUNCEMENT: WASHINGTON wildlife officials schedule public meetings to discuss GRAY WOLF recovery & management ~ IOWA reports rapid increase in domestic DEER with CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE ~ FOLLOW-UP REPORT: MASSACHUSETTS BOBCAT had RABIES ~ Other RABIES reports from GA, & VA.

Raccoon kit. Photo courtesy National Park Service.

California 01/09/13 wired.com: by Brandon Keim – An outbreak of a previously unknown virus that causes fatal brain cancer in raccoons has been detected in northern California and southern Oregon. Tumors and the new virus were found in 10 raccoons autopsied between March 2010 and May 2012. Nothing like them had been seen before in raccoons, in which tumors are very rare. There’s no reason to think the virus could be contagious to humans. Its emergence does, however, raise fascinating questions about how it evolved and whether patterns of suburban development actually fueled its rise. “We need to understand how infectious pathogens are empowered by global changes,” said veterinary pathologist Patty Pesavento of the University of California, Davis, leader of the team studying the new disease, which was reported in the January issue of Emerging Infectious Disease. “If there’s a new niche, pathogens will find it.” Nine of the raccoons came from around Marin County, just north of San Francisco, and the 10th was sent from southern Oregon. The raccoons had been spotted wandering in daylight, approaching humans, falling unconscious and generally displaying signs of neurological distress. Tumors appeared to have formed in their olfactory tracts, spread to their frontal lobes and compressed their mid-brains (see picture below). Reviews of scientific literature and calls to veterinary pathologists across North America found no precedents.

Patty Pasavento, DVM

In each of the tumors, but not in brain tissue from raccoons tested for comparison, Pesavento’s team found an unknown form of polyomavirus, one of a group of viruses known to cause a rare form of skin cancer in humans and tumors in other animals, including mice and birds. Pesavento’s team called it raccoon polyomavirus. “The connection between the novel polyomavirus and these raccoon brain tumors is strong,” said disease ecologist Richard Ostfeld of the Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies, who was not involved in the research. The exact virulence and contagiousness of the new virus is unknown, but there’s reason to think it’s high. Raccoons killed by the tumors accounted for more than one-fifth of all the raccoons Pesavento’s group autopsied between March 2010 and May 2012, and the cases they saw are likely the disease’s tip. Citation: “Novel Polyomavirus associated with Brain Tumors in Free-Ranging Raccoons, Western United States.” By Florante N. Dela Cruz, Federico Giannitti, Linlin Li, Leslie W. Woods, Luis Del Valle, Eric Delwart, and Patricia A. Pesavento. Emerging Infectious Disease, Vol. 19 No. 1, January 2013. – For complete article see http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/01/raccoon-cancer-outbreak/

Announcement:

Wolves:

Washington 01/07/13 wdfw.wa.gov: News Release – The recovery and management of gray wolves in Washington and other western states will be the topic of three public meetings this month hosted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). A panel of experts will discuss ongoing efforts to recover Washington’s gray wolf population, the latest information from population surveys in Washington and gray wolf management strategies used in other states.  “Wolves are a high-profile species that attract considerable public interest from people who often have opposing views,” said Dave Ware, WDFW game manager. “This is a great opportunity for people interested in gray wolves to hear from experts about the recovery of the species throughout the West.” Keynote speakers include Mike Jimenez, Rocky Mountain wolf coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Wyoming; Carter Niemeyer, retired wolf specialist with the USFWS and the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services; and Donny Martorello, WDFW carnivore section manager.  Lorna Smith, executive director of Western Wildlife Outreach, an independent wild carnivore education organization based in the state of Washington, will moderate the meetings. Each meeting will include an opportunity for the public to submit questions to the presenters about wolf recovery and management. The public meetings are scheduled for:

• Jan. 16 – Center Place Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, 6-8 p.m.
• Jan. 17 – Office Building #2, at 14th Ave. and Jefferson St., Olympia, 2:30-5 p.m.
• Jan. 18 – Magnuson Park’s Garden Room, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, 6-8 p.m.

For further details see http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/jan0713a/

Chronic Wasting Disease:

Iowa 01/08/13 journalexpress.net : by Mark Newman – News of domesticated deer with chronic wasting disease may become more common. As for the wild deer population, scientists still want assistance. Last week, a third deer in Davis County was revealed to have chronic wasting disease. The state said Pine Ridge hunting preserve cooperated with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in putting up a fence-inside-a-fence to keep their deer from going nose-to-nose with wild deer. And whenever a client on their preserve successfully hunts a deer, that animal is given over to the DNR for testing. Chronic wasting disease causes deer to lose weight, to stumble around or to act extremely sleepy. It eventually results in death of the deer. DNR deer biologist Tom Litchfield told the Courier Monday there are other illnesses that mimic CWD, but any deer that show such symptoms are tested anyway. Scientists have said CWD is not a danger to humans, even those who eat deer meat — though they never recommend eating any infected meat. The initial positive sample was confirmed in July, submitted from a deer shot in December 2011. The second positive test was confirmed Dec. 12, 2012, from a deer harvested Dec. 1. The fear among state officials and nature enthusiasts is that an infected deer in a pen did or will give the disease to deer in the wilderness. The third sample came from a male deer harvested Dec. 15 at the Pine Ridge Hunting Preserve in Davis County. That brings the number of known infected deer in Iowa from zero six months ago to 13 as of this week. All are from enclosed hunting or breeding facilities. – For complete article see http://journalexpress.net/community-news-network/x1633446428/Chronic-wasting-disease-sees-fast-rise-in-Iowa

Follow-Up Report:

(See Likely RABID BOBCAT attacks MASSACHUSETTS MAN and his NEPHEW posted 01/08/13)

Massachusetts 01/09/13 telegram.com: A bobcat that attacked two people in Brookfield on January 6^th has tested positive for rabies. A third was exposed to the animal’s blood. All three had already begun receiving post-exposure rabies vaccinations. – See http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130109/NEWS/101099989/1116

Other Rabies Reports:

Georgia 01/08/13 Fannin County: Health officials confirm four people in Morgantown were exposed to a pet llama that has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/01/08/4-people-in-northwest-georgia-exposed-to-rabies-by-pet-llama/

Virginia 01/08/13 James City County: A skunk found in the Oakland Subdivision area of the county has tested positive for rabies. – See http://wtvr.com/2013/01/08/skunk-tests-positive-for-rabies-in-james-city-county/

FLORIDA WOMAN attacked by RABID FOX ~ Other RABIES reports from GA, PA, VA, & CANADA’s NEW BRUNSWICK Province ~ CDC announcement of new PLAGUE FACT SHEET.

Gray fox. Photo by New York Department of Environmental Conservation.

Florida 11/29/12 Martin County: A fox that bit a resident in Port Mayaca’s J&S Park Estates on Monday has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/nov/29/rabid-fox-bites-woman-in-port-mayaca/

Georgia 11/30/12 Chatham County: A raccoon that was trapped after fighting with two dogs in the vicinity of LaRoche Avenue on the Isle of Hope has tested positive for rabies. ­ See http://savannahnow.com/latest-news/2012-11-30/raccoon-tests-positive-rabies#.ULmKbIYt7WB

Pennsylvania 11/29/12 Allegheny County: A gray cat that bit a Swissvale woman in the vicinity of the 7300 block of Denniston Avenue has tested positive for rabies. The cat, which is likely a stray, was hit by a car on Monday and went onto a porch where the resident tried to help it and was bitten. Anyone else who may have been bitten or scratched by this cat should seek medical advice. – See http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/3046696-74/cat-health-rabies-county-rabid-bitten-animal-contact-department-swissvale#axzz2Dfxm1Bug

Virginia 11/29/12 Hopewell: A skunk found on the 500 block of North Ninth Avenue near City Point National Cemetery on Monday has tested positive for rabies. – See http://progress-index.com/news/rabid-skunk-found-in-hopewell-1.1409840

Canada:

New Brunswick 11/30/12 Restigouche County: An unvaccinated house cat in Balmoral that bit its owner has tested positive for rabies. The New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association said this incident reinforces that rabies still exists in the province. – See http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/n-b-house-cat-tests-positive-for-rabies-1.1060786

~ ~ ANNOUNCEMENT ~ ~

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases

Division of Vector-Borne Diseases / Bacterial Diseases Branch

Fort Collins, Colorado

Is pleased to announce the release of CDC’s

Plague Fact Sheet

(in English and Spanish)

at

http://www.cdc.gov/plague/

Two ALASKAN trappers mauled by BROWN BEAR near Kenai River ~ FLORIDA reports another case of DENGUE FEVER ~ PENNSYLVANIA girl bitten by RABID BAT ~ AUTHOR’S NOTE: Limited reporting effective immediately.

Brown bear. Photo by Alaska Public Lands.

Alaska 11/13/12 peninsulaclarion.com: by Brian Smith – A brown bear sow mauled two Anchorage men setting traps near the Kenai River on Saturday night [Nov 10], sending one to an Anchorage hospital with serious injuries, a wildlife official said. Jeff Selinger, Alaska Department of Fish and Game area wildlife biologist, said the two men, whose names or ages he could not immediately release, were attacked a half mile upstream of the Kenai Keys on the south — or Funny River — side of the river. Both men were attacked by the bear during the incident but officials from Central Emergency Services said only one man was transported to Central Peninsula Hospital and then flown to Anchorage with serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

Selinger said the two men were separated at the time the sow attacked the first man. Upon hearing the bear and the man’s cries for help, the second man ran to help. “He yelled at the bear and tried to get him away from the area and it came after him and knocked him down and then went back to the first individual and worked him over some more and then left the area,” Selinger said. Neither man had a gun or bear spray, Selinger said. The second man received only bruises from the [incident] and returned Monday to retrieve the traps the two set. The man reported he saw cub tracks in the area as well, Selinger said. It is late in the year for a bear attack, Selinger said, but some brown bears do not den as soon or as heavily as others. He said active bears have been caught in traps in the area well into December. “Some bears rarely sleep,” he said. Selinger said Fish and Game has no plans to go searching for the bear. “The victims even said, ‘That’s the last thing we want you to do, to go out and try to track this bear down because it is obvious we got into its space,’” he said. – For complete article see http://peninsulaclarion.com/news/2012-11-13/trappers-mauled-by-bear-near-kenai-river

Dengue Fever:

Florida 11/17/12 Miami-Dade County: Health officials have confirmed an 82-year-old man is the second person in the county to be diagnosed with dengue fever this year. – See http://www.cbs12.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.fl/244ce335-www.cbs12.com.shtml

Rabies:

Pennsylvania 11/16/12 Erie County: A bat that bit a Millcreek Township girl has tested positive for rabies. Health officials confirm the girl is receiving post-exposure rabies vaccinations. – See http://www.goerie.com/article/20121115/NEWS02/311159878/Millcreek-girl-bitten-by-rabid-bat

Author’s Note:

Due to physical (they tell me the carpal tunnel syndrome will always be with me) and time limitations, this blog will, from this date forward, focus almost exclusively on incidents involving actual injury to human beings, and to major scientific advances in the control, treatment, or cure of Unseen Natural Hazards.

Those who are interested in following weekly statistics published in the CDC’s Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report may do so by going to http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/mmwr_wk/wk_cvol.html . Click on Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables .

September 28 is WORLD RABIES DAY ~ FLORIDA confirms locally acquired case of DENGUE FEVER ~ MOUNTAIN LION report from SOUTH DAKOTA ~ WEST NILE VIRUS reports from CDC – NATIONAL, MS, OK, SD, TX, & CANADA: ONTARIO.

World Rabies Day 09/28/12 worldrabiesday.org: Educational Materials and Resources – The World Rabies Day Education Bank is loaded with rabies prevention resources collected from all around the world. Here you’ll find materials specifically designed for veterinarians, humane organizations, teachers, children, healthcare workers and pet owners. Below is a list of some recent resources we have released specifically for raising awareness on World Rabies Day. Click here to visit the education bank.

All about Rabies! Todo acerca de la Rabia! Educational package for children that focuses on responsible pet ownership and rabies prevention

·         English: (Ages 6-8) (Ages 9-11) (Ages 12-14)

·         Spanish: (6 a 8 anos) (9 a 11 anos) (12 a 14 anos)

·         Rabies: Simple Steps Save Livesvideo (English) (French) (Spanish) (Mandarin)

·         Be Safe Around Dogs coloring book (English/Spanish), (French/Creole), (Mandarin), (Kannada)

·         Bats Can Have Rabies (US) poster (English) (Spanish)

·         Rabies Blueprint: Guide for preventing human rabies; (English) (Spanish) (Français) (Arabic) (Russian) (Portuguese)

·         Rabies Postexposure Basics – Online course designed for healthcare providers and public health professionals.

World Rabies Day Photo Contest – From August 1st until December 31st, the World Rabies Day Photo Competition is open for everyone to promote the cause of the Campaign and to have the chance to win one of three prizes. Upload your photo to the WRD Facebook page and include the date and location from which it was taken as well as a short message in the description. Prizes will be awarded to the top three photos. The three photos with the most votes on Facebook will win the competition and receive prizes and a special write up on the World Rabies Day website and Global Alliance for Rabies Control newsletter. Final determination of winners is at the discretion of World Rabies Day. Please upload high resolution images to the WRD Facebook page. These are usually taken at your cameras highest setting. Pictures taken with your phone may not be high enough quality. Please use a good camera. We would love to show off your photos!  Click here for more information about this competition.

“Understanding Rabies” – Video Release – We are pleased to offer this video series entitled, “Understanding Rabies”. These short educational videos cover the following topics:

·         What is Rabies?

·         What animals are most likely to be rabid?

·         Rabies symptoms

·         Rabies diagnosis

·         Preventing rabies

·         Rabies medical research

We invite you to view our videos and share them as part of your outreach for World Rabies Day and beyond!  Watch the Videos: http://www.worldrabiesday.org/EN/media_center/videos.html

Merial Rabies Symposium and Webcast: September 29, 2012 – With great pleasure, the Global Alliance for Rabies Control has awarded the 2012 Merial Rabies Symposium to North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.  A full-day rabies symposium, sponsored by Merial, with talks from local and international experts will be held at North Carolina State University and we hope that students in their veterinary, biomedical, and public health sciences programs will all participate to help spread the One-Health message.  Those unable to attend in-person can register to participate for FREE via live webcast.  For more information please go to: http://www.worldrabiesday.org/EN/events/symposium.html

Dengue Fever:

Florida 09/27/12 dadehealth.org: Health officials received confirmation of the first locally acquired case of Dengue Fever in Miami-Dade County.* The individual was diagnosed with Dengue Fever based on symptoms and confirmed by laboratory tests. The individual fully recovered from this illness. Dengue Fever is a viral disease transmitted by a type of mosquito common to the southeastern United States and the tropics. It is not spread from person to person. The symptoms of Dengue Fever include, fever (over 101 degrees Fahrenheit), severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle, joint and bone pain, rash, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. There is no specific medication or vaccine for Dengue Fever. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Dengue Fever, please call your healthcare provider to see if you need to be seen. – See http://www.dadehealth.org/public/PUBLICnewsarticle.asp?newsID=2108&typeID=&news_type=Press+Releases

* Author’s Note: According to a CBS 12 News report, the person is a woman between 60 and 70 years of age.

Mountain Lion Sightings:

South Dakota 09/26/12 Minnehaha County: Several mountain lion sightings in Valley Springs have led a state official to think the reports are credible. Young mountain lions from the Black Hills often follow waterways across the state in search of new territory. – See http://www.argusleader.com/article/20120927/NEWS/309270028/Mountain-lion-spotted-near-Valley-Springs?nclick_check=1

West Nile Virus (WNV):

CDC – National 09/25/12 cdc.gov: Update – According to the CDC, as of today 48 states have reported WNV infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 3,545 human cases of WNV disease in people, including 147 deaths, have been reported to CDC. Of these, 1,816 (51%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 1,729 (49%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease. The 3,545 cases reported thus far in 2012 is the highest number of WNV disease cases reported to CDC through the last week in September since 2003. Seventy percent of the cases have been reported from eight states (Texas, Mississippi, South Dakota, Michigan, California, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Illinois) and 38 percent of all cases have been reported from Texas. – See http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

Mississippi 09/26/12 Madison County: Health officials have confirmed a new death from WNV bringing the state’s total this year to five. There have been 195 human cases reported in the state so far this year. – See http://www.wlbt.com/story/19649881/west-nile-death-reported-in-madison-county

Oklahoma 09/26/12 Muskogee County: John Archer, 78, of Muskogee, died on Sept. 24^th from WNV. This is the 4^th human case of WNV in the county this year, and 9^th WNV-related fatality in the state so far this year. – See http://www.newson6.com/story/19646470/muskogee-mans-west-nile-death-is-oklahomas-9th-of-2012

South Dakota 09/26/12 doh.sd.gov: Update – Health officials have confirmed 175 human cases of WNV in the state so far this year, which is an increase of 17 cases since last week. There have been two fatalities. In addition, positive WNV tests have been confirmed in 37 blood donors, 10 horses, 5 birds, and 82 mosquito pools. – For counties involved see http://doh.sd.gov/WestNile/PDF/WNVupdate9-26.pdf

Texas 09/27/12 El Paso County: Health officials have confirmed two more WNV-related deaths in the city of El Paso: two men who lived in the 79963 ZIP code area, ages 25 and 68, recently died from the virus. So far this year five people have died from the disease in El Paso and 27 have been diagnosed. – See http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_21635581/two-deaths-four-new-cases-west-nile-virus?source=most_viewed

Canada:

Ontario 09/27/12 cp24.com: Public health officials in Ontario are confirming two people have died after contracting the West Nile virus in what they called the worst outbreak in a decade. Health officials in the province’s southwest attributed the death of a 71-year-old man in Windsor-Essex County to the virus Thursday. Public Health Ontario says there have been 220 confirmed and probable (human) cases of West Nile in the province as of Sept. 25. That includes a 74-year-old Toronto man whose death two weeks ago has been attributed to the virus. The only year Ontario had more cases was in 2002 — the first year West Nile virus cases were reported in Canada; that year there were 394 human cases. – See http://www.cp24.com/news/two-west-nile-linked-deaths-reported-in-ontario-1.974325

CANADA: HUNTER survives GRIZZLY attack in ALBERTA ~ NEW MEXICO expands CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE area ~ NATIONAL CDC WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE ~ EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS & WEST NILE VIRUS reports from IL, MAx2, MN, NM, & VT ~ ANNOUNCEMENT: World RABIES Day Webinar.

Grizzly bear. Photo by State of California.

Canada:

Alberta 09/19/12 calgaryherald.com: by Jana G. Pruden and Mariam Ibrahim – A specialized “bear response team” is en route to the scene of a grizzly bear attack that left a 48-year-old man in hospital with life-threatening injuries. The man, whose name has not been released, was hunting alone in a forested area about nine kilometres northwest of Swan Hills on Tuesday morning when the bear attacked him from behind, said STARS air ambulance spokesman Cam Heke. The attack continued until the hunter was able to reach his gun and fire a round, scaring off the bear, Heke said. The hunter then walked several kilometres before he could get a cellphone signal and call for help. Emergency crews used an all-terrain vehicle to take the man out of the forest to the STARS helicopter, which took him to hospital in Grande Prairie. Dan Laville, a spokesman for Solicitor General and Public Safety, said the specialized bear team has been sent to the area to find out exactly what happened, including identifying the particular animal involved in the attack. “At this point, we don’t know which bear it is,” Laville said. “In Solicitor General terms, it’s under investigation.” He said the bear team’s investigation will include interviewing the victim, if possible, and visiting the scene of the attack. DNA samples from the injured hunter can be used to confirm whether a particular bear was the attacker. – For complete article see http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Bear+response+team+headed+Swan+Hills+after+grizzly+bear/7266824/story.html

Deer with CWD.

New Mexico 09/18/12 kunm.org: BY Laura Paskus – This week, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish announced it’s keeping a closer eye on southern New Mexico, where some deer are infected with chronic wasting disease. That disease attacks the brain and spinal column of deer and elk, causing them to become emaciated and eventually die. Chronic wasting disease isn’t widespread in New Mexico, but there are some hot zones near Cloudcroft and Alamogordo. To monitor the disease, the state is setting up field testing stations. They’re also making sure hunters don’t leave those areas with brain or spinal tissue from ANY deer. – For complete article see http://kunm.org/post/state-expands-chronic-wasting-disease-area
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) & West Nile Virus (WNV):

National 09/18/12 cdc.gov: Update – As of September 18, 2012, 48 states have reported WNV infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 3,142 human cases of WNV disease, including 134 deaths, have been reported to CDC. Of these, 1,630 (52%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 1,512 (48%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease. The 3,142 cases reported thus far in 2012 is the highest number of WNV disease cases reported to CDC through the third week in September since 2003. Two thirds of the cases have been reported from seven states (Texas, Mississippi, Michigan, South Dakota, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and California) and almost 40 percent of all cases have been reported from Texas. – See http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

Illinois 09/19/12 DuPage County: Health officials have confirmed 2 new human cases of WNV in the county bringing the total so far this year to 19, including 2 deaths. The cases all range in age from 20s to 70s and comprise residents of Addison, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Villa Park and Westmont. – See http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/carolstream/newsnow/x726714866/Two-more-West-Nile-cases-reported-DuPages-total-up-to-19

Massachusetts 09/19/12 Middlesex County: Mosquitoes trapped on North Main Street in Newton have tested positive for EEE. – See http://www.eagletribune.com/newhampshire/x2076996869/Mosquitoes-with-EEE-found-in-Newton

Massachusetts 09/19/12 Essex County: State health officials have confirmed the first human case of EEE in the county has been reported in Georgetown. – See http://swampscott.patch.com/articles/first-human-eee-case-reported-in-essex-county-6bb87cd3

Minnesota 09/19/12 wday.com: State health officials confirm eight new human cases of WNV have been reported bringing the total number of WNV cases in the state so far this year to 60, including one death. – See http://www.wday.com/event/article/id/69047/group/homepage/

New Mexico 09/19/12 health.state.nm.us: Update – Two new human cases of WNV have been reported bringing the total for the state so far this year to 28, including one death. The new cases involve a 64-year-old man from Bernalillo County, and a 77-year-old woman from San Juan County. – See http://www.health.state.nm.us/CommunicationsOffice/2012%20News%20Releases/NewsRelease-20120919-WestNileUpdate-EN.pdf

Vermont 09/19/12 Rutland County: State health officials have confirmed a second EEE-related death. Scott Sgorbati, 49, of Sudbury, died within the last few days after fighting the virus for several weeks. Two weeks ago, Richard Hollis Breen, 87, of Brandon died after five days of illness. – See http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

ANNOUNCEMENT:

World Rabies Day Webinar

For details see http://www.worldrabiesday.org/EN/events/wrd-webinar.html

WASHINGTON ranchers say 15 CATTLE killed or injured by WOLVES since mid-July ~ Second PLAGUE victim associated with earlier OREGON case ~ ANNOUNCEMENT: LYME DISEASE conference to be held in PENNSYLVANIA ~ WEST NILE VIRUS reports from MS, NM, & CANADA: MANITOBA.

Black wolf. Photo by Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Washington 09/17/12 spokesman.com: by Rich – Another five calves have been attacked by wolves at the Diamond M Ranch in Eastern Washington, bringing wolf-livestock conflicts to a tally of 15 in a short three-month period. Three calves were found dead last week and two more suffered severe injuries, according to ranch co-owner Bill McIrvin. The two calves that survived were discovered on Sept. 12 and 14. Both had suffered severe bites and torn flesh to their hindquarters. One of the calves had parts of her reproductive and urinary track torn from her body so she can no longer urinate properly.

Oregon range rider protects livestock from wolves – USFWS program. Photo by Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.

The Diamond M, located in a portion of Eastern Washington known as the “Wedge”, has been working with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for several months to implement non-lethal methods to prevent damage to their cattle herd. Abiding with agency recommendations, the Diamond M waited to turn their calves out on summer range until they were 200 pounds. The ranch also employed more cowboys to patrol their grazing range. Despite these efforts, attacks to the herd have persisted resulting in a state confirmation of 10 dead and five injured since June.  The McIrvin’s herd records suggest there are likely a total of 40 dead from wolf attacks. – For complete report see http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/outdoors/2012/sep/17/more-dead-cattle-no-dead-wolve-reported-wedge/

Oregon 09/17/12 opposingviews.com: by Denise A. Justin – A woman who tried to help her friend save a cat that was choking on a mouse contracted Bubonic plague from the diseased feline, Portland health officials announced on Friday, September 14 . . . The woman, who wished to remain unidentified, was bitten at the same time as Paul Gaylord, who received national attention this summer when he almost died after contracting the infection (see posts in this blog dated June 13, 2012, and July 19, 2012). The 59-year-old Prineville man was hospitalized in critical condition with Black Plague on June 9 and spent nearly a month in intensive care on life support. “His heart stopped,” said his mother, Almeda Gaylord. “His lung collapsed. They told us he wasn’t going to make it.” On July 11, doctors announced that they would have to sever the top half of Gaylord’s fingers. They’ll also cut off the tips of his toes. Charlie, Gaylord’s cat, most likely was infected by a flea carrying the plague, officials concluded. The Oregon woman who was a “family friend” tried to help Gaylord when Charlie came home one day choking, with a mouse stuck in the back of his mouth. Gaylord tried to pull the mouse out and in the process, Charlie bit him and the woman. When they realized they couldn’t help the cat, Gaylord reportedly borrowed a gun from a neighbor and shot Charlie to stop his suffering, according to oregonlive.com. Public health officials sent the cat’s body to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It confirmed that Charlie had the plague, said Emilio DeBess, state public health veterinarian. – For complete article see http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/animal-rights/oregon-woman-contracts-black-plague-cat

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Lyme Disease Association announce their jointly sponsored 13^th annual national conference, entitled “Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases: Microbial Persistence & Tick-Borne Diseases New Scientific & Clinical Directions.” Designed for health care providers and offering 13.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ to CME registrants, the conference is Sept. 29/30, Hyatt Bellevue, Philadelphia, PA. The public is also invited to register. www.LymeDiseaseAssociation.org . Twenty faculty members including two European presenters, are led by conference Course Co-Directors, Brian Fallon, MD, MPH, Director, Columbia Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center in New York, well-known for research on neurologic and neuropsychiatric Lyme disease; and Stephen Barthold, DVM, PhD, University of California, Davis, member of the Institute of Medicine and pioneer in the study of Borrelia in the mouse model. The conference presenters will provide their expertise covering a broad range of research and clinical topics. A focus of the meeting is to explore the significance of recent findings in the monkey and mouse model that demonstrate the persistence of Borrelia burdorferi (Bb) infection despite antibiotic treatment. A presentation from the Chief of the Bacterial Diseases Branch of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, will describe recent trends in tick-borne diseases, including information about the newly described phlebovirus (aka Heartland virus) identified in 2 patients after tick exposure in Missouri. – See http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lyme-disease-scientific-conference-latest-findings-in-research–clinical-developments-170020516.html

West Nile Virus (WNV):

Mississippi 09/17/12 msdh.ms.gov: Public health Report – State health officials confirm 29 new human cases of WNV reported in Adams (2), Claiborne (1), Harrison (1), Hinds (5), Humphreys (1), Jackson (1), Jefferson Davis (1), Lamar (1), Lauderdale (1), Madison (5), Perry (1), Rankin (6), Sunflower (1), Warren (1), and Yazoo (1) counties, bringing the state total to 169 cases including 4 deaths. – See http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,93,554.html

New Mexico 09/17/12 San Juan County: Health officials confirm two new human cases of WNV in the county: a woman 32 and another who is 70. There are now 26 human cases statewide including one death. – See http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/7871a05dbf6d4f66a0cb1b5aaa832fcb/NM–West-Nile-San-Juan-County

Canada:

Manitoba 09/16/12 portagedailygraphic.com: by Angela Brown – Health officials confirm the Province has identified 33 human cases of WNV so far this year. As of Sept. 14^th, the Southern Regional Health Authority has reported 15 cases, Winnipeg has had 9, Western 5 and Interlake-Eastern 4. – See http://www.portagedailygraphic.com/2012/09/16/province-reports-more-west-nile-cases-in-region