Tick season is upon us! Plus, we have answers to recent questions about Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease

Minnesota Board of Animal Health sent this bulletin at 05/15/2020 02:36 PM CDT

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Animal Bytes

May 2020

The Latest Livestock Resources for COVID-19

Resources for the public and producers:

Hog producers can call our Carcass Assistance Hotline at 651-201-6041 (this hotline is for livestock carcasses only) to schedule a one-on-one consultation to talk about livestock carcass disposal options, technical guidance, or get connected with contractors for equipment/materials. Producers can also use our web form to input their information for a call-back.
If you or someone you know purchases a pig from a farmer and chooses to butcher it at home, do not dispose of the carcass in backyards or on the landscape. The following are legal methods of disposal in Minnesota. Click here for details on each method.
- Compost
- Render
- Landfill
- Incinerate
- Bury

Keep reading...

COVID-19 guidance for companion animals

The Board and Department of Health released updated guidance based on some recent test results related to pets and the COVID-19 virus. It's important to note,

At this time, there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading COVID-19 to people. However, there are reports of cats and dogs who have tested positive for the virus. Therefore, it is important to isolate ill pets from healthy people and pets when possible, just as ill people should be isolated from healthy people and pets.
It is always a good idea to practice good hand hygiene after normal interactions with your pet and keep your animal’s environment clean.
Please see CDC’s COVID-19 guidance for pet owners. and the Healthy Animals, Healthy People webpages for additional information.

Tick season is upon us and we have resources for vets

Ticks are parasites and well known as potential vectors for animal diseases, including zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people.

Tickborne disease transmission often works like this; a tick bites an infected animal and can pick up a disease agent (examples include virus or bacteria), the tick detaches to develop into the next life stage, finds another animal to feed upon, and infects it with the disease agent, thus moving the disease from one animal to another. The best way to stop this vectorborne disease cycle is through a strong surveillance program and prevention measures. Livestock owners, veterinarians and other animal caretakers are our first line of defense in stopping ticks from spreading disease.

Here's our 2020 Ticks and Minnesota Livestock booklet with details on some ticks on our radar.

Have a question about a payment to the Board or how fees are collected? We have answers.

The Board launched a new Frequently Asked Questions guide full of answers about its payment collections, fees and penalties. Here's a small sampling of some of the questions and answers. View the full FAQ on our website.

Why does the Board collect fees or monetary fines?

The Board collects payments for program license and inspection fees as required under Minnesota law. These fees are utilized to support Board programs that keep Minnesota’s domestic animals and human communities healthy.

The Board may also assess monetary fines (known as administrative or civil penalties) to Minnesota residents who fail to comply with Minnesota laws enforced by the Board.

How do I submit a payment to the Board?

Payments may be submitted on the Board’s website (refer to the links for specific payment types below).

You can also mail a check or money order to:

Minnesota Board of Animal Health
625 Robert St. N.
St. Paul, MN 55155

Do not send cash.

What do I do if I am unable to make a payment?

You may complete the Request for Payment Plan and submit to Dr. Courtney Wheeler at courtney.wheeler@state.mn.us or contact Dr. Wheeler at 651-201-6800 to discuss payment options.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease

Where is it being reported?

New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Colorado and Nevada.

What should a veterinarian be looking for if they’re examining sick rabbits?

Lethargy followed by sudden death with hemorrhage. Any unusual increase in mortality in a rabbitry with those signs should be reported to the Board.

What if veterinarians get questions about vaccines?

There are currently no approved vaccines available in the U.S. Any vaccine importation must be approved by the Board of Animal Health and USDA.

Who should a veterinarian contact if they want to learn about importing a vaccine for limited use?

Contact the USDA at CVB@usda.gov.

What is the Board’s guidance on vaccine use at this time?

Because this is a foreign animal disease, the Board currently does not allow vaccination. If this disease is diagnosed in Minnesota, or adjoining states, the Board will re-assess this decision.

Additionally, the USDA, and other federal agencies, may have further guidelines or authorities which would affect Minnesota’s decision.

What can rabbit owners do?

Keep vigilant and practice strict biosecurity.