TICKS near CALIFORNIA’s Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve test positive for TULAREMIA ~ MISSISSIPPI confirms first HUMAN case of WEST NILE VIRUS in 2013 ~ RABIES reports from CT, FL, GAx2, MD, NJ, NCx3, PA, TXx3, VT, VAx2, & CANADA: ONTARIO ~ TRAVEL WARNING: CDC issues LEVEL 1 TRAVEL WATCH on NOVEL INFLUENZA A (H7N9) VIRUS.

Black tailed jack rabbit. Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

California 04/09/13 pomeradonews.com: Several ticks trapped in routine monitoring near Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve March 29 have tested positive for tularemia, also known as “rabbit fever,” San Diego County Department of Environmental Health officials said Tuesday. The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say tularemia is a potentially dangerous illness that people can contract from infected animals such as rabbits and rodents in a number of ways — through direct contact with an infected animal; by drinking or inhaling contaminated water, dust or aerosols; or through “vectors,” pests such as ticks that bite an infected animal and then a person. . .

American dog tick. CDC.

Dr. Wilma Wooten, County Public Health Officer, said tularemia cannot be transmitted from person-to-person and can be treated with antibiotics. However, Wooten said that the illness can be serious and even deadly in rare cases, and that people should consult their doctors immediately if they think they have contracted the disease. – For complete article including protective measures see http://www.pomeradonews.com/2013/04/09/ticks-in-penasquitos-preserve-test-positive-for-%E2%80%98rabbit-fever%E2%80%99/

Author’s Note: According to the CDC, ticks that transmit tularemia to humans include the dog, wood, and lone star ticks. Deer flies also carry the disease.

West Nile Virus (WNV):

Madison County

Mississippi 04/08/13 Madison County: State health officials confirmed the state’s first human case of WNV this year. Last year, the state reported 250 confirmed cases including 5 deaths. – See http://www.wjtv.com/story/21914595/first-ms-west-nile-virus-case-confirmed-for-2013

Rabies:

Connecticut 04/08/13 New London County: A cat found in the area of Bank and Howard streets near Crocker’s Boatyard in the city of New London has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.theday.com/article/20130408/NWS01/130409576/1047/NWS

Florida 04/01/13 Marion County: Health officials have confirmed that a raccoon found in the northern section of the county has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.wuft.org/news/2013/04/01/raccoon-tests-positive-marion-county-officials-issue-rabies-alert/

Georgia 04/08/13 Hall County: A raccoon that fought with five dogs in the vicinity of Toombs Street in Lula recently has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=260223

Georgia 04/04/13 Fayette County: A raccoon reported acting disoriented in the vicinity of Lone Oak Drive off Padgett Road in Starr’s Mill has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.thecitizen.com/articles/04-04-2013/rabid-raccoon-killed-south-starr%E2%80%99s-mill-area

Maryland 04/08/13 Carroll County: A person was bitten by a dog on Autumn View Drive in Sykesville April 4 and will undergo expensive post-exposure rabies shots if the dog is not found and verified to be healthy before April 12, according to a Carroll County Health Department. Residents are being asked to help find this dog or its owner so that the rabies shots will be unnecessary. According to a press release, the dog is a Shepherd mix, medium build, and is not wearing a collar. Contact the Carroll County Health Department at 410-876-1334 or the Carroll County Humane Society at 410-848-44810 with any information.

USDA APHIS.

New Jersey 04/02/13 Cape May County: Officials will distribute 41,000 oral rabies vaccine baits throughout the county beginning April 22^nd.  Most of the bait will be air-dropped, but some will be distributed by hand in raccoon habitats such as storm drains and other areas considered inaccessible from the air. – See http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/cape-may-county/36745-hed-more-than-41000-vaccine-laden-baits-to-be-distributed-in-county.html

North Carolina 04/05/13 Wake County: Three unvaccinated dogs were euthanized after a raccoon that one of the dogs interacted with in the 4800 block of Clifton Road in Knightdale tested positive for rabies. That dog also tested positive for rabies and the other two dogs lived in the same household. – See http://www.wral.com/three-dogs-euthanized-in-knightdale-after-rabies-exposure/12310812/

North Carolina 04/04/13 Orange County: A raccoon that was killed by a vaccinated dog in the vicinity of NC Highways 15 & 501 and Bennett Road in Chapel Hill on Monday has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.wral.com/fourth-rabies-case-reported-in-orange-county/12304604/

North Carolina 04/04/13 Guilford County: A raccoon found on Longview Road in High Point has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.news-record.com/news/1010575-91/guilford-county-sees-third-case

Pennsylvania 04/03/13 Crawford County: Two raccoons that were reported fighting with unvaccinated dogs in separate incidents have tested positive for rabies. The first incident occurred March 25^th on Towpath Road in Union Township. The dog received rabies vaccine and has been quarantined for 180 days. The second incident occurred March 28^th in the vicinity of Gravel Run Road in Woodcock Township. The dog was euthanized. – See http://www.titusvilleherald.com/articles/2013/04/03/news/doc515b965f00826605497625.txt

Texas 04/08/13 Tarrant County: A skunk reported by a resident near Timber Run Drive in Southwest Arlington has tested positive for rabies. It was reported that a dog found the injured skunk on March 30^th. – See http://www.arlingtonvoice.com/story/news/04/08/2013/skunk-southwest-arlington-tests-positive-rabies

Texas 04/01/13 McLennan County: A skunk found in the 400 block of Shadow Mountain in Woodway has tested positive for rabies. This is the third case of animal rabies in the Waco-area within the last week. – See http://www.wacotrib.com/news/greater_waco/woodway/rabies-confirmed-in-woodway-skunk/article_6d4220c3-9523-5ba5-b135-a8755d1b4ba8.html

Texas 04/02/13 Galveston and Harris counties: A bat picked up at Friendswood High School on March 28 has tested positive for rabies. No human exposure was reported. – See http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/friendswood/news/bat-tests-positive-for-rabies/article_cffc7956-63e6-5630-8bfe-fcebea85af11.html

Vermont 04/08/13 Franklin County: Three raccoons found recently in separate incidents in the vicinity of New, High, and Federal streets in St. Albans have tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.fox44abc22yourvoice.com/story/21907750/another-raccoon-tests-positive-for-rabies-in-st-albans

Virginia 04/02/13 Stafford County: A feral cat that scratched two women on March 24 has tested positive for rabies. Authorities are now looking for six other feral cats that were in the same area when the rabid cat was captured. – See http://www.necn.com/04/02/13/Rabies-confirmed-in-stray-cat-in-Staffor/landing_nation.html?&apID=91a8c174efa3449e90f9705cbc0306fa

Virginia 04/04/13 Gloucester County: A dead raccoon found in the Roanes area of the county has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.dailypress.com/news/gloucester-county/dp-nws-gloucester-rabies-0405-20130404,0,2111939.story

Canada:

Ontario 04/04/13 Grey County: A teenager was walking near St. Vincent and Margaret Streets in Meaford around 5 PM on Monday when he was bitten by a dog. The dog is described as a black, white and brown beagle. Health officials say the dog was one of three dogs that were being walked by two people. Staff of the Grey Bruce Health Unit want to find the dog owner to confirm the animal is not infectious with rabies. That way, the teenage boy can avoid post-exposure rabies treatment. If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420. – See http://www.bayshorebroadcasting.ca/news_item.php?NewsID=55972

Travel Warning:

Global 04/05/13 cdc.gov: Traveler’s Health Notice – On April 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that influenza A (H7N9), a type of flu usually seen in birds, has been identified in a number of people in China. Cases have been confirmed in the following provinces: Shanghai, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Zhejiang. This is the first time this virus has been seen in people. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Infection with the new virus has resulted in severe respiratory illness and, in some cases, death. Chinese health authorities are conducting investigations to learn the source of the infections with this virus and to find other cases. CDC is following this situation closely and coordinating with domestic and international partners in a number of areas. More information will be posted as it becomes available. There is no recommendation against travel to China at this time. – For complete Notice see http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/avian-flu-h7n9-china.htm

RABBIT hunter in NORTH CAROLINA contracts TULAREMIA ~ MICE captured at CALIFORNIA nature preserve test positive for HANTAVIRUS ~ RABIES reports from AR, KS, & VA.

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit. Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

North Carolina 02/19/13 wilsontimes.com: by Jon Jimison – The N.C. Wildlife Commission and state Division of Public Health are encouraging hunters to take precautions after a rabbit hunter in eastern North Carolina tested positive for a rare but serious disease called tularemia, also known as rabbit fever. A second member of the same hunting party also showed signs of the disease. “We’re just asking hunters to take precautions and be aware,” said Carolyn Rickard, spokeswoman for the N.C. Wildlife Commission. Rabbit hunting season in North Carolina runs from Nov. 17 to Feb. 28. Both hunters appear to be recovering, the commission noted. Although rare, rabbit fever is a serious and potentially fatal disease. It’s also one where preventative measures can be taken. Marilyn Haskell, public health veterinarian and epidemiologist with the N.C. Division of Public Health, said the division’s role is to prevent diseases and its employees would like to get a prevention and education message out to the public.

Tularemia vectors.

Tularemia is a disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s typically found in animals, especially rodents and rabbits. Most cases occur in rural areas. There have been 17 cases reported in North Carolina since 1999.“That is combined, confirmed and probable,” said Haskell, who specializes in rabies and zoonotic diseases. “It can make you very, very sick. We want hunters to know you can get very sick and the rabbit can appear very normal.” There are about 200 cases reported annually in the United States. The disease has a 30 percent mortality rate in some forms if left untreated. It’s treated with antibiotics, Haskell said. All cases this year in North Carolina have been confined to the current investigation. Officials said they wouldn’t name the eastern North Carolina county where the disease was reported due to patient confidentiality concerns. – For complete article see http://www.wilsontimes.com/News/Feature/Story/18247908—Hunter-contracts–rabbit-fever-

Hantavirus:

California 02/21/13 pe.com: by Richard Brooks – Three mice found in a nature preserve northeast of Moreno Valley have tested positive for hantavirus, Riverside County health officials said. The rodents were among 34 captures during January in Norton Younglove Reserve in the hills between San Timoteo Canyon Road and Highway 60. Hantavirus can be fatal to humans, cautions the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People become infected through contact with infected rodents, the animals’ urine or droppings. Victims develop fever and headache that can lead to respiratory failure. Rodent control in and around homes remains the primary strategy to prevent catching hantavirus. “Over the past decade, approximately 10 percent of the rodents collected in Riverside County have tested positive for hantavirus,” county Department of Environmental Health officials said in a written statement released Thursday, Feb. 21. “To date, there are no documented human cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome originating within Riverside County,” However, they caution people to avoid stirring up debris while cleaning mouse-infested areas, especially in rural areas. Cleanup work should be done while wearing rubber gloves and leaving a 10 percent solution of bleach or household disinfectant on contaminated surfaces for at least 15 minutes. Sponges and mops should be used, rather than brooms and vacuums, officials emphasize. And dead rodents should be double-bagged in plastic before disposal.

Rabies:

Arkansas 02/19/13 Madison County: A cow kept in Kingston has tested positive for rabies. Officials believe the cow was bitten by a rabid skunk, probably 4-12 weeks prior to showing any symptoms. Cows typically develop a hoarse bellow. Drooling and abnormal swallowing may make them appear to have something caught in their throats. Some animals may only show depression and weakness, or partial paralysis, of the hindquarters. During the course of several hours to a few days, the animal will go down, develop convulsive seizures and die. – See http://harrisondaily.com/cow-dies-of-rabies-near-kingston/article_27087632-7ae2-11e2-8883-0019bb2963f4.html

Kansas 02/22/13 Greenwood County: A skunk found biting and holding onto a dog’s tail in an area northeast of Eureka has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/article_e337b54e-7d11-11e2-af83-10604b9f7e7c.html

Virginia 02/22/13 Hampton: A raccoon that attacked a family dog on Wednesday at the Sandy Bottom Nature Park has tested positive for rabies. – See http://hamptonroads.com/2013/02/raccoon-attacked-dog-hampton-had-rabies

Scientists say three U.S. states could soon see new DENGUE FEVER outbreaks ~ NEW MEXICO veterinarian finds TULAREMIA in two DOGS ~ WEST NILE VIRUS report from NEVADA ~ RABIES reports from FL, & SC ~ TRAVEL WARNING: CDC DENGUE alert for MADEIRA.

Asian Tiger Mosquito. A vector for Dengue.

Florida, Texas, Hawaii 12/21/12 businessinsider.com: by Jennifer Welsh – The viral infection dengue fever is usually associated with tropical areas, but the disease has been spreading, even into the tropical areas of the United States: Texas, Florida and Hawaii. Dengue is common in other areas, infecting 100 million people a year. 500,000 of them end up hospitalized, and about half of those die. There are also huge costs to the labor force, because the infection can last for months. It is spread by mosquitoes.

Maryn McKenna reports for Slate:

At the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene last month, researchers from the University of Florida revealed that dengue has reappeared in Key West, Fla. The virus they found was not a one-time visitor imported by a tourist or a stray mosquito; it has been on the island long enough to become a genetically distinct, local strain. The Florida researchers didn’t want to talk about their presentation because they hope to get it published soon in a medical journal. But it turns out other tropical-disease experts have been watching dengue’s return to the United States for a while and wondering what it will mean. “It really is just a matter of time until dengue re-establishes itself in certain areas here,” says Amesh Adalja of the Center for Biosecurity of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “The U.S. has been lucky that it has escaped so far.”

122 people were infected with dengue in Hawaii in 2001, the first time that the disease has been seen there since 1944. A separate outbreak in Brownsville, Texas, in 2005 infected 25, and 90 cases were reported in Key West between 2009 and 2010. “It may not swamp the entire U.S.,” Adalja told McKenna. “But the entire South already harbors those mosquitoes, and that is bad enough. Dengue shouldn’t have to swamp the entire country for us to make it a priority.
Tularemia:

New Mexico 12/19/12 mvtelegraph.com: A local veterinarian has recently diagnosed two dogs in the Edgewood area with tularemia, according to former East Mountain Coalition president Linda Barbour. The disease can easily be treated but is potentially fatal and can be transmitted to humans. It is recommended that people wear gloves when handling or removing dead animals and make sure their pets have flea and tick protection. Although the disease is rare in New Mexico, it and bubonic plague are both present in the East Mountains, Barbour points out. For more information about tularemia, go to http://www.cdc.gov/tularemia.

West Nile Virus (WNV):

Nevada 12/21/12 Clark County: A 51-year-old woman has tested positive for WNV. Health officials said WNV positive mosquito pools have been found in the 89121 and 891243 Las Vegas zip codes. – See http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/20403872/health-district-reports-case-of-west-nile-virus

Rabies:

Florida 12/20/12 Polk County: A bat that was brought into a home on Cleveland Heights Boulevard in Lakeland by the family’s dog has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2012/12/20/ninth_case_of_rabies.html

South Carolina 12/20/12 Spartanburg County: A raccoon that walked into a crowded  neighborhood and bit a Woodruff teenager has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www2.wspa.com/news/2012/dec/20/woodruff-teen-bitten-rabid-raccoon-ar-5211724/

Travel Warnings:

Madeira 12/22/12 cdc.gov: As of December 9, 2012, 2,050 cases of dengue fever have been reported from the Portuguese island of Madeira. There have been 58 cases of dengue reported in European travelers returning from Madeira. At this time, CDC does not advise against travel to Madeira. However, travelers should protect themselves from mosquito bites. – For further details and advice on how travelers can protect themselves see http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/outbreak-notice/dengue-madeira-portugal.htm

COYOTE attacks on PETS increasing in KANSAS ~ MOUNTAIN LION report from MISSOURI ~ WEST NILE VIRUS reports from CDC National, AL, IL, LA, & NY ~ RABIES reports from CA, CO, NJ, NC, & VA ~ CDC REPORTS: ZOONOTIC DISEASE summary for week ending November 3, 2012.

Coyote. Courtesy National Park Service.

Kansas 11/07/12 Sedgwick County: Several veterinary clinics in Wichita report rising incidents of coyote attacks on pets. Dr. Brock Lofgreen said “Over the past few weeks I just counted four in my head that I saw over the last two weeks. I know we’ve had more than that…” – See http://www.ksn.com/news/local/story/Coyotes-are-attacking-pets-in-and-around-Wichita/sHdKE4RrykKkm3Iq_Eaf4w.cspx

Mountain Lion Sightings:

Missouri 11/09/12 Reynolds and Ripley counties: State officials have confirmed trail camera photos taken recently of a mountain lion in each county. One was taken in Reynolds County’s Current River Conservation Area south of Ellington, the other in northeast Ripley County. – See http://www.waynecojournalbanner.com/reynolds_county/news/article_3b8f1e16-2a93-11e2-aa43-0019bb30f31a.html

West Nile Virus (WNV):

National 11/06/12 cdc.gov: Update – As of November 6, 2012, 48 states have reported WNV infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 5,054 cases of WNV disease in people, including 228 deaths, have been reported to CDC. Of these, 2,559 (51%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 2,495 (49%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease. The 5,054 cases reported thus far in 2012 is the highest number of WNV disease cases reported to CDC through the first week in November since 2003. Almost 80 percent of the cases have been reported from 12 states (Texas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Illinois, South Dakota, Michigan, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado, Ohio, and Arizona) 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

Alabama 11/06/12 usgs.gov: Update – State health officials have confirmed 43 human cases of WNV throughout the state this year, including one death. – For a breakdown of cases by county see http://diseasemaps.usgs.gov/wnv_al_human.html

Illinois 11/08/12 Kane County: Health officials confirm an Aurora man, 64, has been identified as the 12^th human case of WNV in the county this year. State officials report 245 human cases statewide, including 10 deaths. – See http://couriernews.suntimes.com/news/16248952-418/another-west-nile-case-brings-kane-county-total-to-12-in-2012.html

Louisiana 11/05/12 dhh.louisiana.gov: Update – State health officials today confirmed six new WNV human cases, urging Louisiana residents to continue to Fight the Bite. No deaths from the disease occurred this week. So far, there have been 344 human cases and 13 deaths from the disease reported this year. There are two new neuroinvasive disease cases reported this week, from East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes. There are four new West Nile Fever cases, from Calcasieu (1), East Baton Rouge (2) and West Baton Rouge (1) parishes. – See http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2686

New York 11/08/12 Suffolk County: Health officials confirm the county’s 5^th human case of WNV this year in a Babylon resident under the age of 55 who was hospitalized but has since recovered. This brings to 19 the total number of WNV human cases confirmed on Long Island this year, including one elderly resident who died. – See http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/suffolk-reports-fifth-case-of-west-nile-1.4202655

Rabies:

California 11/08/12 Los Angeles County: Officials report that two more bats found in the Santa Clara Valley in the past few weeks have tested positive for rabies. This brings the total number of rabies cases in the county to 55 this year, which is a record number since testing began in 1961. – See http://scvnews.com/2012/11/08/two-more-rabid-bats-in-scv-last-for-2012/

Colorado 11/08/12 Larimer County: A skunk trapped in the vicinity of the Residence Inn near the Outlet Mall in Loveland  has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.noco5.com/story/20047511/skunk-found-in-loveland-tests-positive-for-rabies

New Jersey 11/08/12 Burlington County: A raccoon found in the vicinity of Kanabe Drive in Westampton Township has tested positive for rabies. – See http://sj.sunne.ws/2012/11/08/rabies-case-found-in-area/

North Carolina 11/08/12 Brunswick County: A fox that ran from the woods on Oak Island Wednesday and bit a Mercer Street resident who was collecting her mail has tested positive for rabies. – See http://stateportpilot.com/news/article_70ee9c76-29e4-11e2-af93-0019bb2963f4.html

Virginia 11/08/12 Pittsylvania County: Health officials have issued a rabies alert after a skunk found recently in the Deerview Road area of Gretna tested positive for the virus. – See http://www.wdbj7.com/news/wdbj7-skunk-tests-positive-for-rabies-in-gretna-20121108,0,534621.story

CDC Reports:

CDC MMWR Summary for Week ending November 3, 2012:

Published November 9, 2012/ 61(44); ND-607-ND-620

Anaplasmosis . . . 2 . . . New York (2),

Babesiosis . . . 9 . . . Maine, New York (8),

Giardiasis . . . 100 . . . Alabama (2), Alaska (2), Arizona, Arkansas (5), California (10), Florida (20), Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Maryland (3), Michigan (5), Missouri, New York (24), Ohio (8), Pennsylvania (2), Vermont (4), Virginia (2), Washington (6), West Virginia, Wisconsin,

HME/HGE Undetermined . . . 1 . . . Maryland,

Lyme Disease . . .  100. . .  Alabama, Florida (2), Maine, Maryland (6), New York (61), Ohio, Pennsylvania (17), Tennessee, Vermont (2), Virginia (8),

Rabies (Animal) . . . 17. . . Idaho (2), New York (5), Vermont, Virginia (9),

Spotted Fever including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Probable) . . . 15 . . . Alabama, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina (8), Virginia (4),

Tularemia . . . 2 . . . Indiana, Oklahoma.

MINNESOTA YOUNGSTER attacked by possibly RABID RACCOON ~ FLORIDA WOMAN hospitalized after being attacked by COYOTE ~ Two MOUNTAIN LIONS concern CALIFORNIA officials ~ WEST NILE VIRUS reports from CDC NATIONAL, CAx2, FL, MS, & TX ~ RABIES reports from AR, FL, IL, & ME ~ CDC REPORTS: ZOONOTIC DISEASE summary for week ending October 20, 2012.

Photo by Svdmolen. Wikimedia Commons.

Minnesota 10/25/12 Mower County: A raccoon that attacked and bit a 3-year-old girl near Austin will be tested for rabies. The girl’s father killed the raccoon after her mother saw it biting her daughter’s arm and kicked it away. – See http://www.startribune.com/local/175810081.html

Florida 10/25/12 Brevard County: A Malabar woman was hospitalized on Wednesday after being attacked by a coyote in the 500 block of Hall Road.  The woman’s daughter-in-law shot the animal. – See http://www.clickorlando.com/news/Malabar-woman-hospitalized-after-coyote-attack/-/1637132/17135712/-/b0aa1z/-/index.html

Mountain Lion Sightings:

California 10/24/12 Contra Costa County: A woman walking with her child in a stroller on a trail in the vicinity of Lake Drive in Kensington on Friday spotted a mountain lion about 2,000 feet north of the Berkeley border and about the same distance east of the Little Farm in Tilden Park. – See http://berkeley.patch.com/articles/mountain-lion-encounter-reported-by-mother-with-child-in-stroller

California 10/24/12 Los Angeles County: Hikers in Malibu’s Point Mugu State Park found a dead mountain lion a short distance from one of the trails. State wildlife officials are investigating. – See http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/10/mountain-lion-found-dead-in-point-mugu-state-park.html

West Nile Virus (WNV):

National 10/23/12 cdc.gov: Update – 48 states have reported WNV infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 4,725 cases of WNV disease in people, including 219 deaths, have been reported to CDC. Of these, 2,413 (51%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 2,312 (49%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease. The 4,725 cases reported thus far in 2012 is the highest number of WNV disease cases reported to CDC through the fourth week in October since 2003. Almost 70 percent of the cases have been reported from eight states (Texas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Illinois, South Dakota, Michigan, and Oklahoma) 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

California 10/23/12 San Bernardino County: A man in his 70s from Rancho Cucamonga is the first WNV-related fatality in the county this year. – See http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/sanbernardinocounty/ci_21838181/rancho-cucamonga-resident-dies-from-west-nile-virus

California 10/24/12 San Mateo County: Health officials today confirmed a squirrel in San Mateo tested positive for WNV. The squirrel tested positive for WNV chronic, which officials say indicates a low infection level, meaning the infection was not acquired this year and is a lesser concern to public health officials. – See http://sanmateo.patch.com/articles/san-mateo-squirrel-tests-positive-wnv

Florida 10/23/12 Duval County: A 39-year-old woman is the 26^th human case of WNV in the county this year. – http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-10-23/story/jacksonville-journal-26th-west-nile-case-reported-duval

Mississippi 10/24/12 bolivacom.com: The state’s health department has confirmed 8 new human cases of WNV in the past week occurring in seven counties, including 1 case in Sunflower County. Two positive cases had earlier been reported in Bolivar County. There have been 233 human cases statewide this year, including 5 deaths. – See http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/20587777/article-WNV-hits-new-county?instance=latest_articles

Texas 10/24/12 Jim Wells County: A 14-month-old baby in the city of Alice is the first confirmed human case of WNV in the county. – See http://www.kristv.com/news/baby-diagnosed-with-west-nile-virus/

Rabies:

Arkansas 10/25/12 Fulton County: A dead skunk found in a resident’s backyard near a fenced area where unvaccinated dogs are kept has tested positive for rabies. So far this year officials have confirmed 115 cases of rabies statewide including 90 skunks. – See http://www.areawidenews.com/story/1906835.html

Florida 10/25/12 Brevard County: Officials say a bat found in Melbourne on Tuesday has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Bat-in-Melbourne-tested-positive-for-rabies-3981526.php

Illinois 10/25/12 Will County: A bat trapped beneath a light pole outside a residence in Elwood is the 12^th positive rabies case in the county this year, which marks a new record. Previously, the 11 cases confirmed in 2007 held the record. – See http://bolingbrook.patch.com/articles/will-county-sets-record-for-rabid-bats-in-one-year-c30373c1

Maine 10/26/12 Cumberland County: A Falmouth woman is trying to identify a dog so she can spare her 5-year-old daughter a series of rabies shots. Gia Davis said her daughter was walking with a care-giver on one of Portland’s trails near the Ocean Avenue dog park about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday when a dog attacked her. The care-giver and witnesses told Davis that the girl, who was already afraid of dogs, curled up in a fetal position and the dog bit her in the back of the neck and broke the skin, Davis said. The dog retreated after a woman called for it. “We were probably pretty lucky,” Davis said. “This dog had her by the back of the neck.”

Now, Davis wants to make sure the dog has had a rabies shot, so that her daughter doesn’t have to get a series of five shots, including two at the site of the puncture. “I have to vaccinate her. It’s most likely not needed, but I don’t know 100 percent and I have to make a pretty quick call,” Davis said. She must hear by Friday night or she will have to start the treatment, she said. The care-giver, who is a nurse, tried to get the name of the dog’s owner, Davis said. The woman said her name was Regina and she was from Vermont. She gave her a phone number with a Vermont area code. When they tried to call the number later, it was disconnected. Davis said the number may have been copied wrong, but either way, she wants to know whether the dog is up to date on its vaccinations. Dogs must be licensed in Maine and must have up-to-date rabies vaccinations to be licensed. Davis said she has few clues about the dog’s identity. It appeared to be a mixed breed related to a pit bull though somewhat bigger, like a Labrador retriever, she said.

The woman was with a man, and they appeared to be in their 30s. He had a short, scruffy beard and she had shoulder- length, straight dark hair and was wearing a green L.L. Bean-style vest, the care-giver told Davis. They appeared to be with another couple, who had two yellow Labrador retrievers, Davis said. Anyone with information is asked to call Lt. John Kilbride at the Falmouth Police Department.

CDC Reports:

CDC MMWR Summary for Week ending October 20, 2012:

Published October 26, 2012/ 61(42); ND-579-ND-592

Anaplasmosis . . . 7 . . . Missouri, New York (6),

Babesiosis . . . 8 . . . New York (8),

Brucellosis . . . 2 . . . Florida, Tennessee,    

Ehrlichiosis . . . 12 . . . Florida, Missouri, New York, North Carolina (8), Virginia,

Giardiasis . . . 171 . . . Alabama (3), Arizona (2), Arkansas (3), California (20), Florida (35), Idaho (2), Iowa (4), Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts (3), Michigan (3), Nevada, New York (34), Ohio (23), Oregon (6), Pennsylvania (11), Vermont (2), Washington (15), Wisconsin (2),

HME/HGE Undetermined . . . 2 . . . Maryland, New York,

Hansen Disease (Leprosy) . . . 1 . . . Kansas, 

Lyme Disease . . .  119. . .  Connecticut, Delaware, Florida (5), Maine (2), Maryland (8), Massachusetts (2), New York (54), North Carolina (5), Pennsylvania (29), Virginia (12),

Rabies (Animal) . . . 42. . . Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York (12), Rhode Island (2), Texas (8), Vermont (5), Virginia (12), West Virginia,

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

Spotted Fever including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Probable) . . . 10 . . . Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina (4), Pennsylvania, Tennessee (3),

Tularemia . . . 8 . . . Oklahoma (8).

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.

CANADA: GRIZZLY kills ALBERTA hiker’s leashed DOG ~ MOUNTAIN LION report from MONTANA ~ EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS & WEST NILE VIRUS reports from AL, IA, LA, & MS ~ RABIES report from NJ ~ CDC REPORTS: ZOONOTIC DISEASE summary for week ending September 22, 2012.

Grizzly. Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Canada:

Alberta 09/28/12 the province.com: A popular hiking area in Banff National Park has been closed after a grizzly bear attacked and killed a small dog. Parks Canada spokeswoman Brianna Burley said it happened in the Skoki Valley area, near the Lake Louise ski hill, on Thursday. A hiker was scrambling off the trail with his Jack Russell terrier when the adult grizzly approached and started stalking the pet. “At first the hiker tried to stand his ground against the grizzly bear, and then came to a realization that the bear was intent on getting the dog,” Burley said Friday. The man tried to scare off the animal by yelling, throwing rocks and his backpack at it, but the grizzly wasn’t backing off, Burley said. “At this point he dropped the leash and the dog ran away about 20 feet at which point the bear chased the dog and that’s where the bear overtook the dog.” The grizzly left the area, taking the dog’s body. The hiker, an employee of Skoki Lodge, was not hurt but was shaken. – For complete article see http://www.theprovince.com/travel/Trails+closed+after+grizzly+bear+attacks+kills+small+Banff/7317499/story.html

Mountain Lion Sightings:

Montana 09/29/12 Lewis & Clark County: On Saturday afternoon, a resident of the South Hills area of Helena alerted authorities that they spotted a mountain lion near the intersection of Lodgepole and Lime Kiln, near Mount Ascension Park. – See http://www.kxlh.com/news/mountain-lion-spotted-in-helena-south-hills-area/

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

Alabama 09/28/12 Mobile County: According to local health officials, a sentinel chicken in Grand Bay has tested positive for EEE. – See http://blog.al.com/live/2012/09/sentinel_chicken_in_grand_bay.html

Iowa 09/28/12 idph.state.ia.us: News Release – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Department of Public Health today reminded Iowans that mosquitoes remain active until hard freeze occurs and can carry WNV. Surveillance has shown a larger number of horses have been infected with WNV this year, with more than 20 confirmed cases. In addition, 19 human cases of WNV have been reported in 16 counties in 2012. No WNV-related deaths have been reported this year. Humans cannot ‘catch’ WNV from an animal, but an increase in animal cases indicates higher activity among mosquitoes carrying the virus. – See http://www.idph.state.ia.us/IdphNews/Reader.aspx?id=8225EBD7-3840-4A3A-9783-96313D26A376

Louisiana 09/28/12 dhh.louisiana.gov: Update – State health officials today confirmed 29 new human cases of WNV this week and no new deaths, and reminded residents to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites so they can lower their risk of infection. The state is seeing the highest number of reported WNV infections in several years, with 280 cases and 11 deaths from the disease thus far in 2012. – For details and county involved see http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2646

Mississippi 09/27/12 msdh.ms.gov: Update – State health officials confirm there have been 26 new human cases of WNV in the past week. The number of human cases now confirmed totals 197, including 5 deaths. – For details and county information see http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,93,554.html

Rabies:

New Jersey 09/29/12 Somerset County: A grounded bat found outside 422 Brookside Lane in Hillsborough less than a mile from the Middle School has tested positive for rabies. Parents of area school children are urged to contact health or school officials if their children touched the bat. Several children were seen near the bat poking it with a stick. – see http://hillsborough.patch.com/articles/rabid-bat-found-on-brookside-lane-sidewalk

CDC Reports:

CDC MMWR Summary for Week ending September 22, 2012:

Published September 28, 2012/ 61(38); ND-522-ND-535

Anaplasmosis . . . 7 . . . New York (7),

Babesiosis . . . 3 . . . Maryland, New York (2),

Brucellosis . . . 1 . . . Indiana,     

Ehrlichiosis . . . 4 . . . Florida, Maryland (2), Virginia,

Giardiasis . . . 194 . . . Alabama (6), Alaska (2), Arkansas (3), Florida (31), Idaho (6), Iowa (3), Maryland (6), Michigan (3), Missouri (4), Montana, Nebraska (8), Nevada, New York (49), Ohio (20), Oregon (5), Pennsylvania (8), South Carolina (2), Vermont, Virginia (2), Washington (29), Wisconsin (2), Wyoming (2),

Hansen Disease (Leprosy) . . . 1 . . . Missouri, 

HME/HGE Undetermined . . . 3 . . . Indiana (3),

Lyme Disease . . .  173. . .  Connecticut, Delaware (5), Florida (4), Maryland (6), Michigan, New York (82), Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania (44), Tennessee (2), Virginia (24), Washington (2),

Q Fever (Chronic) . . . 2 . . . Missouri, Nebraska, 

Rabies (Animal) . . . 63. . . Arkansas (3), Idaho (14), Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland (7), Michigan (4), Missouri (2), New York (10), Texas (9), Virginia (11), West Virginia,

Spotted Fever including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Confirmed) . . . 5. . . Missouri (3), North Carolina (2),

Spotted Fever including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Probable) . . . 39 . . . Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas (4), Florida, Indiana, Missouri (5), North Carolina (11), Ohio, Pennsylvania (2), Rhode Island, Tennessee (5), Virginia (6),

Tularemia . . . 1 . . . Missouri.

Lone WOLF OR-7 at last report still in CALIFORNIA ~ WASHINGTON to kill pack of GRAY WOLVES ~ GEESE may have key to treating diseases from MALARIA to WEST NILE VIRUS ~ RABIES reports from FL, & MT ~ CDC REPORTS: ZOONOTIC DISEASE summary for week ending September 15, 2012.

Gray wolf. Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Follow-Up Report:

California 09/22/12 redbluffdailynews.com: by Julie Zeeb – The famous Oregonian that waltzed into California in December 2011 and has been border-hoping ever since is back in Tehama County. The gray wolf, known as OR-7, has mostly been in California the last few months, primarily in Plumas County, according to a California Department of Fish and Game blog dedicated to his comings and goings. The three-year-old wolf was last in Tehama County on July 31 and except for one day spent in Butte County has been in various areas of Plumas County, moving from the western area of the county into Tehama County on Sept. 19*. OR-7 is the first and only wolf to have been sighted in California since 1924, first visiting Tehama County for a few days on July 21.

*Author’s Note: According to the latest California Department of Fish & Game satellite reading, OR-7 was in eastern Tehama County on September 20, 2012.

Washington 09/21/12 seattletimes.com: by Shannon Dininny – Washington officials announced plans Friday to kill a pack of at least eight gray wolves that have been attacking livestock in the state’s northeast corner. The move is likely to anger some conservation groups and deal a setback to wolf recovery efforts, though state officials said the step was necessary for sustainable, long-term wolf recovery in the region. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said two teams were in the field Friday to try to kill members of the Wedge Pack, which ranges over a remote area of northern Stevens County. Marksmen would hunt the wolves from the ground, and if those efforts were unsuccessful, they might use helicopters to aid their hunt, Director Phil Anderson said in a statement. The pack is believed to have killed or injured at least 15 cattle from the Diamond M herd that grazes in a large area near the Canadian border, according to the statement. Those attacks have become increasingly more frequent since July, even after the agency killed a non-breeding member of the pack in August, and experts believe the wolves have become dependent on cattle for food. – For complete article see http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2019227092_apwawashingtonwolves1stldwritethru.html

Research & Development:

Global 09/21/12 wdtn.com: by Neil Carlson – Sometimes we find the cure for disease where we’d least expect it. In this case, geese could hold the key to treating everything from malaria to rabies. It all started out as a research project to develop a serum to protect people from a pesky outdoor nuisance and the disease it can carry: the West Nile virus. Mosquitoes can pick up the virus from diseased birds and transfer it to humans. Researchers found that geese can rapidly produce the antibodies needed to create serums to treat people for West Nile disease.

But, what’s most amazing is that researchers found geese can be used to produce serums to treat all kinds of diseases. “And we have gone into researching its use of their antibodies for dengue fever, for pandemic influenza, malaria, rabies,” said Richard Glynn, researcher with Avianax. “We’re also working with a group on cancer.” Researchers introduce the dead virus of any given disease to a goose. The goose then quickly produces an antibody to that disease, which is extracted from its egg yolk and used to create the serum to treat that disease.

David Bradley, University of North Dakota

“What’s really exciting about this is the goose provides a platform and produces antibodies rapidly to a variety of viruses — probably toxins, maybe even cancers,” said medical student David Bradley. It’s all amazing, heady stuff that’s being reviewed by the FDA. Who knows? We may all find that one day geese are the answer to many of mankind’s medical problems. All of this still depends on approval for human use by the FDA. However, the government is interested in this research because it could be used to quickly develop vaccines for biological agents spread by terrorists.

Rabies:

Florida 09/21/12 Bay County: A raccoon killed at the intersection of N. 9^th Plaza and Lake Drive in Parker has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.wmbb.com/story/19605639/rabid-raccoon-found-in-parker

Montana 09/21/12 Gallatin County: A Bozeman family is looking for the owner of a border collie involved in a biting incident at 4:40 p.m. Wednesday at the East Gallatin Recreational Area. Walker VanHouten, 16, was running with the Bozeman Hawks cross-country team when a border collie bit him on his calf. VanHouten did not realize he should check with the owner for proof of rabies vaccination. VanHouten will have to go through rabies injections if the dog owner does not come forward by Tuesday. The dog owner should contact Kathleen VanHouten at 585-7944 or vanhoutens3@wispwest.net.

CDC Reports:

CDC MMWR Summary for Week ending September 15, 2012:

Published September 21, 2012/ 61(37); ND-508-ND-521

Anaplasmosis . . . 23 . . . Florida, Maine (2), New York (15), North Carolina (4), Rhode Island,

Babesiosis . . . 8 . . . New York (8),

Brucellosis . . . 1 . . . California,     

Ehrlichiosis . . . 14 . . . Maine, North Carolina (11), Tennessee, Virginia,

Giardiasis . . . 218 . . . Alabama (2), Alaska (2), Arkansas (3), California (42), Delaware, Florida (22), Idaho (3), Iowa (3), Maine (8), Maryland (8), Michigan (3), Missouri (3), Montana, Nebraska (6), Nevada, New York (47), Ohio (19), Oregon (6), Pennsylvania (13), South Carolina (5), Vermont (7), Washington (9), Wisconsin, Virginia (3),

HME/HGE Undetermined . . . 1 . . . Indiana,

Lyme Disease . . .  156. . .  Florida (6), Maine, Maryland (18), Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey (2), New York (67), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (38), Rhode Island (3), Texas (2), Vermont (4), Virginia (10), Washington,

Q Fever (Acute) . . . 5 . . . Alaska, Nebraska (2), New York, Ohio, 

Rabies (Animal) . . . 49. . . Maine (2), Nevada (3), New York (16), Ohio, Texas, Utah (2), Vermont (2), Virginia (21), West Virginia,

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

Spotted Fever including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Probable) . . . 42 . . . Alabama (3), Florida, Indiana (3), New York, North Carolina (18), Tennessee (9), Virginia (7),

Tularemia . . . 1 . . . Nebraska.

MAINE CDC confirms 30 farm-raised PHEASANTS have died of EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS (EEE) ~ EEE & WEST NILE VIRUS reports from CO, IL, MAx2, NJ, NY, & SC ~ TRAVEL WARNING: CDC reports SARCOCYSTOSIS in MALAYSIA ~ CDC REPORTS: ZOONOTIC DISEASE summary for week ending September 1, 2012.

Pheasant. Photo by David Croad. Wikimedia Commons.

Maine 09/11/12 Lebanon, York County: State health officials have identified cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a number of farm birds in Lebanon, according to Lebanon Selectman Jason Cole. Maine State Epidemiologist Dr. Stephen Sears on Monday told Robert Frizzell, chairman of the Board of Selectmen that state officials found the disease in a number of pheasants raised on a farm in Lebanon, and 30 birds have died of the disease. “The Lebanon Board of Selectmen wants to make sure that the residents are aware of the situation and are provided the facts that we were provided,” Frizzell said in a statement. “There is no need for alarm. We simply want to ensure the residents have the information that we have been provided so they can make the appropriate safety measures.” – See http://www.keepmecurrent.com/news_now/birds-in-lebanon-die-of-equine-encephalitis/article_2c6abf34-fc22-11e1-b50d-0019bb2963f4.html

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

Colorado 09/11/12 cdphe.state.co.us: Update – As of Sept. 7, health officials have confirmed 51 human cases of WNV in the state, including two deaths in Montrose County. – See https://mail.google.com/mail/?hl=en&shva=1#inbox/139b69328cb10c21

Illinois 09/09/12 Lake County: Health officials have confirmed five human cases of WNV in the county including a 68-yearold man in Buffalo Grove, a 60-year-old man in Mundelein, a 65-year-old woman in Grayslake, a 42-year-old woman in Libertyville, and a 69-year-old man in Lake Zurich. In addition, 81 mosquito pools and three birds have tested positive for the virus. – See http://www.wlsam.com/Article.asp?id=2529438&spid=

Massachusetts 09/10/12 Franklin and Worcester counties: Health officials have confirmed a third human case of EEE in a girl under 18 who is currently hospitalized. The danger of EEE in the communities of Athol, Orange, and Royalston has been raised to a “critical” threat level, and nearby communities have been raised to a “high” threat level. – See http://www.necn.com/09/10/12/3rd-human-case-of-EEE-in-Mass-confirmed/landing.html?blockID=771099&feedID=4753

Massachusetts 09/11/12 Rochester, Plymouth County: The risk level for EEE has been raised to “critical” after a horse was confirmed infected with the virus. The risk level was raised to “high” in nearby Wareham, Freetown, Acushnet, Marion, Middleboro, Lakeville, and Mattapoisett. – See http://wareham-ma.villagesoup.com/community/story/triple-e-threat-raised-to-high-in-wareham/895288

New Jersey 09/10/12 njspotlight.com: by Anthony Vecchione – According to the health department, state officials have  confirmed 15 (human) cases of WNV from 12 counties, including: Bergen (1), Burlington (1), Camden (1), Essex (2), Gloucester (1), Hudson (1), Mercer (1), Middlesex (1), Monmouth (1), Ocean (3), Passaic (1) and Salem (1). An elderly Burlington County man who tested positive for WNV died last week. – See http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/12/0909/2310/

New York 09/09/12 silive.com: Three human cases of WNV have been reported on Staten Island. Citywide there have been 17 human cases reported, including one fatality. – See http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/09/west_nile_threat_centered_on_s_2.html

South Carolina 09/11/12 North Augusta, Aiken County: Health officials have confirmed that Stacy Furtick, 80, is the first man in the state to die of WNV this year. A total of 17 human cases have been identified by SCDHEC in 11 different counties across the state and five of those were in Aiken County. Statewide, three animals and 13 birds have also tested positive for the illness. – See http://www.aikenstandard.com/story/0911-west-nile-virus-death-con

Travel Warning:

Malaysia 09/10/12 cdc.gov: Outbreak Notice – CDC has received reports of four cases of sarcocystosis that have been associated with 2012 summer travel to Tioman Island. Sarcocystosis is a disease caused by a parasite called Sarcocystis. Sarcocystosis occurs in tropical or subtropical countries, including countries in Southeast Asia. This disease is common among wild and domestic animals but can also cause disease in humans. Two forms of the disease can occur: one causes diarrhea and the other causes muscle pain, fevers, and other symptoms. Muscle sarcocystosis is spread through the ingestion of food, water, or soil contaminated with infected animal feces. Many people infected with Sarcocystis may not have symptoms. The travelers described in this notice returned from Malaysia with severe muscle pain. Other reported symptoms included mild diarrhea and fever. Most people were ill for 2-4 weeks after leaving the island. – See http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/outbreak-notice/sarcocystosis-malaysia-outbreak.htm

CDC Reports:

CDC MMWR Summary for Week ending September 1, 2012:

Published September 7, 2012/ 61(35); ND-480-ND-493

Anaplasmosis . . . 8 . . . New York (8),

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

Brucellosis . . . 1 . . . California,     

Ehrlichiosis . . . 5 . . . Arkansas, Missouri (2), Virginia (2),

Giardiasis . . . 169 . . . Alabama (2), Arizona (2), Arkansas (2), California (20), Florida (26), Idaho (3), Iowa, Maine (4), Maryland (5), Michigan (3), Missouri (6), Nebraska, Nevada, New York (43), Ohio (24), Oregon, Pennsylvania (10), South Carolina (2), Virginia, Washington (12),

Lyme Disease . . .  138. . .  California, Florida (3), Maryland (5), New York (59), Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania (60), Vermont, Virginia (6), Washington,

Rabies (Animal) . . . 45. . . Connecticut (2), Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York (13), Ohio (4), Texas (7), Vermont (6), Virginia (8), West Virginia (2),

Spotted Fever including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Confirmed) . . . 2. . . Indiana (2),

Spotted Fever including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Probable) . . . 12 . . . Arkansas, Idaho, Missouri (4), New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee , Virginia (2),

Tularemia . . . 2 . . . Indiana, Washington.

OHIO reports first known H3N2v SWINE FLU related DEATH ~ CALIFORNIA reports MOUNTAIN LION sighting ~ WEST NILE VIRUS report from MASSACHUSETTS ~ RABIES reports from FL, GA, MA, NJ, RI, & WI ~ CDC REPORTS: ZOONOTIC DISEASE summary for week ending August 25, 2012.

Photo courtesy U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Ohio 09/01/12 newsnet5.com: by Cassandra Nist – The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has reported Ohio’s first known H3N2v- associated death Friday. The individual had direct contact with swine at the Ross County Fair before coming ill. Click here for a complete list of Ohio’s county fairs. The 61-year-old female Madison County resident passed away earlier this week. Testing at the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory confirmed that the individual had been infected with the H3N2v influenza virus. The patient had multiple other underlying medical conditions, but the influenza virus may have contributed to the death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the main risk factor for infection is direct exposure to swine. CDC points out that the virus does not spread easily from person-to-person, but limited human-to-human infection has occurred. “H3N2v, like many other viruses, has the greatest potential to impact those with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. Ted Wymyslo, Director of ODH. “We have been seeing a mild illness in most individuals infected with the H3N2v virus, so there’s no need for alarm. However, it is important for those at-risk individuals to take extra precautions like avoiding swine exhibits to protect themselves.” Ohio is currently reporting 102 cases of H3N2v statewide. Those with confirmed cases of H3N2v are between the ages of 6 months and 61 years old. Most ill individuals have recovered on their own or were treated and released after a short stay in the hospital. – For complete article see http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_cuyahoga/one-person-has-died-from-h3n2v-after-attending-ross-county-fair

Author’s Note: According to The New York Times, “Most cases have been in Ohio and Indiana,” but other cases have been confirmed as far away as Maine and Hawaii.  For a state-by-state breakdown of the 301 cases reported since August 2011 see http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/h3n2v-case-count.htm

Mountain Lion Sightings:

California 08/31/12 Sebastopol, Sonoma County: A mountain lion sighting south of town on Friday follows at least two possible sightings reported earlier in the spring near the downtown area. The most recent report involves a woman who said she saw what appeared to be a lion in an open field near Elphick and Bollinger avenues. – See http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120831/ARTICLES/120839883

West Nile Virus (WNV):

Massachusetts 09/01/12 Middlesex and Hampden counties: Four more human cases of the WNV have been confirmed, bringing the total to eight in the state this season, health officials said Friday night. Three residents in Middlesex County and one in Hampden County, who were listed as probable cases earlier, were confirmed with the illness and all patients were recovering, officials said. – See http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/09/01/four_more_west_nile_virus_cases_confirmed_in_state/

Rabies:

Florida 08/31/12 Auburndale, Polk County: A bat found in Tenoroc High has tested positive for rabies, officials said. This is the seventh confirmed case of rabies this year in the county. See http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2012/8/31/bat_found_in_tenoroc.html

Georgia 08/31/12 Madison County: Three rabies cases have been confirmed in the county within the past week, county leaders said Friday. Two of the cases involved skunks at locations on Applebaum Way and Charles Hart Road in the Colbert area. In both cases, the skunks had been killed by local residents and turned over to animal control. The third case involved a deceased horse in the area of Friendship Church Road and Chandler Road. – See http://www.madisonjournaltoday.com/archives/5464-Three-rabies-cases-confirmed-in-Madison-County.html

Massachusetts 08/31/12 Hingham, Plymouth County: An 11-year-old Hingham boy, who lives on the 100 block of lower Main Street, was bitten in his yard late afternoon on Monday, Aug. 27, by a cat.  The cat’s teeth punctured his skin, which requires determining the cat’s rabies vaccination status. No one is looking to punish the cat or its owners, but rather to find out its rabies status to determine whether they boy will need a series of rabies treatments.  The cat is not a complete stranger as he visits the boy’s yard from time to time, but not frequently. The cat appears to be well fed and cared for, but does not wear a collar.  He is mostly orange with some white stripes on his body, on his tail, and white on his paws.  The cat does not belong to any of the boy’s immediate neighbors. It is imperative to find out who owns the cat and its vaccination status.  Per the State Board of Health, there is a 10-day window of opportunity from this past Monday to find the cat before the boy must begin the rabies series. Anyone who owns this cat or knows of someone that owns this cat can contact Leslie Badger, Hingham Animal Control Officer, at 781-741-1490, or Marisa Ronan at 781-749-1862.

New Jersey 08/31/12 Hillsborough, Somerset County:  Health officials say there have been an unusual number of animals that have tested positive for rabies between Aug. 15 and 20.  A rabid skunk was found on Brook Drive on Aug. 15. Another rabid skunk was found at the Royce Brook Golf Course on Aug. 20. There was also a rabid cat behind the Goodyear on Route 206 on Aug. 20 (this was a young cat which was white with patches of tiger markings, with short hair.) – See http://www.centraljersey.com/articles/2012/08/31/hillsborough_beacon/news/doc50411ffa53a6a408491769.txt

Rhode Island 08/31/12 Barrington, Bristol County: A raccoon that bit the finger of a 4-year-old girl in her family’s garage has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.eastbayri.com/news/2012/aug/31/rabid-raccoon-bites-young-barrington-girl/

Wisconsin 08/31/12: The Eau Claire City-County Health Department is looking for two dogs involved with different biting events. The department is looking for a dog that bit a woman at the corner of Washington Street and State Street Thursday at about 5 p.m. The dog is described as a large sized Husky type dog, black and white in color. The woman walking with the dog was dressed in green shorts and a purple tee-shirt. The Health Department is urgently requesting health and rabies status of this dog.

The department is also looking for a dog that bit a child near the beach access to Elk Creek on Friday, Aug. 24. The dog is described as a large bulldog-type snub-nosed breed dog. The dog was with a younger couple with three other dogs. All had collars and tags. The dogs were called Jasper, Jackie, Melon and Sophie. The health and rabies status of the dog needs to be determined. If anyone has information about these two dogs, they should contact the Eau Claire Communications Center at 715-839-4972.

CDC Reports:

CDC MMWR Summary for Week ending August 25, 2012:

Published August 31, 2012/ 61(34); ND-466-ND-479

Anaplasmosis . . . 23 . . . Arkansas, New Hampshire, New York (13), North Carolina, Rhode Island (6), Virginia,

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

Brucellosis . . . 1 . . . Maryland,     

Ehrlichiosis . . . 13 . . . Arkansas, Delaware, North Carolina (8), Tennessee (2), Virginia,

Giardiasis . . . 183 . . . Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas (6), California (22), Florida (26), Hawaii, Idaho (3), Iowa (6), Maine, Maryland (2), Massachusetts (9), Michigan (7), Missouri (5), Montana, Nebraska (9), Nevada (2), New York (31), Ohio (19), Oregon (4), Pennsylvania (9), South Carolina (3), Vermont (3), Virginia (4), Washington (7), Wisconsin,

HME/HGE Undetermined . . . 1 . . . Indiana,

Lyme Disease . . .  163. . .  California, Connecticut, Delaware (5), Florida, Idaho, Maryland (9), Michigan (2), New York (74), North Carolina (9), Ohio, Pennsylvania (44), Vermont (2), Virginia (13),

Q Fever (Chronic) . . . 1 . . . Maryland, 

Rabies (Animal) . . . 47. . . Illinois (4), Kansas (2), Kentucky, Maine (3), Nevada, New Hampshire, New York (10), Ohio (2), Texas (3), Vermont (3), Virginia (17),

Spotted Fever including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Probable) . . . 34 . . . Arkansas (14), Florida (2), Maryland, Nebraska, South Carolina (2), Tennessee (11), Virginia (3),

Tularemia . . . 1 . . . Washington.