Animal Health

13 May

Okanogan and Whatcom join counties with confirmed bird flu cases

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Washington state now has eight confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. The latest two come from Okanogan and Whatcom counties. State veterinarians are urging flock owners to be hyper-vigilant in ensuring there is no farm-to-farm transfer of the virus from infected flocks and to eliminate exposure of domestic flocks to wild birds as much as possible. The two most recent cases of HPAI were in non-commercial backyard flocks and were confirmed yesterday afternoon, May 12. Flock owners contacted the Washington...

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13 May

Backyard flocks infected with avian flu total six, more under investigation

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Two more detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, this time in Clallam County, make six affected flocks in Washington state. With a half-dozen cases since the first confirmed detection less than a week ago, biosecurity has never been more important for bird owners. State veterinarians are urging flock owners to be hyper-vigilant in ensuring there is no farm-to-farm transfer of the virus from infected flocks and eliminate exposure of domestic flocks to wild birds as much as possible. “With so...

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13 May

Avian influenza guidance for veterinarians

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Veterinarians with clients reporting sick birds should focus on getting a full history. WSDA is most interested in morbidity and mortality rates on farms. Usually, avian influenza doesn’t present as a single bird illness or single bird death. If your client is reporting a mass morbidity or mortality event, please refer them to WSDA.  If it’s a single bird, take biosecurity precautions, and prior to scheduling the appointment, please collect this minimal information to make that determination: How many birds do you have? ...

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06 May

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Oregon and Washington

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) have confirmed the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) – also known as bird flu – in a non-commercial backyard flock in Pacific County. The flock owners reported sick birds and an increased rate of mortality. Samples taken on May 4 were tested for the presence of H5N1 avian influenza virus in the flock on May 5 by state and...

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07 January

Livestock identification proposed rulemaking

wsvma   |   Animal Health, State Regulatory

The Wash. State Dept. of Agriculture (WSDA) is proposing to amend chapter 16-610 (Livestock Identification) of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) to: Reduce the Electronic Cattle Transaction Reporting (ECTR) per head fee Allow veterinarians and field livestock inspectors certified by the WSDA to conduct inspections at public livestock markets, certified feedlots, slaughter facilities, or special sales Add a submission deadline for original proof of ownership documentation when selling branded animals through ECTR Revise language to increase clarity and readability WSDA received...

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15 October

New report on harmful algal blooms and illnesses, resources for pet owners

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Blooms of harmful algae or cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae) can harm people, animals, and the environment. A new CDC report shows that during 2019, 14 states reported 242 harmful algal blooms, 63 human illnesses, and 367 animal illnesses linked to harmful algal blooms. Over half of the animals (56%)—including pets, livestock, and wildlife—died after coming in contact with harmful algal blooms. Order FREE posters and reference cards. Get posters for animal owners and reference cards for animal owners, physicians,...

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17 September

World Rabies Day – WSU Rabies Clinics volunteers needed

wsvma   |   Animal Health

World Rabies Day, started in 2007, aims to raise awareness about the public health impact of human and animal rabies. This year’s World Rabies Day theme is: “Rabies: Facts, not Fear.” The global COVID-19 pandemic has raised many doubts and misconceptions about diseases, their spread, and vaccination in general. Because of this, there has been some hesitancy about the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines in many countries and many people are afraid to get vaccinated. For rabies, this is nothing new,...

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27 August

Helping clients understand the pet obesity epidemic

wsvma   |   Animal Health

  The human-animal bond has never been stronger. COVID-19 has led to national discussions about what potential long-term impacts quarantine might have on our pets, including extra pounds and anticipating separation anxiety upon return to the workplace. New data pulled from Banfield Pet Hospital’s® electronic veterinary health records system confirms suspicions of weightier pets over the past year. A wider look shines a spotlight on an even more concerning reality that many of us in the profession have been trying to tackle for years:...

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27 August

African Swine Fever (ASF) Action Week

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Dominican Republic will slaughter tens of thousands of pigs after detecting outbreaks of African Swine Fever in 14 of the country’s 32 provinces last week with estimated economic losses of around $180 million. In response, USDA issued a Federal Order to establish additional requirements for dogs imported into the United States for resale from countries where African swine fever (ASF) exists. ASF can be transmitted via dogs’ fur and bedding, which represent a possible pathway for the introduction of...

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20 August

West Nile Virus is waking up again

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Mosquito pools in the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla area have been showing up with positive results for West Nile virus (WNV) and Washington now has four confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in un/under-vaccinated horses. Three of the horses were from Yakima County and a single horse from Kittitas County had a recent travel history in Idaho. One of the diagnosed horses in Yakima was euthanized due to ataxia and recumbency. The vaccination history of the horse is unknown. The WNV vaccine...

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