While the world is still focused on SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic, US animal health officials and poultry producers have been monitoring and taking action to prevent the spread of another highly pathogenic virus-Avian Influenza-from entering the country. As reported on the website of the Office of Epizooties (the World Organization for Animal
animal disease
The Latest COVID-19 Victims: Mink and Mink Farmers
According to AP news, Denmark has plans to cull its 15 million mink on all its mink farms, with promises to compensate farmers. Producing 40% of mink for the world, a large number of mink farms in Denmark are or have been infected with the virus causing COVID-19 infection in people, and there are…
USDA’s Proposed Mandatory Animal Health Disease Reporting
USDA published proposed Rule 85 FR 18471 on April 2, 2020 that would,
amend the animal disease regulations to provide for a National List of Reportable Animal Diseases, along with reporting responsibilities for animal health professionals that encounter or suspect cases of communicable animal diseases and disease agents. These proposed changes are necessary to streamline
…
The essential role of animal studies in expediating medical research to battle the COVID-19 pandemic
Animal studies have and will continue to serve an essential role in medical development and public and animal health. This stays true for the current global efforts to find treatments and vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Animal studies are not only critical for understanding pathogenesis of COVID-19, but also…
New Rule Published Governing Practice of Veterinary Medicine in New Jersey
Administrative Order and Notice of Rule Adoption Pursuant To P.L. 2020, C. 18, dated June 18, 2020, was just sent to all veterinary licensees from the Acting Director of the State Division of Consumer Affairs.
The Rule sets forth provisions to be implemented by veterinarians in their practices to minimize exposure to and…
COVID-19 testing in pets in light of two pet cats testing positive in New York
Two pet cats in New York have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), as just announced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL). See Confirmation of COVID-19 in Two Pet Cats in New York.
The cats,…
Animal Models Remain Vital for COVID-19 Research
Despite activists’ rhetoric that animal models are not necessary for the advancement of biomedical research and development, the criticality of the continued use of animal models in biomedical research is highlighted by Americans for Medical Progress and the Foundation for Biomedical Research (see respectively, AMP’s COVID-19 Resources The Critical Role of Animals in Developing COVID-19…
Update: Universities and Colleges: Coronavirus Planning Must Include Protecting Animals on Campus
As concerns about coronavirus continue to escalate, universities and colleges have taken advantage of spring break to protect students and staff from circulating virus, and many are planning on remote teaching for the rest of the semester. For schools with students who remain at on campus residences and/or employees with service or emotional support animals,…
Food Recycling in Hog Farming is Losing its Allure
The Swine Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 3801, et seq.), enacted in 1980, regulates food waste fed to swine and helps ensure that it is properly treated to kill disease causing organisms. According to USDA,
The Swine Health Protection Act (SHPA) regulates food waste containing any meat products fed to swine. Compliance with this
…
Rocky’s Law in New Jersey Requires Significant Amendments Before Adoption-Part I
Rocky’s Law, S3551 and its companion A5040, would require the mandatory registration of animal rescue organizations, as opposed to the current laws providing for voluntary registration. They would also would require all animal rescue organizations, pet shops, shelters and pounds to conduct and provide test results about the animal’s medical status and behavioral history…