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Communicable disease threats to public health in the European Union - Annual Epidemiological Report for 2018 - This report covers the events and threats detected by the ECDC epidemic intelligence (EI) team in 2018 and the actions taken related to these findings. (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC))
Cryptosporidiosis Outbreaks — United States, 2009–2017 - During 2009–2017, 444 cryptosporidiosis outbreaks, resulting in 7,465 cases were reported by 40 states and Puerto Rico. The number of reported outbreaks has increased an average of approximately 13% per year. Leading causes include swallowing contaminated water in pools or water playgrounds, contact with infected cattle, and contact with infected persons in child care settings. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))
Video Games Offer Clues to Help Curb Animal Disease Outbreaks - As Asia and Europe battle African swine fever outbreaks, University of Vermont research shows how farmers’ risk attitudes affect the spread of infectious animal diseases and offers a first-of-its kind model for testing disease control and prevention strategies. (University of Vermont)
Trends in the Laboratory Detection of Rotavirus Before and After Implementation of Routine Rotavirus Vaccination — United States, 2000–2018 - Implementation of the U.S. rotavirus vaccination program reduced the annual proportion of positive rotavirus tests, reduced peak rotavirus activity, and shortened the duration of the rotavirus season. Biennial seasonal patterns that emerged after vaccine introduction have continued with alternating years of low and high rotavirus activity. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))
Vital Signs: Trends in Human Rabies Deaths and Exposures — United States, 1938–2018 - During 1960–2018, among 89 U.S. acquired human rabies cases, 62 (70%) were attributed to bats. Dog bites acquired during international travel were the cause of 36 cases. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
Opportunities to Improve Food Safety From Farm to Fork - This issue brief outlines the interventions that were found to be effective on farms, many of which can be implemented with products already available to U.S. livestock businesses. (Pew Charitable Trusts)
World Food Safety Day - June 7, 2019 - The first ever World Food Safety Day (WFSD) will be celebrated on 7 June 2019 to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development. (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)
Confused by Date Labels on Packaged Foods? - To help dispel the confusion over date labels on packaged food, the FDA is supporting the food industry’s efforts to standardize the use of the term “Best if Used By” on its packaged-food labeling if the date is simply related to optimal quality — not safety. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)
Ethical Considerations for Movement Mapping to Identify Disease Transmission Hotspots - Summary of models developed during a one-day meeting on the ethical aspects around the use of mobility data for mapping infectious disease transmission. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
FDA authorizes marketing of first diagnostic test for detecting Zika virus antibodies - The FDA has authorized marketing of a diagnostic test to detect Zika virus immunoglobulin (IgM) antibodies in human blood. The ZIKV Detect 2.0 IgM Capture ELISA is the first Zika diagnostic test the FDA has allowed to be marketed in the U.S.; (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)
8 Zoonotic Diseases Shared Between Animals and People of Most Concern in the U.S. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its U.S. government partners have released the first federal collaborative report listing the top zoonotic diseases of national concern for the United States. Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that can spread between animals and people. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
Prioritizing Zoonotic Diseases for Multisectoral, One Health Collaboration in the United States: Workshop Summary - The workshop summary describes the process used to prioritize the top zoonotic diseases of concern for the United States and the key themes surrounding priority next steps to address these diseases using a multisectoral, One Health approach that includes relevant human, animal, and environmental health sectors and other relevant partners. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
Preliminary Incidence and Trends of Infections with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food — Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2015–2018 - The incidence of most infections increased during 2018 compared with 2015–2017; this might be partially attributable to increased culture-independent diagnostic tests use. The incidence of Cyclospora infections increased markedly, in part related to large outbreaks associated with produce. The number of human infections caused by Campylobacter and Salmonella, especially serotype Enteritidis, remains high. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))
Foot-and-Mouth Disease: USDA's Efforts to Prepare for a Potential Outbreak Could Be Strengthened - his report examines (1) USDA's planned approach for responding to an FMD outbreak; (2) challenges USDA would face in pursuing its response goals; and (3) how USDA identifies, prioritizes, and monitors corrective actions to mitigate the challenges. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)
Foodborne Illness Outbreaks at Retail Establishments — National Environmental Assessment Reporting System, 16 State and Local Health Departments, 2014–2016 - During 2014–2016, a total of 16 state and local public health departments reported data to the National Environmental Assessment Reporting System (NEARS) on 404 foodborne illness outbreaks at retail establishments. The majority of outbreaks with a suspected or confirmed agent were caused by norovirus (61.1%). The majority of outbreaks with identified contributing factors had at least one factor associated with food contamination by a worker who was ill or infectious (58.6%). (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))
Outbreak of E. coli Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce: Final Update - CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, Canada, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) infections linked to romaine lettuce from the Central Coastal growing regions in northern and central California. This outbreak appears to be over. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
New Study Finds Higher than Expected Number of Suicide Deaths among U.S. Veterinarians - Veterinarians in the U.S. are at an increased risk of suicide, a trend that has spanned more than three decades, according to a new CDC study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
Foodborne Illness Outbreak Response Community of Practice - NACCHO is launching a new Foodborne Illness Outbreak Response Community of Practice (CoP), bringing together food safety professionals from across the country to share tips and best practices across jurisdictions. To join the CoP and find out about the first call, email Amy Chang at achang@naccho.org. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))
CDC Update: Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce - Nine additional people have been reported since the last update on November 26, 2018. This brings the total to 52 cases from 15 states. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
Multistate Infestation with the Exotic Disease–Vector Tick Haemaphysalis longicornis — United States, August 2017–September 2018 - During 2017–2018, H. longicornis has been detected in Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia on various species of domestic animals and wildlife, and from two humans. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))
Notice of Request for a New Information Collection: Stakeholder Input on Federal Outreach To Control Listeria Monocytogenes at Retail - The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing its intention to collect information from stakeholders from industry, State and public health and agriculture departments with responsibilities for retail food safety, local health departments, and grocers to gather information on FSIS outreach efforts related to retail best practices to control Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in retail delicatessens. (Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA)
CDC Update on Investigation of Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce - CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are now advising that U.S. consumers not eat and retailers and restaurants not serve or sell any romaine lettuce from the Central Coastal growing regions of northern and central California. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
Notes from the Field: Multiple Modes of Transmission During a Thanksgiving Day Norovirus Outbreak — Tennessee, 2017 - On November 28, 2017, the manager of restaurant A in Tennessee reported receiving 18 complaints from patrons with gastrointestinal illness who had dined there on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017. Tennessee Department of Health officials conducted an investigation to confirm the outbreak, assess exposures, and recommend measures to prevent continued spread. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))
CDC Food Safety Alert: E. coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce - CDC is advising consumers, restaurants, and retailers not to eat, serve, or sell any romaine lettuce as it investigates an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to romaine. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
Foodborne illness source attribution estimates for 2016 for Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter using multi-year outbreak surveillance data,United States (November 2018) - The Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration (IFSAC), a collaboration between the USDA, FDA, and CDC, developed a method to estimate the sources of foodborne illness using outbreak data from 1998 through the most recent year for four priority pathogens: Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
One Health Day - November 3rd - A global campaign that celebrates and brings attention to the need for a One Health approach to address shared health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
Translocation of a Stray Cat Infected with Rabies from North Carolina to a Terrestrial Rabies-Free County in Ohio, 2017 - While incubating the rabies virus, a cat potentially traveled through eight states, three of which are terrestrial rabies free. If the cat had become infectious during travel, a rabies epizootic could have occurred. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))
Surveillance for Foodborne Disease Outbreaks United States, 2016: Annual Report (2018) - In 2016, 839 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported, resulting in 14,259 illnesses, 875 hospitalizations, 17 deaths, and 18 food product recalls. Norovirus was the most common cause of confirmed, single-etiology outbreaks, accounting for 145 (36%) outbreaks and 3,794 (42%) illnesses. Salmonella was the next most common cause, accounting for 132 (33%) outbreaks and 3,047 (33%) illnesses, followed by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, which caused 25 (6%) confirmed, single-etiology outbreaks and 366 (4%) illnesses. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
Food Safety Scares Are Up In 2018. Here's Why You Shouldn't Freak Out - Post highlights the improvements in foodborne disease surveillance. (National Public Radio (NPR))
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka Infections Linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal (Final Update) - CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigated a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka infections. 135 people infected with the outbreak strain were reported from 36 states. 34 people were hospitalized. No deaths were reported. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
USDA Outlines Next Steps for Advancing Animal Disease Traceability - The USDA just announced four overarching goals for advancing animal disease traceability to protect the long-term health, marketability and economic viability of the U.S. livestock industry: advance electronic data sharing between federal and state animal health officials, veterinarians, and industry: use electronic ID tags for animals for better data transmission; enhance tracking of animals from birth to slaughter; and work towards a system where health certificates are transmitted electronically from veterinarians to state health officials. (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)
Using Yelp Restaurant Reviews to Identify Foodborne Illness - Post highlights projects in Salt Lake City and Chicago to use social media to track foodborne diseases. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))
FDA Releases Five-Year Plan for Supporting Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Settings - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has just unveiled its five-year action plan for supporting antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary settings. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)
Multistate Outbreaks of Salmonella Infections Linked to Contact with Live Poultry in Backyard Flocks, 2018 (Final Update) - CDC and multiple states investigated several multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks. A total of 334 people were infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella reported from 47 states. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
E coli cases prompt ground chuck recall from Publix stores - An investigation into Escherichia coli O26 illnesses, mostly in Florida, has prompted the Publix supermarket chain to voluntarily recall ground chuck shipped to stores in two dozen Florida counties, the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced last week. (University of Minnesota, Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy (CIDRAP))
The Opioid Epidemic: What Veterinarians Need to Know - Resource outlines what steps can veterinarians take if they stock and administer opioids. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)
Tickborne diseases are likely to increase, say NIH officials - The incidence of tickborne infections in the United States has risen significantly within the past decade. It is imperative, therefore, that public health officials and scientists build a robust understanding of pathogenesis, design improved diagnostics, and develop preventive vaccines, according to a new commentary in the NEJM. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)
Surveillance for Foodborne Disease Outbreaks - United States, 2009-2015 - During 2009-2015, the Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (FDOSS) received reports of 5,760 outbreaks that resulted in 100,939 illnesses, 5,699 hospitalizations, and 145 deaths. Among 2,953 outbreaks with a single confirmed etiology, norovirus was the most common cause of outbreaks [38%] and outbreak-associated illnesses [41%], followed by Salmonella. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))
Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Associated with Exposure to Animal Manure in a Rural Community - Arizona and Utah, June-July 2017 - Twelve cases of STEC O157:H7 infection associated with exposure to animal manure and secondary person-to-person transmission occurred in an Arizona-Utah border community. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))
Core Competencies in One Health Education: What Are We Missing? - This paper discusses the unique challenges facing the incorporation of One Health core competencies in educational programs and provide recommendations to advance their visibility and use. (National Academy of Medicine)
National Parks Service Disease Prevention and Response Branch - The Disease Prevention and Response (Epidemiology) Branch within the National Park Service Office of Public Health works to prevent, detect, and respond to disease transmission within the National Parks. They work from a One Health perspective, recognizing that the health of people, animals, and the environment are all related. (National Park Service)
Disaster Preparedness for Veterinarians - Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT) serve as first responders to ensure high-quality care of animals during disasters and emergencies. (American Veterinary Medical Association)
Food Defense - Resources to help reduce the risk of tampering or other malicious, criminal, or terrorist actions on the food and cosmetic supply. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)
National Veterinary Response Team (NVRT) - The National Veterinary Response Team (NVRT) provides assistance in identifying the need for veterinary services following major disasters, emergencies, public health or other events requiring Federal support and in assessing the extent of disruption to animal and public health infrastructures. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), HHS)
State Animal & Agriculture Response Teams (SART) - Interagency state organizations dedicated to preparing, planning, responding and recovering during animal emergencies in the United States. SART is a public private partnership, joining government agencies with the private concerns around the common goal of animal issues during disasters.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Email Subscriptions - Sign up for email updates from APHIS. (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)
ProMED-mail - The Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases. It has several moderators for animal diseases and zoonoses and uses electronic communications to provide up-to-date news on disease outbreaks around the world. (International Society for Infectious Diseases)
Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) - (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
Global Early Warning System for Major Animal Diseases, including Zoonoses (GLEWS) - The overall objective of GLEWS is to improve data sharing and risk assessment for animal disease threats of the three sister organizations (FAO, OIE and WHO) for the benefit of the international community. (World Health Organization (WHO))
National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) - Part of a nationwide strategy to coordinate the work of all organizations providing animal disease surveillance and testing services.
National Animal Health Surveillance System (NAHSS) - Animal health surveillance information for aquaculture, cattle, equine, poultry, sheep and goats, and swine. (U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA))
National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System for Enteric Bacteria (NARMS) - NARMS is a collaboration among Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Center for Veterinary Medicine) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (Food Safety and Inspection Service and Agricultural Research Services) within the framework of FoodNet and CDC's Emerging Infections Program's Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Program. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS) Dashboard - An online data tool with public access to nearly 20 years of information on foodborne, waterborne, and other enteric (intestinal) disease outbreaks. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
National Residue Program (Residue Chemistry) - FSIS conducts tests for chemicals-including antibiotics, sulfonamides, and various other drugs, pesticides and environmental chemicals-in meat, poultry and egg products destined for human consumption. This site links to the sampling plan, the testing results and information on the tests used, as well as a list of violators. (Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA)
AVMA Advocacy - AVMA represents the interests of veterinarians on federal legislative and regulatory issues that influence animal health, public health and the veterinary profession. This sites provides summaries of selected AVMA policies, state veterinary medical associations, AVMA federal and state government relations contacts, comprehensive issue papers, and tools for effective advocacy efforts. (American Veterinary Medical Association)
Animal Legal and Historical Center Web Site - Site provides a web library of legal and policy materials as relates to animals, expert explanation of the materials for both the lawyer and the non-lawyer, and an historical perspective about social and legal attitudes toward animals. (Michigan State University (MSU))
Food Safety Legislation 2018 - Page highlights state-level legislation passed in 2018 on food safety. (National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL))
Regulations, Directives & Notices - Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) - (U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA))
State Rabies Vaccination Laws for Domestic Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets in the United States - This map includes data on state-level pre-exposure rabies vaccination laws for domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets across the United States, as well as data on those laws referencing the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control. This dataset relies on external validation for accuracy and understanding of the application of laws and policies. If you would like to provide input on how your state’s laws have been captured please email the CDC’s Public Health Law Program at phlawprogram@cdc.gov. (Public Health Law Research, Temple University)
State public health veterinarians of the United States - Contact information for the public health veterinarian for each state. (American Veterinary Medical Association)
Statement of Policy: Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (October 2018) - A policy statement from NACCHO’s Board of Directorson Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in response to concerns from local health departments. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))
Effectively Communicating About Mosquito Control: A Guide for Mosquito Control Partners (October 2018) - Based on research and expert communications guidance, this guide is intended to further on-the-ground mosquito control efforts and provide tools that mosquito control partners can use to educate others about the need for adequate mosquito protection. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))
The Vector Control Tools & Resources (VeCToR) Toolkit 10 Essential Environmental Public Health Services - The Vector Control Tools & Resources (VeCToR) Toolkit provides tools and resources for program improvement activities that are in line with the 10 Essential Environmental Public Health Services. (National Environmental Health Association)
Influenza and Zoonoses Education among Youth in Agriculture - To improve influenza education and communication efforts around youth in agriculture, several government and non-governmental organizations partnered to launch a pilot program called Influenza Education among Youth in Agriculture. This program provides hands-on activities for youth, zoonotic disease curricula and lesson plans, educational workshops, biosecurity and handwashing posters, and also holds meetings to foster relationships, build networks, and achieve project goals to protect human and animal health. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
RMSF Training Module: Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment for Healthcare Providers (Continuing Education) - The Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) module is an interactive clinical education tool with case-based scenarios that provides technical training on RMSF. The module highlights key clinical messages aimed at promoting early clinical recognition and treatment. It is self-directed with knowledge checks, reference materials, and an interactive rash identification tool that allows healthcare providers to compare the rash seen in RMSF to other illnesses. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
AFDO-Managed Retail Program Standards Grant Program - The program provides funds for the completion of projects and training to enhance conformance with the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards (Retail Program Standards). (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)
Current Research Information System - CRIS is the USDA's documentation and reporting system for ongoing and recently completed research and education projects in agriculture, food and nutrition, and forestry. (U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA))
Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases (EEID) - The Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases (EEID) program solicitation supports the development of predictive models and the discovery of principles governing the transmission dynamics of infectious disease agents.
Morris Animal Foundation - Large nonprofit foundation 501(c)(3) dedicated to funding research studies to protect, treat and cure animals, including companion animals (dogs, cats, horses, llamas/alpacas), as well as wildlife (mountain gorillas, elephants, rhinoceros, wolves, and many varieties of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish).
NARMS Cooperative Agreement Program to Enhance and Strengthen Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance in Retail Food Specimens (U01) - Funding to protect and promote public health by enhancing, strengthening and sustaining antibiotic resistance surveillance in retail food specimens within the NARMS program. The NARMS cooperative agreements will improve the detection of antibiotic resistance among enteric bacteria in food commodities, as well as potentially develop new sites as part of the program. Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the NARMS Objectives. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)
National Agricultural Library Internships - The National Agricultural Library is always looking for bright, talented people to help us develop innovative services, programs, and exhibits. (National Agricultural Library, USDA)
Targeted Prevention for Tickborne Diseases (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) - The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to encourage the development of vaccines and other approaches for the prevention of Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne diseases. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)
Pink Book Wednesdays - On Wednesdays from June 5 through September 25, CDC experts will discuss a chapter of Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (commonly known as the “Pink Book”), 13th edition, and answer viewers’ questions. Webinars will be archived and posted within two weeks following each live event. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
Advancing the One Health Concept through Collaborations that Connect, Create, and Educate - Archived webinar from November 2016 provided an overview of One Health, discussed the critical need for and process of connecting the many passionate stakeholders around the world, and shared an update on efforts across the U.S. and beyond to make One Health ways of thinking the ‘default way of doing business.' (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD) - The purpose of CRWAD is to discuss and disseminate the most current research advances in animal diseases.
Food Safety Podcast - A podcast for food safety professionals hosted by the Food Safety Magazine editorial team. Each episode will feature a conversation with a food safety professional sharing their experiences and insights of the important job of safeguarding the world's food supply.
Zoonoses & One Health Updates (ZOHU) Calls - One-hour monthly webinars that provide timely education on zoonotic and infectious diseases, One Health, and related health threats at the animal-human-ecosystem interface. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)
