Study traces zoonotic origins of dangerous Powassan encephalitis Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise, led by Lyme disease, which the CDC reports sickens at least 35,000 people annually. In the Northeast, black-legged ticks also carry the virus that causes Powassan encephalitis, a rare, serious illness that's on the rise in areas of New York state, according to new data. The illness, which has a 10% to 15% fatality rate, can cause central nervous system damage and long-term neurological damage. It's caused by Powassan virus and its deer tick virus variant. Mammals including raccoons and striped skunks were shown to transmit the pathogen to ticks. ScienceDaily (7/15) Study of bears' genomes may shed light on cancer Endogenous retroviruses -- viruses whose genetic material was integrated into germ cell DNA in a species at some point in the past and then passed on to subsequent generations -- have been found in humans and other mammals. Now polar bears and giant pandas have been added to that list, according to new research. DNA sequences from both species show the retroviruses they carry are closely related and may have entered the ancestors' genomes about 45 million years ago. "Some of these sequences are suspected of playing a role in the occurrence of cancer, neurodegenerative or autoimmune diseases," said researcher Jens Mayer. PhysOrg.com (7/15) Other News  | The AVMA GHLIT will be hosting its Wellness Center at the AVMA Annual Convention in Chicago, July 20-22. Make sure to stop by for your health screening! FREE for AVMA members, veterinary students and spouses. Click here for more details. | | Service dogs show promise for patients with dementia and their families What are believed to be the world's first service dogs specially trained to help people with dementia have gone to work in Scotland after 18 months of preparation. The dogs, a golden retriever named Oscar and a yellow Labrador named Kaspa, respond to alarms, deliver medicine pouches and encourage their owners to read reminder notes. The dogs have helped patients get out and about and stick to schedules and have offered some relief to patients' spouses. BBC (7/14)
Criminals seek to profit from selling lost, stolen pets Indianapolis-area resident Elizabeth Arroyo got her lost dog Raiden back after seeing him advertised for sale on Craigslist, one of three apparent cases of criminals seeking to "flip" lost or stolen pets in a recent week, says Danielle Beck, who runs a website for owners of lost pets. Authorities say microchipping pets and keeping registry information up-to-date may be the best way to protect them from flippers by proving ownership. The Indianapolis Star (tiered subscription model) (7/16) Snakebite cases rise along with the temperature Rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins are a greater threat to horses in the warm summer months. Their bites inject venom that varies widely by species but generally includes substances that break down tissues, impede clotting and harm the heart. This article discusses clinical signs and treatment of bites. The Horse/Equine Disease Quarterly (7/15) Other News
 |  | Five sales tips for people who don't like selling! Most veterinary practice workers don't consider themselves salespeople. However, every business must sell if they are going to thrive. Here are five ways to increase product and service sales without pressuring your customers. Your customers should enjoy the experience, and so should you!
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