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Disease response training
There is still time to register for the Foreign Animal Disease Response
training in Owatonna next Wednesday, May 23. The course and
registration information is available by emailing coordinator.mnvmrc@gmail.com. There is no cost to attend this
course, and it will count as 4 CE credits.
The Minnesota Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps and Minnesota Board of Animal Health collaborate to offer this educational opportunity.
- Wednesday, May 23, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Riverland Community College Room 140
- 965 Alexander Dr. SW
- Owatonna, MN 55060
Please join us for an informative conference on how veterinary, agriculture and emergency professionals can be an asset in these responses.
- Incident Command System review.
- Foreign Animal Disease Response Overview.
- Personal Protective Equipment.
- 4 hours of continuing education.
Lunch will be provided. There is no cost to attend this course.
Harmful algal bloom season in Minnesota (a message from our friends at the Department of Health)
As the
weather in Minnesota begins to warm, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
advises veterinarians to be on the lookout for possible illnesses and deaths
related to harmful algal bloom (blue-green algae) exposure. Additionally, to better understand the incidence and geographic
distribution of HAB-related illnesses in Minnesota, MDH requests veterinarians
report suspect or clinically diagnosed cases of HAB-related illness to the MDH
Waterborne Diseases Unit.
Cyanobacteria,
commonly known as blue-green algae, are found in freshwater systems everywhere
in Minnesota but thrive when the weather is calm and sunny, water temperatures are
higher than
75° F, and the water is enriched with
nutrients, like phosphorous or nitrogen.
While
not all blooms are harmful, cyanobacteria can produce three classes of toxins,
hepatotoxins, neurotoxins, and dermatotoxins that can be extremely toxic to
animals and humans. Animals can display a range of symptoms from skin
irritation, vomiting and diarrhea to seizures and liver failure depending on
the type and amount of toxin ingested. There are no specific antidotes to these
toxins, and treatment is supportive. Visit the MDH website for additional
information about symptoms, clinical findings, and treatment.
HABs
are often described as looking like pea soup or spilled green paint but can
take on a variety of colors and forms. In some cases, the algae can be
suspended throughout the water column and a dense surface bloom will not
form. There is no way to tell if a
blue-green algal bloom is toxic just by looking at it. People and animals
should avoid contact with water with a blue-green algal bloom and any algal
debris that may wash up on shore. To see pictures of blue-green algal blooms and blooms caused by
non-toxic algae, such as duckweed and filamentous green algae, visit the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency (MPCA) website. Instructions on how to perform simple, jar or stick tests to
determine if the algae in the water is likely cyanobacteria can also be found
on the MPCA website. In addition, MPCA staff can review pictures of algal
blooms and advise if the bloom is likely comprised of cyanobacteria.
While
limited funding is available to test a waterbody for specific cyanotoxins,
toxin testing may be possible after a suspected HAB-related illness or death.
Testing options can be discussed with MDH or MPCA staff when reporting a case. Reporting forms
for small and large animals along with additional resources for veterinarians are
on the MDH website. Report cases
by phone to 651-201-5414 or 877-676-5414 or by fax to 651-201-5743.
Farmed Cervid Advisory Task Force meeting scheduled
The next meeting of the Farmed Cervid Advisory Task Force is scheduled for Wednesday, June 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association office in Buffalo, Minnesota.
Current agenda items:
- Updates (Board of Animal Health, USDA, DNR).
- Member reports on fencing requirements and exclusionary fencing, as assigned at previous May 2 meeting.
- Member reports on defining regulatory requirements for preserves, as assigned at previous May 2 meeting.
- Other additional items proposed by members.
Please send emails to farmed.cervidae@state.mn.us if you have any questions about this task force or its meetings.
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