 Ohio Horse Owners Encouraged to Vaccinate Against WNV, EEE
Dr. Jeff Hayes, DVM, MS, ADDL Pathology Section Head
The Ohio Department of Agriculture
Division of Animal Health encourages horse owners to vaccinate their animals to
protect against both of these vector-borne viruses. In 2017, Ohio documented 14
cases of west Nile virus (WNV) infection in horses, and more than half of these
animals died. One fatal equine case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus
infection was also confirmed in Ohio.
At this time of year, there is still time for a horse’s
immunity to build before active mosquito season gets into full swing. A
two-shot vaccination series within a three- to six-week period may be needed if
a horse has not been vaccinated in the past year, so planning ahead may prevent
serious disease, and even death, in horses.
The ADDL supports veterinarians in reminding the public that
the most effective way to prevent these two diseases in horses is to have the
animals vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian. Additional useful actions to
control the mosquito population include eliminating standing water in tires,
water baths, and other sources.
The ADDL continues to provide testing for both of these
viruses by serology and PCR analysis of serum and tissues. The ADDL works
together with NVSL to provide serologic testing of blood samples. Please call
the ADDL for more information at 614-728-6220, or visit our website test and
fees search (pages 11 and 29).
Coxiella burnetii associated abortion diagnosed in goat fetuses
Dr. Jeff Hayes, DVM, MS, ADDL Pathology Section Head
Twin goat fetuses that were aborted by a mixed breed doe
were submitted to the ADDL for a caprine abortion investigation in early April,
2018. This was the first abortion on a premise in Mansfield, Ohio in Richland
County. The doe was acquired at an auction 4-6 weeks prior to aborting the
twins, showing no clinical signs prior to the abortion, but having a brown
vaginal discharge afterward. No gross lesions were observed in fetal tissues,
but polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of pooled fetal organs detected
nucleic acid of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever. The
placenta, a source of large numbers of these Gram-negative coccobacilli, was
not available in this case – the doe reportedly consumed it prior to the owners
being able to collect it.
As
Coxiella burnetii is classified as a Select Agent by CDC and USDA, the
laboratory was required to destroy all samples within 7 days of diagnosis. Q
fever in humans may initially present as a mild flu-like illness, but may
result in serious infections such as sepsis, hepatitis and endocarditis. This
case highlights the risk of zoonotic infection associated with goat abortions.
Handling aborted fetuses, placental membranes and reproductive fluids with
proper personal protection such as disposable gloves, an outer layer of
clothing and protective boots, and a high level of sanitation and hygiene
including hand washing, is very important to prevent human infections. The ADDL
contacted the Ohio Department of Health, which then notified the Richland
County Health Department to assist the owners to conduct a risk assessment
based on CDC guidelines. An ODA veterinary medical officer also conducted an
on-farm assessment with the owner and farm staff.
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Chronic Wasting Disease Training
On
Saturday, April 14, 2018, Pathology Section staff trained several personnel
from hunting preserves regarding the proper collection, handling and
submission of deer samples for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing. The ADDL offers
training to veterinarians each year, usually in the fall, for those who wish to participate in the CWD
testing program. If you are interested in attending a future training class for
this disease program, please call Christi Clevenger at 614-728-6220 for more
details.
Salmonella Enteritidis Outreach Program
Mary Beth Weisner, ADDL Bacteriology Section Scientist
A training session co-sponsored by the Ohio Poultry Association
(OPA) and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) was held at the ODA campus on May 16th for Ohio egg producers. The program provided a review programs available in Ohio for the control of
Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) in Ohio egg layer operations. Over
30 people representing all segments of the egg laying industry participated. Attendees included representatives from large
companies, small independent producers and feed companies. Housing styles represented included conventional, cage free,
organic, and aviary housing. Representatives from the OPA gave an
overview of the Ohio Egg Quality Assurance Program (OEQAP). The OEQAP is a
voluntary program developed twenty years ago through a cooperative effort
between the OPA and ODA to assist poultry producers to reduce SE in layer operations.
They also reviewed FDA egg rule 21CFR part 118 which took full effect on July 2012 requiring anyone
with 3000 or more laying hens to participate. SE prevention plans include bio-security, SE environmental testing and egg sampling procedures, cleaning
and disinfection, pullet procurement, pest control and refrigeration. Producers
are required to maintain documentation that they are following their SE Plan.
ODA-Animal Health Division staff discussed audits conducted by ODA staff on behalf of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ODA plans to conduct 50 targeted
audits along with 5 comprehensive audits for SE program participants in the
next fiscal year. To date, Ohio is the only state assigned to
conduct comprehensive audits by the FDA.
Mary Beth Weisner from the Bacteriology Section reviewed guidelines for the submission of environmental samples and shell eggs
for SE testing. Attendees were provided a tour of the ADDL.
For more information about SE control programs in Ohio please call Animal Health at 614-728-6220.
 Lab Holiday Schedule
The Ohio ADDL will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th, 2018 in observance of Independence Day.
If you need to contact us regarding an urgent matter, please use our after hours phone number: (888) 456-3405.
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