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The article focuses on updates from various veterinary associations' meetings and officials' appointments. Topics include the American Association of Industry Veterinarians (AAIV) business meeting, the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM) annual diplomate meeting, and the American Veterinary Epidemiology Society's (AVES) name change to American Veterinary One Health Society (AVOHS), along with other associations' events and new officials.

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of and risk factors for clinical feline herpesvirus (FHV) infection in zoo-housed cheetahs and determine whether dam infection was associated with offspring infection. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS 144 cheetah cubs born in 6 zoos from 1988 through 2007. PROCEDURES Data were extracted from the health records of cheetahs and their dams to identify incident cases of clinical FHV infection and estimate incidence from birth to 18 months of age. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, controlling for correlations among cheetahs with the same dam, were used to identify risk factors for incident FHV infection. RESULTS Cumulative incidence of FHV infection in cheetah cubs was 35% (50/144). No significant association between dam and offspring infection was identified in any model. Factors identified as significant through multivariable analysis varied by age group. For cheetahs up to 3 months of age, the most important predictor of FHV infection was having a dam that had received a preparturition FHV vaccine regimen that included a modified-live virus vaccine versus a dam that had received no preparturition vaccine. Other risk factors included being from a small litter, being born to a primiparous dam, and male sex. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study provided the first population-level characterization of the incidence of and risk factors for FHV infection in cheetahs, and findings confirmed the importance of this disease. Recognition that clinical FHV infection in the dam was not a significant predictor of disease in cubs and identification of other significant factors have implications for disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To develop a risk prediction model for factors associated with an SeM-specific antibody titer ≥ 3,200 in horses after naturally occurring outbreaks of Streptococcus equi subsp equi infection and to validate this model. DESIGN Case-control study. ANIMALS 245 horses: 57 horses involved in strangles outbreaks (case horses) and 188 healthy horses (control horses). PROCEDURES Serum samples were obtained from the 57 cases over a 27.5-month period after the start of outbreaks; serum samples were obtained once from the 188 controls. A Bayesian mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to assess potential risk factors associated with an antibody titer ≥ 3,200 in the case horses. A cutoff probability for an SeM-specific titer ≥ 3,200 was determined, and the model was externally validated in the control horses. Only variables with a 95% credibility interval that did not overlap with a value of 1 were considered significant. RESULTS 9 of 57 (6%) case horses had at least 1 titer ≥ 3,200, and 7 of 188 (3.7%) of control horses had a titer ≥ 3,200. The following variables were found to be significantly associated with a titer ≥ 3,200 in cases: farm size ≥ 20 horses (OR, 0.11), history of clinically evident disease (OR, 7.92), and male sex (OR, 0.11). The model had 100% sensitivity but only 24% specificity when applied to the 188 control horses (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.62.) CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although the Bayesian mixed-effects logistic regression model developed in this study did not perform well, it may prove useful as an initial screening tool prior to vaccination. We suggest that SeM-specific antibody titer be measured prior to vaccination when our model predicts a titer ≥ 3,200. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of the systemic inflammatory response synd rome (SIRS) and sepsis in cats hospitalized in a veterinary teaching hospital. DESIGN: Observational study. ANIMALS: 246 client-owned cats. PROCEDURES: During a 3-month period, daily treatment records were evaluated for all hospitalized cats. Information extracted included signalment, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, diagnostic test results, diagnosis, duration of hospitalization, and outcome (survival or death). Cats were classified into 1 of 4 disease categories (sepsis [confirmed infection and SIRS], infection [confirmed infection without SIRS], noninfectious SIRS [SIRS without a confirmed infection], and no SIRS [no SIRS or infection]). RESULTS: Of the 246 cats, 26 and 3 were hospitalized 2 and 3 times, respectively; thus, 275 hospitalizations were evaluated. When SIRS was defined as the presence of > 2 of 4 SIRS criteria, 17 cats had sepsis, 16 had infections, 81 had noninfectious SIRS, and 161 were classified in the no SIRS category at hospital admission. The prevalence of sepsis at hospital admission was 6.2 cases/100 admissions. Four cats developed sepsis while hospitalized, resulting in a sepsis incidence rate of 1.5 cases/100 hospital admissions. Four of 17 cats with sepsis at hospital admission and 3 of 4 cats that developed sepsis while hospitalized died or were euthanized, resulting in a mortality rate of 33.3% for septic cats; 239 hospitalizations resulted in survival, 28 resulted in euthanasia, and 8 resulted in death. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that many hospitalized cats have evidence of SIRS and some have sepsis. In cats, sepsis is an important clinical entity with a high mortality rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To describe the epizootiological investigation of an outbreak of Q fever (Coxiella burnetii infection). Design--Epidemiological study. Animals--17 goat herds in Washington, Montana, and Oregon. Procedures--In April 2011, an abortion storm at a commercial goat farm in Washington was determined to be caused by C burnetii. A joint epidemiological investigation by public health and veterinary professionals was subsequently performed to assess the extent of the outbreak by performing a trace-forward of goats sold from the index farm, to determine risk factors associated with infection, and to implement control measures. A herd management plan was developed to control the outbreak and reduce risk of human exposure. Quarantine and temporary holds preventing the sale or movement of goats allowed time for trace-forward investigation, education of farmers regarding disease risk, and testing to determine the scope of the outbreak. Results--17 farms were affected; 21 human Q fever cases were identified. Bacterial shedding in feces, vaginal fluid, or milk was confirmed in 156 of 629 (25%) goats tested by PCR assay. Seroprevalence of antibodies against C burnetii in goats, determined by ELISA, was 12%. The risk for C burnetii infection in goats was highest among females, those on farms associated with human Q fever, and those on Washington farms. A protective effect was observed for goats at farms where the primary form of goat carcass disposal was burial. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--This outbreak illustrated the importance of a joint investigation for zoonotic pathogens and the need to expand and strengthen relationships between medical, public health, and veterinary partners. Heightened awareness and enhanced veterinary diagnostic capabilities for C burnetii are needed to identify and control outbreaks expediently. U Am Vet MedAssoc 2015;247:1379-1386) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the H5N2 avian influenza outbreak in the U.S. in spring 2015 and the effort of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to address the issue. Topics discussed include conversion of chicken carcasses from an Iowa egg farm into compost, views of Kevin Shea, an APHIS administrator, on the destruction of 10 percent of the entire layer inventory of the U.S., and the economic impact of the outbreak on turkey farmers.

Case Description: A 12-week-old female dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) calf was evaluated because of acute (< 24 hours) inappetence and lethargy. The calf was being bottle-fed because of maternal rejection. Clinical Findings: Physical examination revealed decreased bronchovesicular sounds and absent borborygmi. The rectal temperature was 38.9°C (102.CPF). A CBC indicated leukopenia with a degenerative left shift suggestive of a systemic infection. Results of abdominal and thoracic ultrasonography showed severe bicavitary effusion, peripheral lung consolidation, and intestinal hypomotility. Pleural and peritoneal fluid analysis confirmed a diagnosis of septic pleuritis and peritonitis. Results of aerobic bacterial culture of venous blood, peritoneal fluid, and pleural fluid samples indicated Streptococcus equi subsp zooepidemicus septicemia as the etiology for the polyserositis (ie, alpaca fever). Treatment and Outcome:Treatment with IV broad-spectrum antimicrobials, an NSAID, and pleural drainage was initiated. Clinical signs of pleuropneumonia, peritonitis, and systemic infection improved rapidly 24 hours after initiation of medical treatment. The calf was discharged from the hospital after 11 days, and antimicrobial treatment continued for 2 weeks after discharge. At follow-up approximately 4 weeks after hospital discharge (6 weeks after the initial examination), there were no clinical signs suggestive of relapse or any reported complications. Clinical Relevance: S equi subsp zooepidemicus may cause polyserositis in Old World camelids (eg, dromedary camels) with signs similar to those seen in New World camelids (eg, alpaca and llama). The rapid response to medical treatment for the patient described suggested that S equi subsp zooepidemicus-induced polyserositis (alpaca fever) in dromedary camels may respond favorably to appropriate treatment. Reducing stress, reducing overcrowding, and separate housing of equids and camelids are suggested. Further studies are needed to better assess the epidemiology of alpaca fever in dromedary camels in North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case Description--136 pregnant beef cows were purchased in the fall of 2003. The following spring, 128 cows calved as expected; 8 cows were believed to have aborted with the fetuses unavailable for evaluation. Of the 128 calves born, 8 died within 2 weeks after birth and 9 were born with congenital abnormalities. Clinical Findings--Cows and their calves were evaluated for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection. Forty-four of 120 calves, but 0 cows, tested positive for BVDV antigen by immunohistochemical staining of ear notch specimens. Treatment and Outcome--Five BVDV test-positive calves died shortly after weaning, and the remaining 39 BVDV test-positive calves were moved to an isolated feedlot and retested for BVDV at 5 to 6 months of age; 36 had positive results, which indicated that they were persistently infected (PI) with BVDV, whereas 3 had negative results, which indicated that they were transiently infected with BVDV at the time of the first test. All PI calves were infected with the same BVDV type 2a strain. As yearlings, 17 of the 36 PI calves died peracutely with lesions consistent with mucosal disease, 6 died without gross lesions, and 2 were euthanized because of chronic ill thrift. The remaining 11 PI calves appeared healthy and were sold for slaughter. Screening of the following year's calf crop for BVDV by use of immunohistochemical staining of ear-notch specimens yielded negative results for all calves. Clinical Relevance--Introduction of BVDV into a naïve cow herd resulted in a loss of 44% of the calf crop subsequent to reproductive loss, poor thrift, and mucosal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To determine the prevalence of and clinical features associated with incidental adrenal gland lesions (lAGLs) discovered during abdominal ultrasonography in dogs. Design--Retrospective case series. Animals--151 dogs with an IAGL and 400 control dogs. Procedures--Reports of ultrasonographic examinations of the abdomen of dogs performed during a 3.5-year period were reviewed. Adrenal glands were classified as having an IAGL if a nodule or mass was described or the width of either gland was > 10 mm. For dogs with an IAGL, information regarding signalment, concurrent disorders, and outcome was obtained from the medical record. Findings were compared with those in a control population of 400 dogs examined during the same period. Results--An IAGL was detected in 151 of 3,748 (4%) dogs. Dogs with an IAGL were signifi-cantly older (median age, 11.25 years) and heavier (median body weight, 21 kg [46.2 lb]) than the control population (median age, 9.5 years; median body weight, 14 kg [30.8 lb]). Malignant tumors were reported in 6 of 20 (30%) dogs that underwent adrenal glandectomy or nec-ropsy and had a maximum IAGL dimension that ranged from 20 to 46 mm; benign lesions all had a maximum dimension < 20 mm. Various coincidental conditions were reported in dogs with an IAGL, including nonadrenal gland malignant neoplasia in 43 (28.5%) dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--lAGLs were more likely in dogs > 9 years of age. On the basis of this small data set, malignancy should be suspected for lAGLs > 20 mm in maximum dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To obtain epidemiological information on rabies in bats in Texas. Design--Epidemiological study. Sample--Laboratory reports of bats that had been submitted for rabies testing in Texas from 2001 through 2010. Procedures--Laboratory reports were reviewed to obtain information on seasonality of rabies in bats; distribution, species, and rabies virus variants of rabid bats; and human and domestic animal exposures to rabid bats. Results--The number of rabid bats during the first 5 years of the study period remained static until a > 2-fold increase in 2006; during the subsequent 4 years, the annual number of rabid bats remained at this higher level, including a peak in 2008. The highest proportions of rabid bats were seen in late summer and early fall. The Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadanda brasiliensis) was the most often affected species. Additionally, the rabies virus variant as-sociated with the Brazilian free-tailed bat was the most prevalent. The percentage of rabid bats from urban areas was greater than that from rural areas. Dogs and cats were the do-mestic animals most frequently exposed to rabid bats. Most humans exposed to rabid bats did not report a known bite or scratch. The highest numbers of humans exposed to rabid bats were males between 11 to 15 years old. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Information on the epidemiology of rabies in bats and the epidemiology of exposures to rabid bats may be useful in planning and implement-ing local, state, and national rabies control and prevention campaigns and in encouraging rabies vaccination of domestic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To determine the prevalence of cystine uroliths in domestic ferrets with urolithiasis and determine whether age, breed, sex, reproductive status, anatomic location, and season are risk factors associated with cystine urolith formation. Design--Retrospective cross-sectional case-control study. Sample--Records of 435 ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) with uroliths submitted for analyses between 1992 and 2009, of which 70 were cystine uroliths. Procedures--Specific descriptive information was obtained about each ferret to determine whether specific risk factors were associated with the development of cystine uroliths. Results--Cystine uroliths comprised 70 of the 435 (16%) uroliths. Cystine uroliths were more common in male (n = 54) than in female (16) ferrets. All cystine uroliths were retrieved from the lower portion of the urinary tract (bladder and urethra [n = 67]) or were voided (3); none of the uroliths were retrieved from the upper portion of the urinary tract (kidney and ureters). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Awareness of the prevalence of cystine uroliths along with knowledge of etiologic, demographic, and environmental risk and protective factors for urolithiasis may facilitate development of surveillance strategies that result in earlier detection of cystinuria. Genetic factors associated with this disease have not yet been reported in ferrets, but a familial pattern of inheritance determined to be a major underlying factor in cystine urolithiasis in dogs and humans suggests that this may be a factor in ferrets and that the parent stock of ferrets in the present study may have been inbred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To compare calibration methods for digital radiography in terms of measurement accuracy and interobserver variability Design--Prospective study Sample--Digital radiographic images of a 155-mm-long Steinmann pin. Procedures--Measurement of pin length on digital radiographs was determined with a 25.4-mm-diameter calibration ball and commercially available software program via 3 calibration methods (ie, no calibration, autocalibration, and manual calibration). Digital radiographs of the calibration ball and pin were obtained with each placed at various vertical heights from the table (7 heights) and horizontal distances from the center of the beam (4 distances). Measurements of pin length on digital radiographs were made by 4 observers who were blinded to the orientation of the calibration ball and pin. Results--Pin lengths obtained by each calibration method were significantly different from each other and from the true value. Manual calibration was the most accurate. There was no significant interobserver variability in measurements. There was no significant change in measurements when the calibration ball was moved horizontally, but pin length measurements changed significantly when the ball was moved vertically (away from the table) with an approximate magnification error of 1 % per centimeter of distance between the calibration ball and pin. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--For digital radiography, manual calibration is recommended to achieve the most accurate measurements. Ideally, the calibration ball should be placed at the same vertical height as the object to be measured; however, if this cannot be achieved, the magnification error can be expected to be approximately 1 % per centimeter of distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective-To compare methods for identification of bulls that were carriers for Tritrichomonas foetus during an outbreak on a large beef ranch and determine whether the percentage of nonpregnant cows was associated with the percentage of bulls infected with T foetus. Design-Epidemiological study. Animals-121 Angus and Hereford bulls (1.5 to 6 years old) and 2,960 Angus-cross cows (2.5 to 14 years old) managed as 5 herds on a Nebraska beef ranch. Procedures-3 sequential preputial scrapings collected from the bulls at 12to 27-day intervals were cultured, and cultures were examined for live Tfoetus daily for 5 days. On day 5, aliquots of the culture fluid were tested by means of T foetus-specific gel and real-time PCR assays. Cows were tested for pregnancy by means of rectal palpation. Results-For 361 preputial scrapings obtained from 121 bulls, results of culture and gel PCR assay were in close agreement. The real-time PCR assay had similar sensitivity to culture and the gel PCR assay but generated more false-positive results. Twenty-four of the 121 (19.8%) bulls were identified as infected with Tfoetus. For the 5 ranch herds, there was a positive linear correlation between percentage of infected bulls (range, 0% to 40%) and percentage of nonpregnant cows (range, 8.3% to 19.2%). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggested that a combination of culture and the gel PCR assay performed on 3 sequential preputial scrapings was the best method for identifying bulls that were carriers for T foetus during this herd outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective-To determine herd-level prevalence of Mycoplasma spp mastitis in Utah dairy herds and characterize farms and management practices for positive herds. Design-Epidemiologic study. Sample Population-Bulk tank milk samples from 222 of 285 (78%) dairy farms in Utah. Procedures-Milk haulers or dairy producers collected 5 milk samples from all bulk tanks at 3to 4-day intervals for mycoplasmal culture. Owners of all positive herds were offered follow-up visits. Results-Milk samples from 16 of 222 (7%) herds had positive mycoplasmal culture results. Follow-up information was obtained from 14 of 16 herds; 12 provided complete data. Some characteristics of mycoplasma-positive herds included the following: 8 of 14 herds had > 750 lactating cows, 9 of 11 had bulk tank milk somatic cell count of 140,000 to 240,000 cells/mL, 7 of 11 had actual milk production of 9,535 to 11,622 kg (21,000 to 25,600 lb)/305 d, 11 of 12 had cows with clinical mastitis that was nonresponsive to treatment and involved ⩾2 mammary gland quarters, 9 of 12 had cows with clinical mastitis that spread from 1 mammary gland quarter to another, 8 of 12 had cows with droopy ears, 7 of 12 had cows with a head tilt, 7 of 12 used common milking towels, 2 of 12 were closed to replacement cattle for> 1 year, and 2 of 12 purchased bulls only. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Herd-level prevalence of mycoplasma mastitis in Utah was relatively high, compared with other areas of the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To examine the relationship between abdominal surgery and nosocomial Salmonella infections and the relationship between high caseload in combination with abdominal surgery and nosocomial Salmonella infections in hospitalized horses with signs of gastrointestinal tract disease. Animals:i 40 horses. Design:Case:control study. Procedures:To accomplish the first objective, 1 to 4 control horses were matched with each nosocomial case horse on the basis of admission date of a primary case horse. The frequency of abdominal surgery and other investigated exposure factors were compared between nosocomial case horses and control horses. For the second objective, 4 control horses were matched with each nosocomial case horse on the basis of year of admission. The frequency of high caseload (≥ 26 inpatients), abdominal surgery, and other factors was compared between nosocomial case horses and control horses. Results:The odds of nosocomial Salmonella infection were 8 times as high (odds ratio = 8.2; 95% confidence interval = 1.11, 60.24) in horses that underwent abdominal surgery, compared with the odds for horses that did not undergo surgery. High caseload alone or in combination with abdominal surgery was not associated with increased risk of nosocomial Salmonella infection. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:Abdominal surgery was identified as a risk factor for nosocomial Salmonella infections in horses. Horses that undergo abdominal surgery require enhanced infection control and preventative care. Risk of nosocomial Salmonella infections may be reduced by implementation of biosecurity measures (such as the use of plastic boots, gloves, and footbaths) immediately after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the case of a 24-year-old female jaguar that was diagnosed with concurrent mammary adenocarcinoma and ovarian cystadenocarcinoma. Weight loss, lethargy and acute epistaxis are cited as symptoms. Also discussed are necropsy findings, neoplasms in the abdominal viscera, and prevalence of mammary carcinomas in jaguars.

The article offers information on glanders, a highly contagious bacterial disease of horses, mules and donkeys. According to the author, glanders is characterized by respiratory, cutaneous and lymphatic nodular lesions. It is caused by Burkholderia mallei, a gram-negative bacillus. The epidemiology, species affected by glanders, use of glanders as a bioterrorism weapon, disease in nonhuman animals and humans and diagnosis of glanders in nonhuman animals, treatment and prevention are discussed.

The article discusses the epidemiology, clinical signs, treatment and control of anthrax, an ancient zoonotic disease that continues to threaten human and animal health. According to the authors, anthrax is the infection caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. They add that germination of Bacillus anthracis spores is influenced by temperature, pH, moisture, oxygen, carbon dioxide and the presence of nutrients such as L-alanine.

Information about the topic discussed during the fifth annual One Medicine Symposium, is presented. The theme of the event was globalization with a focus on local participation. Veterinarian Gavin Macgregor-Skinner provided an overview on community participatory mapping, a system-based approach that provides key epidemiological information enabling veterinarians to identify the source of highly pathogenic avian influenza and other zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases.

The article discusses the effect of bluetongue virus (BTV) infection on the international trade and movement of ruminants. BTV is a noncontagious disease characterized by bluish discoloration of tongue that usually infected sheep. It was assumed that the virus proliferated widely which resulted to restriction of animal trade by BTV-free countries.

Objective—To estimate prevalence of cattle persistently infected (PI) with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) at arrival at a feedlot, prevalence of chronically ill and dead PI cattle, and the magnitude of excess disease attributable to a PI animal. Design—Cross-sectional and cohort studies. Animals—2,000 cattle at the time they arrived at a feedlot, 1,383 chronically ill cattle from 7 feedlots, and 1,585 dead cattle from a single feedlot. Procedure—Skin biopsy specimens were collected and evaluated via immunohistochemistry. Cattle were characterized as either PI or not PI with BVDV on the basis of characteristic immunostaining. Follow-up was obtained for the 2,000 cattle from which samples were collected at arrival, and health outcomes were determined for cattle exposed and not exposed to a PI animal. Results—Prevalence of PI cattle was 0.3% at arrival, 2.6% in chronically ill cattle, and 2.5% in dead cattle. Risk of initial treatment for respiratory tract disease was 43% greater in cattle exposed to a PI animal, compared with those not exposed to a PI animal. Overall, 15.9% of initial respiratory tract disease events were attributable to exposure to a PI animal. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Relatively few PI cattle arrive at feedlots. However, those cattle are more likely to require treatment for respiratory tract disease and either become chronically ill or die than cattle that are not PI. In addition, they are associated with an increase in the incidence of respiratory tract disease of in-contact cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

objective—To characterize an outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV)infection in horses in North Dakota in 2002, evaluate vaccine effectiveness, and determine horse characteristics and clinical signs associated with infection. Design—Retrospective study. Animals—569 horses. Procedure—Data were obtained from veterinary laboratory records, and a questionnaire was mailed to veterinarians of affected horses. Results—Affected horses were defined as horses with typical clinical signs and seroconversion or positive results of virus isolation; affected horses were detected in 52 of the 53 counties and concentrated in the eastern and northeastern regions of the state. Among affected horses, 27% (n = 152) were vaccinated against WNV, 54% (309) were not, and 19% (108) had unknown vaccination status; 61% (345)recovered, 22% (126) died, and 17% (98) had unknown outcome. The odds of death among nonvaccinated horses were 3 and 16 times the odds among horses that received only 1 or 2 doses of vaccine and horses that were vaccinated according to manufacturer's recommendations, respectively. Horses with recumbency, caudal paresis, and age > 5 years had higher odds of death, whereas horses with incoordination had lower odds of death, compared with affected horses without these characteristics. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Vaccination appears to have beneficial effects regarding infection and death caused by WNV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biography of Dr. Calvin W. Schwabe, considered as father of Veterinary epidemiology is presented. He was born on March 15, 1927 and passed from Auburn University in 1954. He reluctantly accepted Professor John Gordon course on advanced epidemiology at Harvard's School of Public Health. He wrote a book "Veterinary Medicine and Human Health" which focused on animal and public health and established the Department of Epidemiology at University of California, Davis. He died on June 24, 2006.

Information regarding the 57th Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) held in San Antonio, Texas on November 18-22, 2011 is presented. Topics include the use of epidemiology in clinical practice, growing number of laypersons who perform veterinary services and AAEP's new plans to reposition equine veterinary as provider of primary care for horses. Speakers featured in the conference include doctors Noah D. Cohen, John S. Mitchell and Dennis Snow.

The article reports that Colorado State University has established a collaborative to support the sustainable and healthy production of livestock to address the projected global demand for increased food sources. It mentions that goal of the project includes looking at how to enhance sustainable and healthy livestock systems through new technologies and disease treatment.

The article reports on the consideration of the selective use of the depopulation method, also called ventilation shutdown, during bird flu outbreaks in the U.S. It mentions the possibility for Department of Agriculture officials to implement the method that combines hyperthermia and asphyxia to prevent disease spreads and save uninfected flocks during bird flu outbreaks, the use of such method should traditional depopulation methods become inappropriate and the process of ventilation shutdown.

The article focuses on the campaign of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to eradicate the goat plague by 2030. It mentions the spread of the peste des petits ruminants (PPR) viral disease to sheep and goat populations in various countries, the adoption of the model used in controlling and eradicating cattle plague and some elements of the model including a PPR vaccine and investment in veterinary systems.

The article recalls research paper published in the periodical from 1945-1955. Topics mentioned include the incidence of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats, the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease in Mexico in 1946 and Canada in 1952, the use of intravenous pyelography for the assessment of renal function in dogs, and the isolation of the tetanus toxin.

The article reports on the H3N2 influenza virus infection of at least 75 dogs in Atlanta, Georgia following a larger outbreak in the spring of 2015 in the Chicago, Illinois area. Topics covered include the development of vaccines against the Asian strain of influenza A H3N2 virus, results of a genetic analysis which show that the vaccines designed protect against H3N8 strains do not provide cross-protection against H3N2 and the mortality rates among H3N2-infected dogs.

Information on the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture held during the American Association of Equine Practitioners' 57th Annual Convention on November 20, 2011 in San Antonio, Texas is presented. Topics include the role of epidemiology on equine veterinary medicine, the five clinical facts on epidemiology, and the risk factors of confounding. The lecture featured speaker doctor Noah D. Cohen, professor from Texas A&M University.

The article reports on the proposal of the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to require state and tribal governments to collect information on livestock movements in their boundaries in the U.S. The collected information will be used in tracing the animals' origins and movements during outbreaks of disease. APHIS is also seeking comments on its plan intended to decrease the time and cost in investigating disease outbreaks in animals.

The article reports that the committee of the New Hampshire Veterinary Medical Association (VMA) chaired by Doctor Brad Taylor is considering giving non-veterinarians the license for livestock care to deal with the lack of veterinarians. It says that the commission will identify the standards required for the workers like the previous experience. On the other hand, veterinarian Steve Crawford is concerned on the risk of identifying disease outbreaks with the lack of veterinarian supervision.

The article reports on the incidence of vesicular virus in pigs in several herds in the U.S. in 2015.

Discusses the challenges facing veterinary services from the viewpoint of the global economy. Demand for veterinary services resulting from outbreaks of bovine spongiform encephalopathy; Trade cooperation between countries; Implementation of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures; Role of veterinary epidemiologists.

The article focuses in a study related to biosecurity measures for animals by vaccination against foot and mouth disease. Topics discussed include possible control of contact between farm animal and early detection of infection to protect animals from such outbreak, views of Dr. Michael W. Sanderson from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, on detection of disease outbreak in depopulated herds and improving hygiene to increase biosecurity.

Objective--To measure incidence and estimate temporal and spatial dynamics of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection in US sow herds. Animals-- 371 sow herds in the United States from 14 production companies. Procedures-- The exponentially weighted moving average was used to monitor incident PRRSV infections for onset of an epidemic. The spatial scan statistic was used to identify areas at significantly high risk of PRRS epidemics. A χ2 test was used to estimate whether there were significant differences in the quarterly and annual PRRS incidence among time periods, and a bivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate whether PRRSV infection during a given year increased the odds of that herd being infected in the following year. Results--During the 4-year period of this study, 29% (91/319; 2009 to 2010), 33% (106/325; 2010 to 2011), 38% (135/355; 2011 to 2012), and 32% (117/371; 2012 to 2013) of the herds reported new infections. Weekly incidence was low during spring and summer and high during fall and winter. The exponentially weighted moving average signaled the onset of a PRRSV epidemic during the middle 2 weeks of October each year. Disease incidence was spatially clustered. Infection in the previous year increased the odds of infection in 2010 to 2011 and 2011 to 2012. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-- Results indicated a striking repeatability in annual PRRSV temporal and spatial patterns across 4 years of data among herds from 14 production companies, which suggested that efforts to control PRRSV at a regional level should continue to be supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that three studies on stress reduction in cats will be funded by Morris Animal Foundation's (MAF's) Helping Shelters Help Cats program. It states that the program is part of MAF's Happy Healthy Cat Campaign with objectives to improve health research funding and pet owner awareness. It notes that upper respiratory tract infection outbreak risks in shelters, emotional stress condition analysis to avoid the risks, and ways to improve cat safety are the coverage of the studies.

The article focuses on the grants received by the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The $5.2 million grants released by FEMA are intended for the development of the training programs for animal-related outbreaks and assessments for agricultural and food vulnerability. Moreover, the financial aid received, will help the university to implement programs that will spread public health awareness.

The article reports on the association between canine respiratory coronavirus and parainfluenza virus and the development of respiratory tract infections in dogs in Florida. Results of a study conducted by Doctor Cynda Crawford provide insights into the risks of viral transmission from wild birds to domestic poultry. Crawford has also gathered information on the prevalence of canine influenza in shelters and identified factors associated with virus introduction and disease outbreak.

The article reports on the Minnesota Rapid Agriculture Response Fund's approval of $300,000 for research at the University of Minnesota to prevent porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD) in the state. The fund will help researchers examine the epidemiology of porcine circovirus infections in boar studs, analyze the role of nonporcine circovirus factors in causing PCVAD and develop objective monitoring procedures, including diagnostic testing and sequencing.

The article reports on the outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, affecting turkeys in Europe in late January 2007. The incidence is considered the first large-scale outbreak to occur on an English farm. According to Great Britain's report to the World Organization for Animal Health, the outbreak included about 7,000 cases and 2,500 deaths among 159,000 susceptible birds. About 274 human cases and 167 deaths in Asia and Africa were reported by the World Health Organization.

Reports on the confirmation by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories of cases of vesicular stomatitis in a herd of horses in west Texas. Efforts of the Department of Agriculture in identifying the causes of the foreign animal disease; Signs and symptoms of the disease; Range of damage the outbreak might cause.