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Supporting the science to stop the spread of CWD
The Board of Animal Health, University of Minnesota and cervid farmers are collaborating on the science to help stop the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Two major efforts are underway thanks to funding from the USDA.
Preventing the introduction of CWD to cervid operations
The University of Minnesota received USDA CWD Cooperative Agreement Funding to work with cervid farmers to identify their farm’s specific risks of becoming infected with CWD. With those risks identified the researchers then help them develop a biosecurity plan to reduce the risk of CWD introduction to their farm. Dr. Scott Wells, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Faculty, and his team, continue to work with cervid farmers to identify farm and environmental factors associated with CWD in their herd.
The most recent study published by the U of M researchers showed most CWD infections on Minnesota farms since 2015 did not result from moving CWD positive deer from another infected farm. Most of the infected farms were located in regions with CWD-positive wild deer, which could serve as a source of infection through indirect contact with farmed cervids. Additional research is needed to help cervid farmers reduce their risks of becoming infected through indirect exposures from infected wild deer. Farmers are encouraged to participate in this research by completing a CWD Biosecurity Assessment which provides a framework to evaluate and prioritize CWD at their farm.
Determining Genomically Estimated Breeding Value to identify animals least susceptible to CWD
The Board of Animal Health is utilizing USDA CWD Cooperative Agreement Funding to determine the Genomically Estimated Breeding Value (GEBV) in more than 3,000 Minnesota farmed white-tailed deer. The GEBV looks at genetic markers to reduce the animals' susceptibility to CWD. To determine the susceptibility of an individual animal, more than 100,000 regions of the white-tailed deer genome are analyzed using computer modeling and machine learning to identify regions unique to animals known to be CWD positive. All genetic information for animals with a GEBV calculated are saved in the North American Deer Registry database and used for comparison. A computer scans this genomic data and provides a score related to the degree in which it is similar to CWD-positive animals. This allows geneticists to classify animals into three categories: highly susceptible, moderately susceptible, and minimally susceptible. Farmers can use those ratings to make breeding or culling decisions on their farm.
Veterinarians: earn some CE and learn about poultry
More people are raising backyard poultry flocks these days. Unfortunately, the popularity of these hobby flocks is outpacing the veterinarians with expertise available to help them care for their birds. The majority of poultry veterinarians work for commercial companies. A lot of mixed species practicing veterinarians may not feel comfortable treating poultry or writing prescriptions because they lack the expertise. However, in 2017 new Veterinary Feed Directive regulations restricted common medications and made it a requirement to get a prescription.
How can more veterinarians step up to help out avian clients? One small way would be to earn some CE from this online course. The purpose of this course is to provide knowledge on poultry health with the hope of educating more veterinarians interested in serving the small flock owners.
The course consists of a series of individual modules, which allow each participant to advance at their own pace. At the end of each module, there is a short quiz consisting of true/false and/or multiple-choice questions.
To receive CE credits, each participant must achieve 70% or higher on each quiz. Upon successful completion of all modules in this course, 8 RACE-approved continuing education credits will be granted.
Register for the course on the American Association of Avian Pathologists website. If you do not have an AAAP account you'll be asked to create a free one to take the course.
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