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One topic, one-hour webinar: New World Screwworm
Veterinarians and clinic staff can join doctors Steve Kivisto and Katie Cornille at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 13 to learn about New World Screwworm. The webinar counts toward annual continuing education credits with the Board of Veterinary Medicine.
The presenters will discuss current NWS infestations in Texas and Mexico and discuss how to reduce the risk of allowing this pest to enter Minnesota by understanding import requirements and knowing the signs and lifecycle of the NWS flies and maggots. Attendees will also have a chance to ask questions.
Both companion animal and livestock veterinarians and their staff are encouraged to attend the free webinar. Register for the New World Screwworm webinar.
It's all electronic now
Paper is no longer accepted for animal imports or exports effective July 1, 2026. Minnesota already phased out paper import certificates of veterinary inspection (CVIs) and it now applies to all export CVIs. Any paper CVIs received by the Board will be non-compliant.
Canine brucellosis cases are not always obvious
Veterinarians have a responsibility to suspect, detect and report cases of canine brucellosis to the Board. Keep in mind, most infected dogs appear outwardly normal and don’t show signs of infection. Here are some quick tips for veterinarians.
How to spot a clinical dog:
- All dogs, including those that are spayed/neutered can exhibit the following signs:
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Eye disease.
- Infections of the spine causing intermittent back pain.
- Female dogs may experience aborted pregnancies, stillbirth, and inability to become pregnant. However, they may also deliver infected puppies.
- Males’ primary symptom is the inability to sire puppies.
Evaluating new patients:
- Ask new pet owners about health history and where they got their puppy.
- Ask about its movement history and known origins.
- Dogs with clinical signs or suspected cases should be tested.
Existing patients:
- Dogs with clinical signs or suspected cases should be tested.
Testing protocols:
- For dogs showing clinical signs:
- Start with an antibody screening test such as the Rapid Slide Agglutination Test (RSAT), which is good for average-risk dogs.
- Negative results can be trusted to be negative.
- False positives are common.
- Follow up with the Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) test to confirm any positive test results.
- Screening dogs at higher risk of brucellosis is recommended:
- Perform multiple tests over a period of time.
- Testing dogs under 6 months of age is not recommended.
- Test at 6 months of age and then repeat again 12 weeks after the last known exposure.
- For someone who adopts a puppy at a higher risk of infection, test at 6 months and again at 1 year.
Veterinarians and clinics treating suspected brucellosis cases should take precautions to protect staff and other clients at the clinic.
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