| News for animal health professionals |  |
| Veterinary Medicine Update |  |  | | - We must not underestimate MERS, WHO official warns
MERS, the newly identified SARS-related coronavirus that has infected more than 40 people and killed roughly half of them, may have an incubation period of as long as 12 days, according to experts. That's the latest finding on the emerging illness that the World Health Organization's Dr. Margaret Chan calls "a threat to the entire world." She said more information about the disease is essential: "We understand too little about this virus when viewed against the magnitude of its potential threat. Any new disease that is emerging faster than our understanding is never under control." Las Vegas Sun/The Associated Press (5/29), National Public Radio/Shots blog (5/29)      - Captive whales susceptible to mosquito-borne illnesses
At least two captive orcas were infected with mosquito-borne illnesses, according to recently published research. One had a mosquito-transmitted encephalitis while the other contracted West Nile virus, according to the paper. Researchers observed captive orcas over thousands of hours, noting that their close proximity to the surface exposes them to mosquitoes. Additionally, sunburn and broken teeth may weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to infection, according to the researchers. ScienceMag.org/Science Now blog (5/29) - Balding deer suffer effects of foreign lice
Deer in more than a dozen California counties are infested with a type of louse that normally affects deer in Asia and Europe, according to wildlife authorities. Blood and hair samples from some 600 deer and elk with hair loss have been tested since 2009, confirming the presence of the lice. "What we do know is that the louse has impacted migratory populations of California deer, which now have a low fawn survival rate, making it difficult to replenish the herd," said senior wildlife biologist Greg Gerstenberg of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. San Francisco Chronicle (free content)/The Associated Press (5/28) | - Family of West Nile victim urges public to take precautions
The family of a 58-year-old North Dakota man who died from West Nile virus are urging people to prevent infection by protecting themselves from mosquitoes. Farmer Kim Rath died of West Nile virus complications after suffering with progressively debilitating symptoms for six months. In North Dakota, 89 people were infected with West Nile virus last year, along with 14 horses, two birds and a dog. Prevention involves vector control, avoidance of outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, and use of appropriate repellant. The Forum (Fargo, N.D.-Moorhead, Minn.) (free registration) (5/29) - Public urged to give seal pups space
A 1-to-2-day-old seal pup died and another week-old pup ended up separated from its mother after people apparently disregarded warnings and approached the animals on the New Hampshire coast. New England Aquarium senior biologist Katie Pugliares and spokesman Tony LaCasse reminded the public to respect nature and steer clear of seals, especially pups. Federal law requires that people remain at least 150 feet away from seals, but people regularly ignore reminders and approach the pups for photos, stressing the animals and interfering with the mother's ability to find them using scent. There is also a possibility of disease transmission between humans and seals. SeacoastOnline (Portsmouth, N.H.) (tiered subscription model) (5/29)  | Down, but definitely not out
Iberia, like its Spanish countrymen, still optimistic for the future. |
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 - Dog bite claims top $489 million
The best way for people to avoid the potentially costly liability associated with a dog bite is to prevent a bite from occurring in the first place, experts say. Insurance companies in the U.S. paid out $489 million for homeowner dog bite claims last year, up by more than 50% over the 2003 payout, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Very young children should not be left alone with dogs, no matter how safe the animal seems, warns AVMA animal welfare scientist Dr. Emily Patterson-Kane, because children tend to do things that startle dogs, potentially inciting aggressive behavior. ABC News (5/29)  | Join a community that can help you grow your business
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 | Association News | | | | - Hurricane preparedness and response
Hurricane season in the United States spans from May 15 to Nov. 30. Hurricanes and tropical storms pose unique and potentially deadly threats to areas in their paths and can quickly deplete available resources across the nation. While human safety is paramount, we have learned valuable lessons from previous hurricanes about the importance of incorporating consideration for animals in disaster planning. To help veterinarians and animal owners prepare for potential hurricanes and tropical storms, the AVMA has gathered a number of resources on disaster preparedness and response with pets and animals in mind. View AVMA's hurricane preparedness and response resources.
| SmartQuote | | | |  | Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises."
--Demosthenes,
Greek orator and statesman  |
| | | The news summaries appearing in Animal Health SmartBrief are based on original information from news organizations and are produced by SmartBrief, Inc., an independent e-mail newsletter publisher. The AVMA is not responsible for the content of sites that are external to the AVMA. Linking to a website does not constitute an endorsement by the AVMA of the site or the information presented on the site. Questions and comments should be directed to SmartBrief at avma@smartbrief.com. | This SmartBrief was created for jmabs1@gmail.com
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