State Public Health Veterinarians Research Articles

Zoonoses-specific resources, collaborative networks, and enhanced communication can help US veterinarians tackle zoonotic diseases: results from a national survey.

Increased incidence of zoonoses, coupled with veterinarians' occupational exposure, led to this study examining the knowledge of licensed US veterinarians on zoonoses and their disease prevention practices. This online survey supported by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians received 466 responses from 36 US states; 67% of the respondents were female, and 72.5% were small animal medicine practitioners. The One Health concept was familiar among 82% of respondents, 51.3% knew of continuing education training on zoonoses, and 68% had attended such a training in the last 5 years. Respondents were unaware of which zoonoses to report to public health departments. For 3 out of 8 questions on standard operating procedures, statistically significant differences in protocols followed among small, large, and mixed animal medicine practitioners were observed. Most respondents believed they play a critical role in zoonoses prevention but would like more information on zoonotic diseases. Results indicate that assisting veterinarians with regularly updated information on zoonoses, providing targeted education and training to adhere to standardized infection control measures, and increasing communication with public health agencies and physicians may help prevent and reduce incidence of zoonoses.

TOXOPLASMA GONDII EXPOSURE IN FELINES: AN ALARMING FACTOR TO PUBLIC HEALTH FROM MINEIROS, GOIÁS

Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate protozoan that affects endothermic animals, including man. Being a zoonosis that can cause abortions, fetal malformations and blindness. Cats are the definitive hosts, acting as a source of dissemination. In order to collect epidemiological data on the distribution of T. gondii in Mineiros, Goiás, samples of domestic cats were analyzed to verify the circulation of the protozoan and reinforce preventive measures. Ninety-four samples of domestic cats, regardless of gender, age and breed, were randomly processed in the neighborhoods of Mineiros, Goiás. They were submitted to the indirect fluorescent antibody test for antibodies against T. gondii, using tachyzoites as antigens and anti-cat IgG conjugate (1:16 were positive). Of the 94 samples analyzed, 35 (37.2%) were reagents, of which four had a titration of 1:16, ten of 1:32, eleven of 1:64, eight of 1:128 and two of 1:256. All cats were semi-domiciled, but lifestyle and diet were not assessed. T. gondii infection is rarely symptomatic and the severity depends on the pathophysiological state. Brazil has high prevalence rates and requires effective care in the management of cats. In Mineiros, 29 reports of infected pregnant women were identified. Although infection in humans occurs primarily through consumption of undercooked meat, ingestion of oocysts in feces of cats is a possibility. Therefore, state public health institutions and veterinarians should promote health education, highlighting food hygiene. Since, when symptomatic, the disease presents severe clinical conditions and, in some cases, irreversible.

Determining the role of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in the death of domestic pets: 10 cases (2020-2021).

To establish a pathoepidemiological model to evaluate the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first 10 companion animals that died while infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the US. 10 cats and dogs that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and died or were euthanized in the US between March 2020 and January 2021. A standardized algorithm was developed to direct case investigations, determine the necessity of certain diagnostic procedures, and evaluate the role, if any, that SARS-CoV-2 infection played in the animals' course of disease and death. Using clinical and diagnostic information collected by state animal health officials, state public health veterinarians, and other state and local partners, this algorithm was applied to each animal case. SARS-CoV-2 was an incidental finding in 8 animals, was suspected to have contributed to the severity of clinical signs leading to euthanasia in 1 dog, and was the primary reason for death for 1 cat. This report provides the global community with a standardized process for directing case investigations, determining the necessity of certain diagnostic procedures, and determining the clinical significance of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals with fatal outcomes and provides evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can, in rare circumstances, cause or contribute to death in pets.

Erratum: Vol. 66, No. 4.

In the cover box "National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - February 7, 2017," on page 97, the second sentence of the second paragraph should have read, "Among blacks living with diagnosed HIV infection in 2013, 54% were retained in care (two or more CD4 or viral load tests ≥3 months apart) and 49% had a suppressed viral load (<200 copies/mL at most recent test) (2)."

State Laws Requiring Hand Sanitation Stations at Animal Contact Exhibits-United States, March-April 2016.

In the United States, animal contact exhibits, such as petting zoos and agricultural fairs, have been sources of zoonotic infections, including infections with Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium (1-4). The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians recommends handwashing after contact with animals as an effective prevention measure to disease transmission at these exhibits (4). This report provides a list of states that have used law, specifically statutes and regulations, as public health interventions to increase hand sanitation at animal contact exhibits. The report is based on an assessment conducted by CDC's Public Health Law Program, in collaboration with the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases in CDC's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. The assessment found that seven states have used statutes or regulations to require hand sanitation stations at these exhibits (5). Jurisdictions seeking to improve rates of hand sanitation at animal contact exhibits can use this report as a resource in developing their own legal interventions.

Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel: National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians: Veterinary Infection Control Committee 2015.

"Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel: National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians: Veterinary Infection Control Committee 2015" published on 01 Dec 2015 by American Veterinary Medical Association.

Perceptions of Reportable Disease Lists by State Officials in the United States

AbstractThe purpose of this research was to assess the perceptions of state officials about the importance of reportable disease lists in encouraging disease reporting. An electronic survey was sent to state veterinarian, state public health veterinarians, and state epidemiologists inquiring about their perceptions (based on official responsibilities) of the importance of reportable disease lists. MS Excel was used to calculate frequency counts and proportions; chi‐square statistics were calculated to assess differences between categories of respondents. The response rate was 40 percent for state veterinarians, 44 percent for state public health veterinarians, and 78 percent for state epidemiologists. State officials perceive (90 percent) that reportable disease lists are an effective policy mechanism to encourage disease reporting, though 43 percent believe underreporting of reportable diseases is a problem, and 43 percent believe the problem of underreporting exists, but varies by disease. Fifty‐five percent of respondents believe it is important that reportable disease lists have legal enforcement mechanisms associated with them, though 31 percent believe they would be too difficult to enforce. Responses across the three categories of officials were generally consistent. Electronic reporting and additional education were suggested to improve disease reporting. Because notifiable disease reporting remains an important part of disease detection, further improvements are needed to encourage infectious disease reporting. These results present evidence that state officials from both animal and health sectors perceive that education and electronic reporting would be more effective in improving reporting completeness than regulatory penalties.

State Requirements for Rabies-Related Animal Control

Rabies postexposure prophylaxis is an important secondary prevention step but is unnecessary if the exposing animal is not rabid. Effective rabies-related animal control (RRAC) requirements enforced by animal control officers (ACO) are an alternative step to reduce the number of rabies exposures and postexposure prophylaxes. The purpose of this study was to describe the variability of requirements for RRAC by statutes and regulations across the United States. Current state laws and regulations pertaining to rabies and animal control were reviewed and assessed for 3 primary RRAC activities related to obtaining animals that have potentially exposed humans to rabies, that have been potentially exposed to rabies, or that show signs of rabies. Animal control infrastructure was assessed on the basis of the requirement for, and authority granted to, ACOs for conducting these RRAC activities. State Public Health Veterinarians, State Veterinarians with the Departments of Agriculture, and/or State Epidemiologists were contacted for verification and assistance with interpretation of laws and regulations. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia authorize specific actions related to all 3 RRAC activities. Twenty-four states have laws and regulations that do not clearly address at least 1 of the RRAC activities or limit the authority to domestic animals. Three states have laws or regulations that address RRAC nonspecifically or leave the requirements to localities. Eleven states mandate the placement of ACOs with authority over domestic and wild animals, 7 states require ACOs for control of domestic animals only, and 32 states and the District of Columbia have no statewide requirements for ACOs. Only 9 states have legal requirements for ACOs with authority over wild and domestic animals and RRAC that addresses all 3 primary RRAC activities. Consequently, RRAC requirements may represent an incompletely tapped rabies prevention mechanism.

Compendium of Measures to Control Chlamydophila psittaci Infection Among Humans (Psittacosis) and Pet Birds (Avian Chlamydiosis), 2010 National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV)

Abstract Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever and ornithosis, is a bacterial infection of humans that can cause severe pneumonia and other serious health problems. It is caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, formerly known as Chlamydia psittaci. From 2005 through 2009, 66 human cases of psittacosis were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the Nationally Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. In general, these cases occur after exposure to infected pet birds, usually cockatiels, parakeets, parrots, and macaws. In birds, C. psittaci infection is referred to as avian chlamydiosis. Infected birds shed the bacteria through feces and nasal discharge, and humans become infected from exposure to these materials. This compendium provides information about psittacosis and avian chlamydiosis to public health officials, physicians, veterinarians, the pet bird industry, and others concerned with controlling these diseases and protecting public health. The recommendations in this compendium provide standardized procedures to control avian chlamydiosis in birds, a vital step to protect human health. This document will be reviewed and revised as necessary.

Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel: National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Veterinary Infection Control Committee 2010

"Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel: National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Veterinary Infection Control Committee 2010" published on 15 Dec 2010 by American Veterinary Medical Association.

Assessment of measures to prevent disease associated with animals in agricultural fairs—Maine, 2008

Outbreaks of enteric disease associated with animal exhibits have been reported with increasing frequency. Visitors at venues that permit contact with animals can become exposed by direct animal contact or by contact with environmental surfaces. The Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, issued by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV), provides recommendations to minimize risks associated with animals in public settings. An observational study of Maine agricultural fairs was conducted to determine whether the recommendations provided by the NASPHV were being utilized. Visitors had direct contact with animals that are potential sources of enteric pathogens. Eating and drinking were permitted while interacting with animals and, with the exception of strollers, there were no exclusions on items being brought into the exhibits. Few exhibits provided visitors with educational messages regarding disease risk and prevention measures (3%). There were insufficient handwashing signs (18%) and handwashing stations available at animal exhibits (38%) and midways (20%). None of the venues were designed with 1-way visitor flow. The results from this survey suggest that the recommendations provided by the NASPHV are not being fully implemented at agricultural fairs in Maine.

Leptospirosis in a Small Animal Veterinarian: Reminder to Follow Standardized Infection Control Procedures

A small animal veterinarian in Washington State developed leptospirosis after an occupational exposure. Approximately 10 days prior to the onset of illness, he examined a healthy appearing pet rat for fleas, which urinated on his un-gloved hands. Although the veterinarian washed his hands after the examination, his hands had abrasions from gardening. The veterinarian was hospitalized for 12 days and was able to return to work part-time 1 month following discharge. This illness may have been prevented if the veterinarian had been wearing gloves during the examination as recommended by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV), Veterinary Infection Control Committee, in its Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel (2008). This case alerts us to the need for small animal veterinarians to minimize their infection risk by practising recommended infection control procedures. Veterinarians should establish and follow a written infection control plan based on the standardized infection control approach adopted by the NASPHV to minimize their risk of occupational zoonotic infections.

Reports of zoonotic disease outbreaks associated with animal exhibits and availability of recommendations for preventing zoonotic disease transmission from animals to people in such settings.

To assess the number of zoonotic disease outbreaks associated with animal exhibits and identify published recommendations for preventing zoonotic disease transmission from animals to people in exhibit settings. Literature review and survey of state public health veterinarians and state epidemiologists. MEDLINE and agriculture databases were searched from 1966 through 2000. Retrieved references and additional resources provided by the authors were reviewed. A survey was sent to state public health veterinarians and state epidemiologists to determine whether their states had written recommendations or guidelines for controlling zoonotic diseases in animal exhibition venues, whether their states maintained a listing of animal exhibitors in the state, and whether they had any information on recent outbreaks involving animals in exhibitions. 11 published outbreaks were identified. These outbreaks occurred in a variety of settings including petting zoos, farms, and a zoological park. An additional episode involving exposure to a potentially rabid bear required extensive public health resources. A survey of state public health veterinarians identified 16 additional unpublished outbreaks or incidents. Most states did not have written recommendations or guidelines for controlling zoonotic diseases or any means to disseminate educational materials to animal exhibitors. Recent outbreaks of zoonotic diseases associated with contact with animals in exhibition venues highlight concerns for disease transmission to public visitors. Only a handful of states have written guidelines for preventing zoonotic disease transmission in animal exhibition venues, and published recommendations currently available focus on preventing enteric diseases and largely do not address other zoonotic diseases or prevention of bite wounds.

Converging issues in veterinary and public health.

Converging issues in veterinary and public health.

Leads from the MMWR. Compendium of animal rabies vaccines, 1985--prepared by National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc

Leads from the MMWR. Compendium of animal rabies vaccines, 1985--prepared by National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc

Position statement of the Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Committee on Food Hygiene.

Position statement of the Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Committee on Food Hygiene. K L CrawfordCopyRight https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.58.12.2195-b Published Online: August 29, 2011