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/

Remains of ALASKA forester killed by BROWN BEARS found on Chichagof Island ~ CHIPMUNK suffering from BUBONIC PLAGUE found in northern CALIFORNIA ~ Officials kill MOUNTAIN LION in SOUTH DAKOTA city ~ NATIONAL report on WEST NILE VIRUS.

Brown bear eating salmon. Courtesy National Park Service.

Alaska 10/16/12 go.com: by Dan Joling – Human remains found ravaged by one or more brown bears on a southeast Alaska island are likely from a Sitka man overdue on a boating trip, Sitka police said Monday. Police confirmed the death Sunday and said remains found on Chichagof Island were likely that of Tomas Puerta, 54, who left Sitka in a skiff Thursday on his way to a forestry job site near Peril Strait. The death was first reported by KCAW-FM. Sitka is a community of about 9,000 on Baranof Island. Admiralty, Baranof, and Chichagof islands together are known as the “ABC Islands.” They’re sparsely populated with humans but heavily populated with bears that Alaska researchers have found are genetically more closely related to polar bears than to other brown bears. “They have lots of bears, especially up on Chichagof,” said Sitka police Lt. Barry Allen. “We have enough here on Baranof Island, but Chichagof has a scad of them.”

Chichagof Island, Alaska.

Puerta was a tree-thinner, Allen said. He was employed in an area that had been logged to cut young trees so others would have less competition and would grow faster. Puerta had made a grocery run, Allen said, and was returning to the job site with a load of food. The 40- to 50-mile trip on flat, protected water should have taken about two hours Thursday afternoon, Allen said, but Puerta never made it. “It looks like he had engine problems and he wound up on the beach,” Allen said. – For complete article see http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/bear-mauling-victim-found-alaskan-island-17486684#.UH36HlEt7WB

Bubonic Plague:

Uintah chipmunk. Photo by Utah Department of Natural Resources.

California 10/16/12 nbcbayarea.com: by Lori Preuitt – Rodents carrying the plague are the latest worry for campers and hikers in California – now spotted in both the north and south of the state. A chipmunk died from the disease South Lake Tahoe, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The discovery follows a ground squirrel that was diagnosed with the bubonic in Riverside County just last week.  The positive test for the squirrel was the first reported case of the bubonic plague in Southern California in nearly a decade. It reportedly showed no signs of illness. The chipmunk, on the other hand, was found rolled up in a ball, shaking and struggling to breathe when it was discovered near the entrance to the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, according to the U.S. Forest Service. – For complete article see http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/health/Plague-Worries-Move-to-Lake-Tahoe-174434151.html

Mountain Lion Sightings:

South Dakota 10/16/12 Pennington County: State wildlife professionals killed a mountain lion that was spotted in a tree in a residential area of Rapid City on Monday. – See http://www.mitchellrepublic.com/event/article/id/71311/group/homepage/

West Nile Virus (WNV):

CDC map.

National 10/09/12 cdc.gov: Update – As of October 9, 2012, 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 4,249 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 168 deaths, have been reported to CDC. Of these, 2,123 (50%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 2,126 (50%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease. The 4,249 cases reported thus far in 2012 is the highest number of West Nile virus disease cases reported to CDC through the second week in October since 2003. Almost 70 percent of the cases have been reported from eight states (Texas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Dakota, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Illinois) and over a third of all cases have been reported from Texas. – For further details see http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

EHD virus in ILLINOIS may have killed more than 2,000 DEER ~ CALIFORNIA confirms GROUND SQUIRREL positive for BUBONIC PLAGUE ~ Scientists say LYME DISEASE will continue to spread ~ MOUNTAIN LION report from IDAHO ~ COYOTE reports from CA, FL, & ILx2 ~ EEE/WNV report from CAx2, CO, FL, LA, & VT ~ RABIES reports from TN, TX, & VA ~ CDC REPORTS: ZOONOTIC DISEASE summary for week ending September 29, 2012.

Whitetail Buck. Courtesy of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Illinois 10/05/12 dnr.illinois.gov: News Release – State officials today announced updated results of monitoring of deer mortality in the state attributed to Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD).  Since an earlier update on September 6, many Illinois citizens have taken the time to make reports of sick, dead, and/or dying animals throughout the state. The IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources thanks those individuals who have taken time to provide information on EHD-probable deer mortality in the state. As of September 30, there were 2,043 deer reported as probable EHD deaths, with reports from 76 counties.  The highest numbers were reported from Cook (326); Calhoun (181); Coles (138); Macon and Shelby (121). Hunters taking to the field in Illinois for archery deer hunting and the Oct. 6-7 Illinois Youth Firearm Deer Hunt need not be concerned about eating venison from animals that may have contracted EHD and survived.  EHD has no impact on humans, pets, or livestock. – For complete news release and county maps see http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/news/Pages/EpizooticHemorrhagicDisease%28EHD%29IllinoisUpdate.aspx

Bubonic Plague:

Ground squirrel. Courtesy National Park Service.

California 10/05/12 inlandnewstoday.com: For the first time in nearly a decade, bubonic plague has been confirmed in Riverside County.  State health officials said Thursday that a ground squirrel tested positive. It was found during routine testing at the Fern Basin campground in the San Jacinto Mountains north of Idyllwild. It’s an area where similar findings were an annual occurrence in the 1990’s. Bubonic plague is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted from wild rodents to humans through bites from infected fleas. Campers are being warned to stay away from squirrels and other wild animals.

Lyme Disease:

National 10/05/12 petsandparasites.org: by Dr. Chris Carpenter – The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) 2012 Fall Lyme Disease Forecast calls for increased risk in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region, the upper Midwest, the Southeastern United States and all along the West Coast. The disease incidence is steadily spreading southward, even into some areas traditionally free or with low incidence of Lyme disease such as the Midwest and parts of the Southeast. The Northeast continues as the most Lyme endemic region of the country. – For complete article see http://www.petsandparasites.org/about-capc/

Mountain Lion Sightings:

Idaho 10/05/12 Ada County: A Boise police bicycle officer saw a mountain lion at about 9:30 a.m. Friday, according to a release from the police department. The cat was spotted beyond 31st and Pleasanton streets in a remote gravel area. The animal fled the area, and officers were unable to locate it. Police are consulting with Idaho Fish & Game officials. The Friday morning sighting was the fifth since Wednesday. – See http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/10/05/2718042/cougar-sighting-friday-morning.html

Coyote Attacks:

California 10/05/12 Orange County: A Tustin family says their small dog was fatally injured by a coyote in their Laurelwood neighborhood front yard last month. So far this year, local police have reported 13 coyote sightings near Bryan Avenue and Jamboree Road, about 2 miles from Laurelwood. – See http://www.ocregister.com/news/coyote-373645-coyotes-residents.html

Florida 10/05/12 Orange County: Residents in Dr. Phillips are petitioning to have coyotes removed after several family pets were killed. They say sightings occur on a daily basis and their afraid to allow pets, or even small children, out of their sight. – See http://www.cfnews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2012/10/5/neighbors_start_peti.html

Illinois 10/05/12 DuPage County: Local police report two small dogs survived a coyote attack on September 27^th in the 2000 block of Stonebridge Court in Wheaton. One dog was treated for four bites on the neck and face. – See http://wheaton.patch.com/articles/dogs-survive-coyote-attack-in-wheaton

Illinois 10/05/12 DuPage County: A Winfield family says their dog, a Yorkshire terrier, was fatally injured by a coyote in their yard adjacent to the Illinois Prairie Path on Wednesday. – See http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8837288

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) & West Nile Virus (WNV):

California 10/06/12 Shasta County: Health officials have confirmed the county’s first human case of WNV this year. This person is the 217^th human case of WNV in the state this year. – See http://anewscafe.com/2012/10/06/first-human-west-nile-virus-infection-of-2012-identified-in-shasta-county/

California 10/05/12 Merced County: Health officials confirm that a 26-year-old woman from Gustine has presented the first human case of WNV in the city this year. – See http://www.westsideconnect.com/2012/10/05/human-case-of-west-nile-in-gustine-2/

Colorado 10/05/12 Pueblo County: Health officials have confirmed one human case of WNV in the city of Pueblo, and suspects another. – See http://www.chieftain.com/news/local/puebloan-contracts-west-nile-virus/article_5bb26fc6-0f46-11e2-b001-001a4bcf887a.html

Florida 10/05/12 Jackson County: Health officials have reported a human case of WNV in the county, and a horse stabled on Sellers Road between Malone and Campbellton has tested positive for EEE. – See http://www2.jcfloridan.com/news/2012/oct/05/west-nile-eee-reported-jackson-county-ar-4693739/

Louisiana 10/05/12 dhh.louisiana.gov: Update – State health officials have confirmed 25 new human cases of WNV, but not new deaths occurred this week. So far this year, 305 human cases of WNV have been reported, including 11 WNV-related deaths. – See http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2651

Vermont 10/06/12 Essex County: Health officials have confirmed that a second person in the state has been infected with WNV and is recovering. – See http://www.reformer.com/latestnews/ci_21711420/second-case-west-nile-identified-vermont

Rabies:

Tennessee 10/05/12 tnpublichealth: State health officials are currently distributing oral rabies vaccine packets in eight northeast counties to prevent the spread of rabies in raccoons. The air drops began Tuesday and will continue through Oct. 12^th.

Texas 10/05/12 Wichita County: Two skunks found near Wichita Falls, one southwest of the city and the other southeast, have tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2012/oct/05/skunks-near-city-positive-rabies/

Virginia 10/04/12 Virginia Beach: A fox that attacked four people on Border Way off Salem Road has tested positive for rabies. – See video report at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjTzOY28pqg

CDC Reports:

CDC MMWR Summary for Week ending September 29, 2012:

Published October 5, 2012/ 61(39); ND-536-ND-549

Anaplasmosis . . . 1 . . . New York,

Babesiosis . . . 4 . . . California, New York (3),

Brucellosis . . . 2 . . . California (2),    

Ehrlichiosis . . . 8 . . . North Carolina (7), Tennessee,

Giardiasis . . . 167 . . . Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas (5), California (20), Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho (2), Iowa (3), Maine, Maryland (5), Massachusetts (7), Michigan (4), Missouri (7), Nebraska (5), New York (55), Ohio (21), Oregon (4), Pennsylvania (6), Vermont, Virginia, Washington (15), Wisconsin,

Lyme Disease . . .  161. . .  California, Delaware (4), Maine (3), Maryland (25), New Hampshire, New York (72), North Carolina (11), Pennsylvania (32), Vermont (5), Virginia (7),

Q Fever (Acute) . . . 2 . . . North Carolina (2), 

Rabies (Animal) . . . 46. . . Idaho (5), Kansas (2), Missouri, New Hampshire, New York (8), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (6), Rhode Island, Vermont (2), Virginia (17),

Spotted Fever including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Confirmed) . . . 2. . . Maryland, Missouri, 

Spotted Fever including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Probable) . . . 43 . . . Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana (2), Kentucky (3), Missouri (2), North Carolina (21), Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee (8), Virginia (3),

Tularemia . . . 1 . . . Missouri.

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

Two MISSOURI farmers lead scientists to new, possibly TICK-borne, disease called HEARTLAND VIRUS ~ WEST NILE VIRUS deaths in U.S. now at 66 ~ COLORADO MAN likely contracted BUBONIC PLAGUE at San Juan National Forest campground ~ DOG euthanized in MICHIGAN after contracting EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS ~ MOUNTAIN LION reports from CO, NE, & WY ~ COYOTE report from MASSACHUSETTS ~ LA CROSSE ENCEPHALITIS report from NORTH CAROLINA ~ EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS & WEST NILE VIRUS reports from IN, MAx2, NH, NM, SD, & WA ~ RABIES reports from GA, IA, LA, NY, NC, & VAx2.

This photograph depicts a dorsal view of a female “lone star tick”, Amblyomma americanum. Note the characteristic “lone star” marking located centrally on its dorsal surface, at the distal tip of its scutum. Courtesy CDC.

National 08/30/12 discovery.com: Two men in Missouri who became severely ill after sustaining tick bites were found to be infected with a new type of virus, according to a study from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Both men were admitted to hospitals after experiencing high fevers, fatigue, diarrhea and loss of appetite. They were originally thought to be suffering from a bacterial infection, but doubts arose when they didn’t improve after being treated with antibiotics. Further tests revealed their blood contained a new virus, which the researchers dubbed the Heartland virus. It belongs to a group called phleboviruses, which are carried by flies, mosquitoes or ticks, and can cause disease in humans. While the genetic material of Heartland virus appears similar to that of other phleboviruses, the particular proteins it produces are different enough to call it a new species, said study researcher Laura McMullan, a senior scientist at the CDC. Because the Heartland virus causes such general symptoms, it could be “a more common cause of human illness than is currently recognized,” the researchers wrote in the Aug. 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. More studies are needed to identify the natural hosts of the virus, learn how many people are infected with it and find risk factors for infection, McMullan said. Because both men experienced tick bites shortly before they became ill — one man, a farmer, reported receiving an average of 20 tick bites a day — the researchers said it’s likely that the Heartland virus is spread by ticks, although more research is needed to confirm this. The new virus’s closest relative is another tick-borne phlebovirus, called SFTS virus, which was identified last year in China, and causes death in 12 percent of cases.

The Missouri men, who were both infected in 2009, recovered after 10 to 12 days in the hospital, although one of the men has reported recurrent headaches and fatigue in the two years since his hospitalization. The researchers suspect a species of tick commonly found in Missouri, called Amblyomma americanum, is one of the hosts of the Heartland virus. For now, taking precautions to prevent tick bites is the best way to avoid the virus, McMullan said. To prevent tick bites, the CDC recommends using repellents that contain 20 percent or more DEET, as well as avoiding wooded areas or areas with high grass.

Culex sp. mosquito. Known carrier of West Nile Virus.

National 08/29/12 reuters.com: by Sharon Begley – A total of 1,590 (human) cases of West Nile Virus, including 66 deaths, were reported through late August this year in the United States, the highest human toll by that point in the calendar since the mosquito-borne disease was first detected in the country in 1999, health officials said on Wednesday. The toll is increasing quickly. “We think the numbers will continue to rise,” said Dr. Lyle Petersen, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases. Through last week, 1,118 cases and 41 deaths had been reported. The updated figures represent a 40 percent increase in the number of cases and a 61 percent spike in the number of deaths, but are short of the all-time record for a full year: 9,862 cases and 264 deaths in 2003. – See http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/29/us-usa-health-westnile-idUSBRE87S0WC20120829

Colorado 08/29/12 durangoherald.com: by Dale Rodebaugh – In the first confirmed (human) case of bubonic plague in the state since 2006, an Archuleta County resident has tested positive for the disease. The last human case in Archuleta County was in 1998. Although the investigation is ongoing, it is believed that the person contracted the plague during a family outing in the Cimarrona Campground northwest of Pagosa Springs, a news release from the San Juan Basin Health Department said. The department declined to give the gender or age of the victim.

Warning signs are being posted in the campground and environs in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the U.S. Forest Service. The plague often spreads through rodent populations. – For complete article see http://www.durangoherald.com/article/20120829/NEWS01/708299897/Plague-case-reported-in-Archuleta-County

Michigan 08/29/12 Paw Paw, Van Buren County: Health officials confirmed on Wednesday that an 8-week-old puppy has contracted Eastern Equine Encephalitis. It may be the first known incident of a dog contracting the mosquito-borne virus in the state. The puppy was euthanized. – See http://www.freep.com/article/20120829/NEWS06/120829065/Authorities-Paw-Paw-puppy-gets-equine-encephalitis

Mountain Lion Sightings:

Colorado 08/29/12 Boulder, Boulder County: Two mountain lions were spotted in city neighborhoods Monday night. The first, seen in a backyard near Folsom and Walnut streets, responded to hazing and ran away. The second, seen near Maapleton Avenue and 26^th Street, killed a house cat and allowed rangers to get within a distance of 10 feet. It’s lack of fear of humans prompted the rangers to shoot it. The two lions are thought to be siblings about 2-years-old. – See http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/31393945/detail.html

Nebraska 08/29/12 Scotts Bluff County: A 110 pound mountain lion found dead in the Wildcat Hills is believed to have been struck by a truck or other large vehicle on State Highway 71. This is the second lion reported in the area recently. – See http://www.omaha.com/article/20120829/NEWS/120829671/1707

Wyoming 08/30/12 Pavillion, Fremont County: Wildlife officials have confirmed that a mountain lion jumped from a homeowners pine tree and fled when the man came from the house to turn off a lawn sprinkler. Because the lion fled, officials don’t believe there is any reason for concern. – See http://county10.com/2012/08/30/mountain-lion-reappears-in-pavillion-wednesday-night-g-bears-now-active-in-lower-elevations/

Coyote Attacks:

Massachusetts 08/28/12 Newton, Middlesex County: A small, off-leash dog was attacked and carried off by a coyote on August 10^th in the vicinity of William Street in West Newton. Neighbors reported that at least two area cats were also attacked by coyotes recently. A coyote sighting was more recently reported on Vista Avenue. – See http://www.wickedlocal.com/newton/news/x821894346/Coyote-attacks-reoccur-in-West-Newton#axzz24yRn4tKI

La Crosse Encephalitis (LAC):

North Carolina 08/30/12 Macon County: Health officials have confirmed that two children have been diagnosed with LAC. One child is from the Highlands and the other is from Franklin. Both children were hospitalized but have been released and are recovering. – See http://www.maconnews.com/features/health-a-wellness/3510-la-crosse-encephalitis-in-macon-county

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) & West Nile Virus (WNV):

Indiana 08/29/12 Jeffersonville, Clark County: Health officials confirmed that mosquitoes found in a routine sampling tested positive for WNV. – See http://www.wdrb.com/story/19409290/west-nile-virus-discovered-in-mosquitoes-in-southern-indiana

Massachusetts 08/28/12 Fall River, Bristol County: Health officials confirm that mosquitoes collected from the Oak Grove Cemetery have tested positive for EEE. – See http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/se_mass/eee-found-in-mosquitoes-in-fall-river

Massachusetts 08/30/12 Newton, Middlesex County: Health officials confirm that a woman in her 50s is the first reported human case of WNV in the city so far this year. – See http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/newton/2012/08/newton_has_its_first_human_cas.html

New Hampshire 08/3012 Sandown, Rockingham County: State health officials have announced that a batch of mosquitoes trapped in Sandown has tested positive for EEE.  – See https://mail.google.com/mail/?hl=en&shva=1#inbox/139780871d4dc70b

New Mexico 08/29/12 Doña Ana County: A second county resident has been diagnosed with WNV, bringing the total in the state to eight human cases this year. – See http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_21429006/west-nile-strikes-2nd-do-241-ana-county

South Dakota 08/28/12 doh.sd.gov: Update – Health officials confirm 98 human cases of WNV, and one related death, have been reported in the state so far this year. In addition, 8 horses, 1 bird, and 62 positive mosquito pools have been identified. – See https://mail.google.com/mail/?hl=en&shva=1#inbox/139735a4e93e7650

Washington 08/30/12 Grandview, Yakima County: The state Agriculture Department has confirmed that a horse with WNV has been euthanized. – See http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/30/4771496/grandview-horse-with-west-nile.html

Rabies:

Georgia 08/29/12 Murrayville, Hall County: A rabies alert has been issued after a skunk that came in contact with two dogs in the Tony Peck Road area tested positive for rabies. This is the 17^th confirmed rabies case in the county this year. – See http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/19406657/rabies-alerts-in-hall-dekalb-counties

Iowa 08/29/12 Keokuk, Lee County: A case of rabies in a pet cat has prompted area veterinary clinics to host vaccination clinics. – See http://www.wgem.com/story/19407070/hancock-county

Louisiana 08/28/12 South Mansfield, DeSoto Parish: A skunk picked up in the vicinity of Saunders Street has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.ksla.com/story/19399038/skunk-tests-positive-for-rabies-in-desoto-parish

New York 08/29/12 St. Lawrence County: Two raccoons, one found in Potsdam and the other in Gouverneur, have tested positive for rabies. – See http://northcountrynow.com/news/raccoons-potsdam-and-gouverneur-test-positive-rabies-health-officials-warn-public-again-065156

North Carolina 08/29/12 Guilford and Davidson counties: A raccoon found on Church Street in Greensboro, and a fox found in Reeds, have both tested positive for rabies. Three dogs, a cat, and a person were all potentially exposed to the virus. – See http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/article/242881/57/Triad-Counties-Report-More-Rabies-Cases

Virginia 08/28/12 Ware Neck, Gloucester County: A skunk killed by two dogs last week has tested positive for rabies. This is the fourth confirmed case of the virus in the county this year. – See http://www.dailypress.com/news/gloucester-county/dp-nws-gloucester-rabid-skunk-0829-20120828,0,950529.story

Virginia 08/29/12 Virginia Beach: A fox that bit a man several times while he was working in his yard Tuesday, and two hours later attacked another man working in his yard, has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Fox-tested-for-rabies-after-attacking-2-men-in-Va-3824547.php

CDC warns more WEST NILE VIRUS cases NATIONALLY than ever before reported ~ CALIFORNIA confirms BUBONIC PLAGUE in SQUIRRELS on Palomar Mountain ~ MOUNTAIN LION reports from CA, MN, & NEx2 ~ EASTERN EQUINE ENCHEPHALITIS, WEST NILE VIRUS, AND ST. LOUIS ENCEPHALITIS reports from CAx2, FLx2, IL, IN, MAx2, NH, OH, OK, & WI ~ RABIES reports from CA, CT, IL, NH, NJx3, NY, NC, & USDA.

National 08/21/12 cdc.gov: West Nile Virus Update – Thus far in 2012, 47 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 1118 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 41 deaths, have been reported to CDC. Of these, 629 (56%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 489 (44%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease.

The 1118 cases reported thus far in 2012 is the highest number of West Nile virus disease cases reported to CDC through the third week in August since West Nile virus was first detected in the United States in 1999. Approximately 75 percent of the cases have been reported from 5 states (Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Dakota, and Oklahoma) and almost half of all cases have been reported from Texas.

California 08/21/12 nctimes.com: by Brandon Lowrey – Three ground squirrels found at Palomar Mountain campgrounds have tested positive for plague, a deadly bacterial infection that wiped out millions of people in the Middle Ages, San Diego County officials said Wednesday. Plague infections are now rare among humans, but at least a few squirrels in higher elevations around Palomar Mountain or Julian are found during routine testing each year, said Chris Conlan, supervising vector ecologist for the San Diego County Vector Control program. The county posts plague warning signs in areas where the disease is found, officials said. There has never been a recorded human plague infection in San Diego County, although there have been several in California, officials said. Fewer than 100 cases were reported over the last decade in the U.S., mostly in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Two of the infected squirrels found recently were in the Cedar Grove Campground, according to a county statement. The third was trapped at the Doane Campground. – For complete article see http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/sdcounty/health-bubonic-plague-found-in-squirrels-on-palomar-mountain/article_4f77f1d3-002c-59ad-9ace-9eb5bff9d545.html

Mountain Lion Sightings:

California 08/21/12 Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego County: Another mountain lion sighting occurred recently on El Acebo Del Norte according to Patrol Chief Matt Wellhouser. A homeowner reported that he saw a large mountain lion in his backyard  on Aug. 20, Wellhouser said. The cat walked slowly through the yard until it saw the homeowner and started toward him slowly.  The homeowner stayed in his home and the cat walked away growling, according to Wellhouser. – See http://www.ranchosantafereview.com/2012/08/22/another-mountain-lion-spotted-in-rancho-santa-fe-3/

Minnesota 08/21/12 Aitkin, Aitkin County: A horse owner whose 900-pound mare was attacked by a mountain lionor cougar wants other animal owners in Aitkin County to be on the lookout for the big cats. Lori Hart’s quarter horse

Courtesy National Park Service.

Molly was mauled last week on her property north of Aitkin. Hart says the wild animal took a “big chunk” out of the horse’s hind quarters. Hart says a Pierz veterinarian confirmed Molly was attacked by a mountain lion or cougar and that there was a similar attack on a calf less than a month ago.

Nebraska 08/20/12 Kimball, Kimball County: A mountain lion seen lounging in a tree in the 1000 block of East Third Street was tranquilized and removed by local and state authorities using a bucket truck. – See http://www.theindependent.com/news/state/mountain-lion-startles-kimball-residents/article_1901c07e-eaf6-11e1-8d46-0019bb2963f4.html

Nebraska 08/22/12 Sidney, Cheyenne County: County Sheriff John Jenson says a mountain lion was reported near town on Tuesday and deputies confirmed seeing mountain lion tracks. Deputies also checked into reports two-to-three weeks ago of mountain lion sightings south of Lodgepole and Sheriff Jenson is becoming more concerned with how close the animals are getting to Sidney. – See http://nebraskaradionetwork.com/2012/08/22/cougar-spotted-near-sidney-residents-urged-to-keep-distance/

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) & West Nile Virus (WNV):

California 08/20/12 Ventura County: Health officials report that a woman in her early 50s who was hospitalized represents the first human case of WNV in the county since 2007. So far this year, 26 human cases have been reported in the state. – See http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/aug/20/woman-is-first-reported-case-of-west-nile-virus/

California 08/22/12 Fresno County: Health officials confirm that an elderly woman is the first person in the county this year to die of complications associated with WNV. It is the second WNV related fatality in the state this year. – See http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/22/4748406/west-nile-virus-kills-elderly.html

Florida 08/20/12 Duval County: Health officials confirm the number of WNV human cases has increased to 11. The two most recent cases involve a 63-year-old woman, and an 84-year-old man. – See http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/article/269474/10/Duval-Countys-West-Nile-total-rises-to-11

Florida 08/21/12 Bay County: Sentinel chickens have tested positive for WNV, EEE and St. Louis Encephalitis prompting health officials to place the county under a mosquito-borne illness advisory, joining Washington, Walton and Holmes Counties. – See http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Mosquito-Borne-Illness-Advisory-Now-in-Bay-County-166946106.html

Illinois 08/19/12 Lombard, DuPage County: Health officials report that longtime village president, William Mueller, 76, has died of complications associated with WNV. – See http://newyork.newsday.com/news/health/west-nile-virus-claims-life-of-illinois-official-1.3913754

Indiana 08/22/12 Allen County: Health officials have confirmed the first human case of WNV in the county reported this year. – See http://www.indianasnewscenter.com/news/local/West-Nile-Virus-Knocking-at-Allen-Countys-Door-167034405.html

Massachusetts 08/21/12 Hamilton, Essex County: Town officials confirm that mosquitoes trapped in the area have tested positive for EEE and parts of the town will be sprayed. – See http://www.salemnews.com/local/x2103325624/EEE-mosquito-found-in-Hamilton-town-to-spray

Massachusetts 08/21/12 Plymouth County: Health officials say they have found mammal-biting mosquitoes infected with EEE in the communities of Carver and Kingston. The EEE threat level has been raised to “high” in Carver and ‘moderate” in Kingston. They say the threat in (the town of) Plymouth, which borders both towns, has also been raised to “moderate”.

New Hampshire 08/19/12 Londonderry, Rockingham County: Mosquitoes trapped near the city have tested positive for WNV. – See http://www.londonderrynh.net/2012/08/west-nile-found-in-londonderry/54180

New Hampshire 08/22/12 dhhs.nh.gov: News Release – Health officials have confirmed the first human case of WNV in the state this year in the city of Manchester. The individual, an adult, has recovered. – See https://mail.google.com/mail/?hl=en&shva=1#inbox/1394ff445055e4f3

Ohio 08/21/12 Columbus, Franklin County: Health officials say a 25-year-old woman is the first to contract WNV in the county. Her case brings the state total to 16 so far this year. – See http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/21/case-of-west-nile-virus-found-in-franklin-county.html

A female Aedes albopictus mosquito. West Nile Virus vector. CDC

Oklahoma 08/22/12 sfgate.com: WNV Update – The number of (human) cases rose from 61 on Thursday to 65 on Tuesday, the two days each week that the department reports West Nile activity. . . The department said 44 of the 65 cases have been the neuro-invasive form, the most severe form, which causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and can lead to mental confusion, disorientation, blindness, paralysis and death. – See http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Oklahoma-West-Nile-virus-cases-rise-by-4-3804485.php

Wisconsin 08/22/12 northcentral: The state veterinarian is warning horse owners to get their animals vaccinated after blood samples from a horse in Clark County and another in Lincoln County were positive for EEE. – See http://host.madison.com/news/state_and_regional/state-warns-owners-to-vaccinate-horses-after-positive-encephalitis-tests/article_b2616040-ec62-11e1-b29e-0019bb2963f4.html?comment_form=true

Rabies:

California 08/17/12 Point Arena, Mendocino County: According to a woman who attended a yoga retreat at Oz Farms two weekends ago, she and six others are receiving rabies shots following potential exposure to the virus from bats. – See http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120817/ARTICLES/120819563

Connecticut 08/21/12 Fairfield, Fairfield County: Animal control officers are looking for the owner of a Great Dane that reportedly bit a woman near Southport Beach on Friday. The officers are trying to determine the dog’s vaccine history to eliminate further post-exposure rabies shots for the complainant. According to the report from Animal Control, the woman was walking near the beach Friday when the tan (fawn) Great Dane lunged toward her. The dog was being walked by a thin black male. The woman did not realize she had been bitten at the time, and she and the man walking the dog parted ways. The woman told Animal Control she believes the man and dog walked away toward Sasco Creek Road in Westport. The woman saw when she arrived home that she had been bitten on the leg and reported the bite to Animal Control. She was examined by her physician on Monday and began a series of post-exposure rabies shots as a precaution. Fairfield Animal Control and Westport Police have not yet tracked down the tan Great Dane or its owner. Anyone with information on the Great Dane should call Fairfield Animal Control at 203-254-4857.

Illinois 08/21/12 St. Charles, Kane County: A bat discovered inside a home earlier this week has tested positive for rabies. – See http://geneva.patch.com/articles/bat-found-in-st-charles-tests-positive-for-rabies

New Jersey 08/18/12 Gloucester, Camden County: A bat killed inside a home this week has tested positive for rabies. Family members sleeping in the home have been advised to seek medical advice. – See http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20120818/NEWS01/208180305/Officials-Bat-found-Gloucester-Township-home-had-rabies

New Jersey 08/20/12 North Brunswick, Middlesex County: A bat found inside a home in the area of Masoma Road and Axel Avenue has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.nj.com/middlesex/index.ssf/2012/08/rabid_bat_found_in_north_bruns.html

New Jersey 08/21/12 Pittsgrove, Salem County: A skunk that fought with two vaccinated dogs on August 5^th has tested positive for rabies. The dogs’ owner was also potentially exposed to the virus while cleaning blood from the dogs. The dogs were given booster shots, and their owner was advised to seek medical advice. – See http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2012/08/rabid_skunk_found_in_pittsgrov.html

New York 08/17/12 Rhinebeck, Dutchess County: A bat found inside a home has tested positive for rabies. This is the first confirmed case of the virus in the county this year. – See http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20120818/NEWS01/308180022/Bat-captured-Rhinebeck-tests-positive-rabies-1st-case-Dutchess-County-year

North Carolina 08/21/12 New Hanover County: A fox that fought with a dog Monday on Antoinette Drive near Monkey Junction has tested positive for rabies. This is the 13^th confirmed case of the virus in the county so far this year. – See http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120821/ARTICLES/120829925?Title=Another-rabies-case-in-New-Hanover

ONRABA. Courtesy USDA.

US Department of Agriculture 08/13/12 usda.gov: News Release – A second U.S. field trial of a vaccine to control rabies in raccoons, skunks, and other wildlife beginning this month.  The expansion was approved after an environmental assessment process. The field trial will distribute more than one million oral rabies vaccination (ORV) baits in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia to test the safety and efficacy of the ONRAB® vaccine for potential use in wildlife. The ONRAB® vaccine is currently used in Canada to control rabies in raccoons, skunks and foxes.  The vaccine was field tested in the United States for the first time in West Virginia last year.  Results from the 2011 U.S. field trial with ONRAB® were promising and warranted additional, expanded testing of the vaccine for potential licensure by the USDA APHIS Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB). - For complete News Release see  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/2012/08/rabies_vaccine_expanded.shtml

RABID BEAVER attacks two young GIRLS swimming in VIRGINIA lake ~ Wildlife Conservancy trail camera snaps rare photo of MOUNTAIN LION roaming MICHIGAN’s UP ~ FOLLOW-UP REPORT: OREGONIAN may lose fingers and toes after contracting BUBONIC PLAGUE ~ EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS reports from MA, & NC ~ WEST NILE VIRUS reports from CAx2 ~ RABIES reports from FL, GA, ID, KS, ME, NE, NYx2, NCx2, & PA.

American Beaver. Photo by Steve of Washington, D.C. Wikimedia Commons.

Virginia 07/17/12 delmarvanow.com: Authorities say two young girls are recovering after being bitten by a rabid beaver while swimming in Lake Anna. Louisa County Sheriff’s Maj. Donald Lowe said Tuesday that the 11-year-old and eight-year-old sisters were attacked on Sunday near Sorbie Cove in Louisa. The Spotsylvania County girls have since been released from the hospital.

The Free Lance-Star reports (http://bit.ly/Nw0ohy ) that Lowe said somebody already had shot and killed the beaver by the time the authorities responded to the incident. Police then turned the beaver over to the health department, which confirmed the animal had rabies. Both girls are receiving shots for rabies. Virginia Department of Health officials say it’s just the fourth time in the past decade that a beaver in Virginia has been confirmed to have rabies.

Michigan 07/18/12 detroitnews.com: by Tom Greenwood – A rare daytime photograph of a cougar roaming the woods in the Upper Peninsula is bolstering arguments of wild life experts that the big cats are doing well in Michigan. The Michigan Wildlife Conservancy —a nonprofit organization formed in 1982 — released a photo Wednesday of the cougar that was snapped by a trail camera on June 1 on private property in southern Marquette County.

Photo by Michigan Wildlife Conservancy.

According to Patrick Rusz, director of wildlife programs for the conservancy, the cougar looks healthy and checks in at about 72 inches from nose to tail and weighs between 100 and 120 pounds. “There have been other confirmations of the existence of cougars in the form of sightings, tracks and scat, but more and more of them are appearing on trail cameras,” Rusz said. “For years, the Department of Natural Resources has been denying or downplaying the existence of cougars, saying they were someone’s escaped pet or cats that drifted in from the west. “It’s time for them to take a look at this.” Rusz, along with retired DNR forester Michael Zuidema, verified the trail camera’s location on a well-used wildlife trail atop a wooded ridge. According to Rusz, the camera also has photographed wolves, coyotes, bobcats and other predators at the same site over a four-year period. – For complete article see http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120718/METRO/207180396/1361/Cougar-sighting-reported-in-U.P.%E2%80%99s-Marquette-County

Follow-Up Report:

(See OREGONIAN hospitalized with illness believed to be PLAGUE Posted 06/13/12)

Photo provided by Gaylord family taken July 11, 2012.

Oregon 07/17/12 huffingtonpost.com: by Steven Dubois – One look at Paul Gaylord’s hands shows why the plague is referred to as “Black Death.” The welder’s once-strong hands have been withered by the cell-killing infection and darkened to the color of charcoal. Doctors are waiting to see if they can save a portion of his fingers, but the outlook is grim for the man who needs them for his livelihood. “I don’t think I can do my job,” Gaylord said in a phone interview from a Bend, Ore., hospital. “I’m going to lose all my fingers on both hands. I don’t know about my thumbs. The toes – I might lose all them, too.” Gaylord, who turns 60 next month, contracted a rare case of the plague trying to take a mouse from the jaws of a choking cat at his home in Prineville, in rural Oregon. – For complete article see http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/17/paul-gaylord-recovering-f_n_1681242.html

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE):

Massachusetts 07/18/12 foxnews.com: Massachusetts will launch an urgent campaign of aerial spraying after numerous mosquito samples collected in the southeast of the state tested positive for the killer EEE virus, health officials said on Tuesday. A bite from an infected mosquito can transmit the EEE virus, triggering a potentially deadly inflammation of the brain that can also leave survivors with significant brain damage. – See http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/07/18/massachusetts-targets-killer-mosquitoes-with-aerial-spraying/

North Carolina 07/18/12 thehorse.com: Two North Carolina Quarter Horses were euthanized this month after contracting EEE, a mosquito-borne disease that is largely preventable in equine by vaccination. The unvaccinated horses–a 2-year-old Robeson County mare and a 7-year-old stallion from Bladen County–exhibited signs of generalized weakness, stumbling, depression, and inability to stand or eat. The Robeson County horse’s condition deteriorated so quickly that she was euthanized within 24 hours of first exhibiting clinical signs. The Bladen County stallion displayed signs for several weeks before being euthanized earlier this month; testing at Rollins Laboratory, in Raleigh, confirmed EEE this week. They are the first reported cases of EEE in North Carolina horses this year. Last week, New Hanover County officials reported that EEE was found in a sentinel chicken flock. – See http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20332

West Nile Virus (WNV):

Stanislaus County

California 07/18/12 Stanislaus County: A 6-year-old girl has WNV, the third confirmed human case in the state this year. – See http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_21101043/calif-girl-has-west-nile-3rd-case-state

Contra Costa County

California 07/18/12 Contra Costa County: Two crows tested positive for WNV Tuesday, according to the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District. The crows were found in the towns of Pleasant Hill and Knightsen. – See http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/health-med-fit-science/two-dead-birds-discovered-coco-county-carrying-wes/nPxd7/

Rabies:

Florida 07/18/12 Graceville, Jackson County: A raccoon that fought with and was killed by two dogs on Damascus Church Road has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.wmbb.com/story/19058023/another-rabid-raccoon-found-in-jackson-county

Georgia 07/17/12 Waverly, Camden County: A resident is being treated for exposure to rabies after being exposed to a fox that tested positive for the virus. – See http://www.news4jax.com/news/georgia-news/Rabid-fox-found-in-Camden-County/-/475792/15578962/-/f8miyk/-/index.html

Idaho 07/18/12 Caldwell, Canyon County: A bat that bit a young girl playing near the Indian Creek Bridge on Tuesday has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.kivitv.com/news/local/162950486.html

Kansas 07/18/12 Augusta, Butler County: A skunk that fought with a dog has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.andoveramerican.com/news/x558822720/Rabid-skunk-found-in-Butler-County

Maine 07/18/12 Bath, Sagadahoc County: A fox that attacked a 67-year-old man on Whiskeag Road Monday has tested positive for rabies. This is the second confirmed case of rabies in the city this year. – See http://www.theforecaster.net/news/print/2012/07/18/bath-has-2nd-rabies-case-year/130141

Nebraska 07/18/12 Cheyenne County: by John Roark – Two recent reports of rabid skunks in eastern Cheyenne County is creating cause for concern. The first incident occurred July 2 in the Lodgepole-Sunol area, when a skunk managed to get inside the back yard of a residence and tried to attack a small dog. That skunk was taken to White Bluffs Veterinary Hospital in Sidney, before being sent by Dr. Dave Weiderspon to laboratories at Kansas State University in Manhattan, where the animal tested positive for rabies. A week later, another skunk was discovered in the back yard of a residence along Road 109, near Sidney Airport. In that instance, a dog was playing with the dead skunk, which also tested positive for rabies at KSU. – See http://www.suntelegraph.com/cms/news/story-628153.html

New York 07/18/12 Otsego County: Four people are being treated for potential exposure to rabies after a cat tested positive for the virus. – See http://www.wktv.com/news/local/Cat-tests-positive-for-rabies-in-Otsego-County-162922856.html

New York 07/19/12 Mahopac, Putnam County: One person is being treated for exposure to rabies after being bitten by a stray cat that tested positive for the virus. – See http://www.putnamcountycourier.com/news/2012-07-19/General_Stories/Rabid_Cat_Found.html

North Carolina 07/17/12 Boone, Watauga County: The Appalachian District Health Department is urging anyone to come forward who might have had contact with a striped black-and-brown cat last week in Boone — a cat later determined to have rabies. The department received a report of three females in a Ford F-150 truck, either green and tan or brown and tan, who left a thin, striped, black-and-brown cat at the Kangaroo gas station on State Farm Road around 4:30 p.m. July 12. The cat was later taken to the Watauga Humane Society and tested positive for rabies. It is critical that the three individuals and anyone else who may have come in contact with this animal between June 29 and July 15 contact the Watauga County Health Department immediately at (828) 264-4995 immediately for a rabies risk assessment.

North Carolina 07/18/12 Hillsborough, Orange County: A raccoon that was attacked by dogs near Highway 57 has tested positive for rabies. This is the eighth case of rabies confirmed in the county this year. – See http://www.chapelboro.com/Eighth-Confirmed-Rabies-Case-In-OC/13754821

Pennsylvania 07/18/12 Oakmont, Allegheny County: Health officials have issued a rabies warning after a raccoon found staggering along a walking trail near Allegheny River Boulevard and Allegheny Avenue on Sunday tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/rabies-warning-issued-after-raccoon-tests-positive/nPxkd/

ARIZONA man bitten by BLACK BEAR while sleeping in cabin ~ COLORADO confirms SQUIRREL positive for BUBONIC PLAGUE ~ LA & TX report HUMAN cases of WEST NILE VIRUS while CA, & PA (2) report MOSQUITO infections ~ 59 ALABAMANS potentially exposed to RABIES thru contact with two infected baby ANIMALS ~ Other RABIES reports from CA, CO (2), NE, NC (2), & PA.

Black bear. Photo by Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Arizona 06/22/12 paysonroundup.com: Tonto Village, Gila County – An Arizona man was injured last night when a bear bit his lower leg while he was sleeping on a cot in a cabin under construction in Tonto Village, east of Payson. The bear entered the unfinished cabin and climbed on top of the man, biting him through his pajamas. The man moved and yelled. The bear ran off, but lingered in the nearby area for approximately 45 minutes. One other man was present at the cabin when the incident occurred. Based on the bite mark measurements, Arizona Game and Fish Department officers believe the bear was a large adult male. Game and Fish officers will continue to investigate the incident and will set culvert traps in the vicinity to attempt to capture the bear. The department is also working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services to track the bear. “Due to the predatory nature and bold behavior of this bear, extensive effort will be extended to attempt to locate the animal for the public’s safety, which is our top priority,” said Rod Lucas, regional supervisor for Game and Fish. “With the state’s drought and scarce food resources, more and more wildlife are moving into areas that are on the fringe of wildlands looking for food. Bears are particularly attracted to areas where humans are because of the often easy access to garbage, food and gardens.” If the offending bear is captured, it will be lethally removed because of the aggressive, predatory behavior it demonstrated and the need for disease testing. Tonto Village is approximately one mile from the campground where a bear entered a tent and clawed a woman on May 31, 2012. The woman’s injuries were non-life-threatening. Despite tracking and trapping efforts by Game and Fish and Wildlife Services, that bear was never trapped.

Colorado 06/21/12 ourcoloradonews.com: Idledale, Jefferson County – Public health officials have confirmed that a squirrel has tested positive for bubonic plague, a highly infectious bacterial disease carried by various types of wild rodents and transmitted primarily by flea bites. – For complete article and precautions see http://www.ourcoloradonews.com/golden/news/plague-found-in-jeffco/article_75324578-bbec-11e1-9890-001a4bcf887a.html

Louisiana 06/22/12 St. Bernard Parish: The first human victim of West Nile Virus in the parish this year was unaware of having contracted the disease and learned of it while donating blood. – See http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2012/06/st_bernard_resident_becomes_fi.html

Texas 06/22/12 Northern Tier: Officials in Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, and Collin counties confirm human cases of West Nile Virus have been already been reported this year. They also say batches of disease-carrying mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus across North Texas. – See http://www.the33tv.com/news/kdaf-west-nile-virus-cases-come-early-across-north-texas-20120622,0,3974509.story

California 06/22/12 The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District: Numerous mosquito samples and dead birds have tested positive for West Nile Virus. – See https://mail.google.com/mail/?hl=en&shva=1#inbox/1381615293cc9787

Pennsylvania 06/22/12 Wynnewood, Montgomery County: Mosquitoes trapped at the Remington Basin on Remington and Warick roads have tested positive for West Nile Virus. – See http://ardmore.patch.com/articles/west-nile-virus-found-in-wynnewood-mosquitoes

Pennsylvania 06/22/12 Lancaster, Lancaster County: A mosquito caught in a trap near wetlands at the Red Rose Commons shopping center has tested positive for West Nile Virus. – See http://www.ydr.com/ci_20915181/west-nile-mosquito-found-lancaster-county

Alabama 06/22/12 Baldwin and Walker counties: by Jeff Dute – Members of a rural Walker County family took home two baby raccoons found in a Baldwin County attic, unaware that one of them had rabies, according to information from state veterinarian Dee Jones. Those exposed to the disease — 14 people in Walker County and as many as nine in Baldwin —may be required to undergo regimens of rabies shots, he said. – See http://blog.al.com/live/2012/06/rabid_raccon_from_baldwin_coun.html

Alabama 06/21/12 Auburn and Smiths Station, Lee County: Officials with the Lee County Humane Society and County Health Department were busy Thursday working to identify anyone who may have come in contact with an animal that tested positive for rabies earlier this week. At least two people have been exposed to the affected animal, a black-and-white, shorthair mix kitten that was picked up June 11 by Auburn Animal Control workers on District Court, said Leigh Ann Sumner, Animal Health Center manager. Sumner said the first person was exposed prior to animal control picking up the kitten. The second, a Humane Society volunteer, was bitten on June 14 while the stray was being cared for at the Auburn shelter. At least 36 people have potentially been exposed to the kitten. In an unrelated case, a second animal, an 8- to 10-week-old fox located in Smiths Station, also tested positive for rabies the same day results on the kitten were confirmed. – See http://www2.oanow.com/news/2012/jun/21/lee-county-humane-society-confirms-rabies-case-ar-4017946/

California 06/22/12 Irwindale, Los Angeles County: County health officials today urged people to contact them if they had contact with a bat found at the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area in Irwindale earlier this month. The bat was discovered on Saturday, June 9, clinging to the side of a rock column inside the snack area near the boat and bicycle rental concession, according to the health department. A crowd of people, including children, were gathered around the bat for about a half hour before park officials intervened. The bat was captured, and it tested positive for rabies. “It is very important that any individuals who touched or had contact with this bat contact our department,” said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, the county’s director of public health. “We can help determine if you will need to receive urgent rabies preventive treatment.” Anyone who may have come in contact with the bat was urged to call the county’s Acute Communicable Disease Control office at (213) 240-7941.

Colorado 06/21/12 Milliken, Weld County: A skunk discovered walking in circles during daylight hours on June 14^th has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.noco5.com/story/18849403/rabid-skunk-found-in-milliken

Colorado 06/21/12 Las Animas, Otero County: Public health officials have confirmed that a cow has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.chieftain.com/news/region/rabid-cow-found-in-las-animas-area/article_ada63e8c-bb5b-11e1-ad1c-001a4bcf887a.html

Nebraska 06/21/12 Wauneta, Dundy County: On May 30^th a dog, presented to Dr. Steve Pollmann of the Southwestern Veterinary Services, tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.waunetanebraska.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4127:dundy-county-dog-tests-positive-for-rabies&catid=29:agbusiness&Itemid=53

North Carolina 06/21/12 Hillsborough, Orange County: A dead raccoon found by two Chapel Hill residents near Miller and Baldwin roads in Hillsborough has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.chapelboro.com/6th-Confirmed-Rabies-Case-In-Orange-County/13515207

North Carolina 06/21/12 Hubert, Onslow County: A fox that attacked and bit a resident on Monday has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.jdnews.com/articles/fox-105306-case-rabid.html

Pennsylvania 06/21/12 Cranberry, Allegheny County: Two residents of Crossing Ridge Trail are being treated for exposure to rabies after two bats that entered their home through a fireplace tested positive for the virus.- See http://triblive.com/news/2073154-74/bats-department-entered-rabies-bill-cranberry-exposure-residents-treated-vidonic

OREGONIAN hospitalized with illness believed to be PLAGUE ~ ILLINOIS & NEW YORK counties issue WEST NILE VIRUS alerts ~ CDC REPORTS: ZOONOTIC DISEASE summary for week ending June 2, 2012.

Image courtesy Federal Drug Administration.

Oregon 06/12/12 oregonlive.com: by Lynne Terry – A man hospitalized in Bend is likely suffering from the plague, marking the fifth case in Oregon since 1995. The unidentified man, who is in his 50s, fell ill several days after being bitten while trying to get a mouse away from a stray cat. The man is now being treated at St. Charles Medical Center-Bend, where he was listed in critical condition on Tuesday. “This can be a serious illness,” said Emilio DeBess, Oregon’s public health veterinarian. “But it is treatable with antibiotics, and it’s also preventable.” The Black Death raged through Europe during the Middle Ages, killing about a third of the population. Today, the disease is rare, but the bacteria have never disappeared. The man, who lives in rural Crook County, was bitten Saturday, June 2. He developed a fever a few days later. By Friday, June 8, he was so sick that he checked himself into St. Charles Medical Center-Redmond. He was later transferred to the larger facility in Bend. Karen Yeargain, communicable disease coordinator with Crook County Health Department, said lab tests are being done to confirm whether the man has the plague, but she said he is suffering from classic symptoms.

Image courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There’s one bacterium that causes the disease — Yersinia pestis — but it can develop into three types of illnesses depending on how an individual’s body reacts. Initially, the man had swollen lymph nodes — a sign of bubonic plague — but now he’s showing signs of septicemic  plague, when the bacteria multiply in the bloodstream. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bleeding mouth, nose or rectum and dying tissue. The third type is pneumonic plague, which affects the lungs. DeBess said it’s not clear whether the man was bitten by the mouse or by the cat. The feline died, and its body has been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing. – For complete article see http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2012/06/man_likely_sickened_by_plague.html

Illinois 06/11/12 Wood River, Madison County: Two crows found on June 4^th tested positive for West Nile Virus. – See http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/323506/3/Two-crows-test-positive-for-West-Nile-Virus-in-Madison-Illinois

New York 06/12/12 Cicero, Onondaga County: Health officials announced last week that a pool of mosquitoes collected at the Route 298 trap tested positive for West Nile Virus. – See http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/West-Nile-virus-confirmed-in-CNY/gmH0ynbh2UWSE7Ssd3RC9A.cspx

CDC Reports:

CDC MMWR Summary for Week ending June 2, 2012:

Published June 8, 2012/ 61(22); ND-297-ND-310

Anaplasmosis . . . 5 . . . New York (3), Rhode Island (2),

Brucellosis . . . 3 . . . California, Florida (2), 

Ehrlichiosis . . . 13 . . . Florida, Maryland (2), Missouri (4), Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia (4),

Giardiasis . . . 99 . . . Arkansas, California (14), Florida (29), Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine (3), Maryland (2), Michigan, Missouri (3), Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York (18), Ohio (8), Oregon, Pennsylvania (6), Virginia (2), Washington (4), Wisconsin,

Lyme Disease . . .  109. . .  Delaware (7), Florida (2), Maryland (10), Michigan (2), New Jersey, New York (40), Pennsylvania (22), Vermont (7), Virginia (16), Washington, Wisconsin,

Rabies (Animal) . . . 51. . . Arkansas, Illinois, Maine, Maryland (16), Michigan (2), New Hampshire, Ohio, Texas (15), Vermont, Virginia (12),

Spotted Fever including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Confirmed) . . . 1. . . Missouri,

Spotted Fever including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Probable) . . . 24 . . . Idaho, Kentucky, Missouri (4), Nebraska, North Carolina (4), Tennessee (7), Virginia (6),

Tularemia . . . 2 . . . Missouri.

ARIZONA woman attacked by BLACK BEAR while sleeping at TONTO NATIONAL FOREST campground ~ NEW MEXICO confirms HUMAN case of PLAGUE in Torrance County ~ MOUNTAIN LION sightings in COLORADO (2), & MICHIGAN ~ WEST NILE VIRUS reports from CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS, & NEW JERSEY ~ CANADA: ALBERTA confirms HUMAN case of HANTAVIRUS.

Black bear. Photo by Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Arizona 06/01/12 huffingtonpost.com: by Amada Lee Myers – A bear attacked and injured a 74-year-old Arizona woman camping east of Payson in northern Arizona on Thursday, and now hounds and men are tracking the animal to put it down. The Apache Junction woman had minor bruises and a cut to her face after the black bear ripped a hole in the tent where she, her husband and dog had been sleeping at a campground in the Tonto National Forest, said Jim Paxon, a spokesman with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The couple was able to scare off the large adult bear by making a lot of commotion. “They are very, very lucky,” Paxon said. “Anytime a bear rips through a tent and enters it with humans in it, that’s a pretty big threat.”

The woman was treated at Payson Regional Medical Center, including getting a staple for the cut to her face, and was back at home by Thursday afternoon. She had to be sedated because of the traumatizing experience, Paxon said. The couple’s names were not released, and Paxon said they did not want to speak to reporters Thursday. He said the black bear will be euthanized once hounds and wildlife officials track it down because the attack was “too close for comfort. Top of FormBottom of Form     “The bear poses a threat to public safety,” he said. “We can’t take any chances.” – For complete article see http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20120601/us-travel-brief-bear-attack/

New Mexico 05/31/12 Torrance County: News Release – The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed today a case of plague in a 78-year-old man from Torrance County who is currently hospitalized in stable condition. This is the first human case of plague in New Mexico this year and in the United States. An environmental investigation will take place at the man’s home to look for ongoing risk to others in the surrounding area.  “The Department of Health takes action when a plague case occurs to ensure the safety of the immediate family, neighbors, and health care providers,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Catherine Torres. “We inform neighbors door-to-door about plague found in the area and educate them on reducing their risk. We determine whether individuals close to the patient may also have been exposed to the plague and recommend preventative treatment when necessary.”  Plague is a bacterial disease of rodents and is generally transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas, but can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and pets. – For complete release and precautions see http://www.health.state.nm.us/CommunicationsOffice/2012%20News%20Releases/NewsRelease-20120531-PlagueFirstCase-EN.pdf

Colorado 06/01/12 Morrison, Jefferson County: Residents in the vicinity of Meadowbrook Drive and Willowbrook Lane are watching a mountain lion in a tree near their homes. Sheriff’s deputies are monitoring the situation, and wildlife officials say the animal poses no immediate threat and they hope it will leave on its own. – See http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/31139989/detail.html

Colorado 06/01/12 Castle Rock, Douglas County: Craig Brown, who lives on West Deertrail Court, reports a mountain lion in a tree in his backyard. – See brief article and photos at  http://www.9news.com/news/article/270433/222/Mountain-lion-naps-in-Castle-Rock-backyard-tree

Michigan 06/01/12 Skanee, Baraga County: “Cougar Team” reports a confirmed mountain lion sighting along this small community along Huron Bay, near the Keweenaw Peninsula. – See http://www.toledoblade.com/MattMarkey/2012/06/01/Cougar-Team-springs-into-action-after-photo.html

California 06/01/12 Modesto, Stanislaus County: A dead bird tested positive for West Nile Virus. – See http://www.modbee.com/2012/06/01/2224273/dead-bird-in-modesto-tests-positive.html

Illinois 06/01/12 Godfrey, Madison County: Mosquitoes collected on May 31^st have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Positive samples have also been found in Cook, DuPage, and Gallatin counties. – See http://madisonjersey.fox2now.com/news/environment/92982-madison-county-mosquitoes-positive-wnv

New Jersey 06/01/12 Pemberton Township, Burlington County: A mosquito caught in a trap placed in the vicinity of the sewage treatment plant on Birmingham Road has tested positive for West Nile Virus. – See http://www.southjerseylocalnews.com/articles/2012/06/01/region/doc4fc8c8c160755544289226.txt

Canada:

Alberta 05/31/12 albertahealthservices.ca: News Release – Following confirmation of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in an individual from a rural community north of Edmonton, Alberta Health Services is advising area residents, and all Albertans, to take simple precautions to protect themselves. “Because humans can be exposed to Hantavirus when the urine or feces of an infected rodent – such as a mouse – become airborne, anyone who disturbs areas of mice or mice droppings can be at risk,” says Dr. Marcia Johnson, Medical Officer of Health – Edmonton Zone. “It is essential that Albertans take precautions to protect themselves, and greatly reduce their risk of illness.” – For complete release and precautions see http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/6747.asp