Author: Timothy McDermott

Ohio Arbovirus Update June 19, 2017

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Ohio Arbovirus Surveillance Update June 19, 2017

This is the first arbovirus surveillance update of the year, and we have already detected West Nile virus (WNV) activity. Of the 743 pooled mosquito samples tested so far, 3 have tested positive. These were collected in Franklin, Lorain and Summit Counties. This is similar in timing to our first positive samples last year, but we’re also seeing reports of WNV activity in neighboring states that includes an equine case in Kentucky and 2 human cases in Indiana. It is still too early in the surveillance season to predict whether or not this will be a worse than normal year. However, these reports serve as a reminder that WNV infected mosquitoes are active and now is the time to increase your community and public education efforts to include these points:

Click here for full article.

 

Animals and Zika

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  • Zika Virus and Animals
    In addition to the public health concerns, the spread of Zika Virus raises questions about livestock and companion animals. The current information regarding Zika Virus and animals is available at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/transmission/qa-animals.html
    To summarize: no evidence has been found regarding animal involvement in the spread of the virus and there have been no reports of sickness in animals. The CDC reports that animals in the US are not at risk of becoming sick with Zika Virus. Microcephaly has not been reported with Zika virus infection in animals living in areas where Zika virus is present; however, more research is needed to better understand Zika virus and microcephaly in animal pregnancy.
    Author credit:
     Lessler, J., Chaisson, L. H., Kucirka, L. M., Bi, Q., Grantz, K., Salje, H.,…Rodriguez-Barraquer, I. (2016). Assessing the global threat from Zika virus. Science. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1126/science.aaf8160
  • Is there a vaccine for Zika Virus?
    • A vaccine has not yet been released to the public although their is a clinical trial of a vaccine underway.
    • From the National Institutes of Health – The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, has launched a clinical trial of a vaccine candidate intended to prevent Zika virus infection. The early-stage study will evaluate the experimental vaccine’s safety and ability to generate an immune system response in participants.
    • Read the full article here —- >  NIH ZIKA VACCINE UPDATE

Florida Keys Approves Trial Of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes To Fight Zika

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From NPR.org  11/20/2016

 

npr-protest-zika

In the Florida Keys on Election Day, along with the presidential race, one of the most controversial items on the ballot dealt with Zika. In a nonbinding vote countywide, residents in the Florida Keys approved a measure allowing a British company to begin a trial release of genetically modified mosquitoes. Armed with that approval, local officials voted Saturday to try out what they hope will be a new tool in the fight against Zika.

Click HERE to read full article on NPR.org

Updates from the Zika Symposium at 2016 International Congress of Entomology

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Yesterday at the 2016 International Congress of Entomology in Orlando, Florida in September 2016, international scientists shared the latest research about the Zika virus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Speakers included Dr. Stephen Higgs from Kansas State University, Dr. Brian Foy from Colorado State University, Dr. Constancia Ayres from Fiocruz in Brazil, Dr. Anthony James from the University of California, Irvine, and Dr. Fiona Hunter from Brock University, all of whom appear in the video below:

 

Credit to Entomology Today, September 27th, 2016 Edition  :  Link to full article

 

ANIMAL HEALTH ALERT – WEST NILE VIRUS CONFIRMED IN OHIO HORSE

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Source credit:  The Ohio Department of Agriculture, 9/16/2016

(REYNOLDSBURG, OH) – The first positive case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in an Ohio horse has been confirmed in 2016.

Testing on samples taken from a seven-year-old Standardbred in Tuscarawas County confirmed the positive WNV diagnosis to the Ohio Department of Agriculture Sept. 12. The horse’s veterinarian first examined the animal Aug. 29. The animal was euthanized after exhibiting significant clinical signs, including shaking, agitation and thrashing. The horse had not been vaccinated.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Clinical signs for WNV include flulike symptoms, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed. Changes in mentality, drowsiness, driving or pushing forward (often without control) and asymmetrical weakness may be observed. Mortality rate from WNV can be as high as 30-40 percent in horses. Infection with WNV does not always lead to signs of illness in people or animals. WNV is endemic in the United States and Ohio has reported three positive cases in horses each of the last few years.

“This incident in Tuscarawas County should serve as an alert to all horse owners to vaccinate their animals against West Nile Virus,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey. “Vaccines are a proven and effective prevention tool and I encourage all owners to talk to their local vet for options and advice on how to keep their animals healthy.”

In addition to vaccinations, horse owners also should work to reduce the mosquito population and eliminate possible breeding areas. Recommendations include: removing stagnant water sources; keeping animals inside during the bugs’ feeding times, which are typically early in the morning and evening; and using mosquito repellents.

Millions of bees dead after South Carolina sprays for Zika mosquitos

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The Washington Post, September 1st, 2016

On Sunday morning, the South Carolina honey bees began to die in massive numbers.

Death came suddenly to Dorchester County, S.C. Stressed insects tried to flee their nests, only to surrender in little clumps at hive entrances. The dead worker bees littering the farms suggested that colony collapse disorder was not the culprit — in that odd phenomenon, workers vanish as though raptured, leaving a living queen and young bees behind.

Instead, the dead heaps signaled the killer was less mysterious, but no less devastating. The pattern matched acute pesticide poisoning. By one estimate, at a single apiary — Flowertown Bee Farm and Supply, in Summerville — 46 hives died on the spot, totaling about 2.5 million bees.

 

Read the full Article from The Washington Post