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Skip Navigation LinksAll Horse Topics > Infectious Diseases > Zoonotic Diseases


Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Tufts Vet School to Receive Zoonotic Disease Research Funding
Tufts University has been tapped by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of a multidisciplinary team that will receive a grant of up to $185-million to create better synergies among veterinarians, doctors, and public health officials in responding to emerging infectious diseases. The five-year initiative, which ... Read full story
 11/3/2009
Hendra Farms Released from Quarantine   *
The five remaining properties involved in the recent Hendra virus incidents at Cawarral and Bowen in central Queensland, Australia, were given the all clear after test results were received Oct. 13. The results were the final piece of information required to allow all quarantine restrictions to be lifted. At the peak of the response, 22 properties ... Read full story
 10/20/2009
Australian Vets Call for Hendra Research Funds   *
Research to help fight the deadly Hendra virus is a matter of urgency, said the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA). Alister Rodgers, BVSc, died earlier this month after contracting the virus while treating a sick foal. "Funds are urgently needed from federal and state governments to target every stage of the disease and prevent further loss ... Read full story
 9/23/2009
Hendra Virus Research Fund Dedicated to Vet  *
The University of Queensland has set up a Memorial Fund in honor of Alister Rodgers, BVSc, who died of zoonotic Hendra virus earlier this month. He contracted the virus while treating a sick foal. At the request of Rodgers' family, the Alister Rodgers Memorial Hendra Virus Research Assistance Fund has been set up by the University of Queensland. ... Read full story
 9/21/2009
Hendra Virus: Initial Tests Negative on Bowen Horses  *
The initial Hendra virus test results for the 16 horses on the three quarantined properties at Bowen, in North Queensland, have come back negative. All horses on the affected properties will remain under quarantine until the period of virus incubation has passed and all tests have returned negative results. Biosecurity Queensland began its investigation ... Read full story
 9/16/2009
Hendra Virus Safety Tips for Horse Owners Released   *
The Queensland government has released a safety alert for horse owners following several cases of Hendra virus, a rare but potentially fatal zoonotic virus that can pass from horses to humans. A veterinarian died earlier this month after treating an infected foal. Clinical signs of Hendra virus infection in horses can include rapid onset of illness, ... Read full story
 9/11/2009
Zoonotic Hendra Virus Reported on North Queensland Farm  *
Biosecurity Queensland is managing another case of Hendra virus infection on a property outside Bowen in North Queensland after test results on a deceased horse came back positive for the virus. Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Rick Symons, BVSc, MBA, PhD, said last week a private vet had reported a suspect case to Biosecurity Queensland after attending ... Read full story
 9/9/2009
Queensland Equine Veterinarian Dies of Hendra Virus  *
A veterinarian in Australia has died after contracting Hendra virus while treating a sick foal in Cawarral, Queensland, Australia, in July. Queensland state Health Minister Paul Lucas told the Associated Press Alister Rodgers, BVSc, died overnight in a hospital. He is the fourth known fatality from the illness since it was discovered in 1994. Veterinarian ... Read full story
 9/2/2009
Hendra Virus: Statement Regarding Vet's Death   *
The following is a statement released by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA): Veterinarians around Australia are mourning the death of Alister Rodgers from a Hendra virus infection, and urge governments to immediately increase investment in fighting the deadly disease. "Just 12 months ago we lost friend and colleague Ben Cunneen to Hendra ... Read full story
 9/2/2009
Diseases Potentially Spread from Horses to Humans Via Bites Reviewed   *
The long list of diseases that humans could potentially contract after being bitten by a horse gives new meaning to the old adage, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth." According to the report, "That Horse Bit Me: Zoonotic Infections of Equines to Consider After Exposure Through the Bite or the Oral/Nasal Secretions," more than 100,000 emergency ... Read full story
 8/26/2009
Hendra Horse Euthanized, Additional Testing in Progress  *
Biosecurity Queensland has euthanized a horse at a Cawarral horse nursery property that tested positive for Hendra virus infection. Euthanasia is the national policy for horses confirmed as being infected with the virus, which can affect both horses and humans. Horses can have the virus in their system and recover, but there is an ongoing risk of ... Read full story
 8/26/2009
Horse Positive for Hendra to be Euthanized   *
Test samples taken from a horse at a Cawarral horse nursery property have come back positive, showing the horse was exposed to Hendra virus. The virus neutralization test utilized is considered the definitive test to determine whether an animal has had the virus in its system. Biosecurity Queensland acting Chief Veterinary Officer Rick Symons, BVSc, ... Read full story
 8/24/2009
Hendra: Horse Events in Area Clear to Continue, Vet Says  *
The horse community is being encouraged to continue with planned events as authorities continue to respond to the Hendra virus incident at Cawarral, near Rockhampton. Three horses on a Cawarral, Queensland, property died in late July and early August. Two of the dead horses were confirmed positive for Hendra, a potentially zoonotic virus that has only ... Read full story
 8/21/2009
Vet Hospitalized with Hendra Virus   *
A veterinarian exposed to a horse infected with Hendra virus has tested positive for the disease and is hospitalized in an induced coma, said the Australian Horse Industry Council. Three horses on a Cawarral, Queensland, property died in late July and early August. Two of the dead horses were confirmed positive for Hendra, a potentially zoonotic ... Read full story
 8/20/2009
Further Hendra Virus Tests Negative at Affected Farm  *
The Hendra virus tests on 25 horses at a Cawarral, Queensland, property, as well as nine others that left the property, continue to return negative results. Three horses on the property died in late July and early August. Two of the dead horses were confirmed positive for Hendra, a potentially zoonotic virus that has only occurred in Australia. Biosecurity ... Read full story
 8/18/2009
Hendra Virus: Additional Horses Test Positive  *
Biosecurity Queensland has received initial test results on samples taken from 25 horses at the Cawarral horse nursery. All of the results were clear except for one horse, which showed a positive result for Hendra virus infection from the blood sample test. The results are from one of the four horses that were tested yesterday when they were showing ... Read full story
 8/14/2009
Horses Potentially Exposed to Hendra Tracked, Tested   *
Veterinarians with Biosecurity Queensland have taken samples from 25 horses at a Cawarral horse facility to confirm any further cases of Hendra virus following the deaths of three horses at the property since July 28. The most recent death, which occurred Aug. 8, has been confirmed as a Hendra virus case. Investigators have also tracked the 11 horses ... Read full story
 8/13/2009
Hendra Virus Testing Continues after Three Horse Deaths   *
Veterinarians with Biosecurity Queensland are taking samples from 25 horses at a Cawarral horse facility to confirm any further cases of Hendra virus. This follows the deaths of three horses at the property since July 28. The most recent death, which occurred Aug. 8, has been confirmed as a Hendra virus case. Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries ... Read full story
 8/12/2009
Hendra Causes Horse Death in Queensland, Australia  *
According to reports coming out of Queensland, Australia, a filly that died Saturday (Aug. 8) was confirmed as having hendra. Last year an equine veterinarian died of the virus. At that time TheHorse.com quoted Biosecurity Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Ron Glanville, BSc, BVSc, MVS, as saying, "This is one of the most deadly viruses known to ... Read full story
 8/10/2009
Readers Share Top Two Vaccination Choices  *
Approximately 1,270 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "Which two vaccinations do you feel are most important?" Results were as follows: West Nile virus (WNV) 58.27% (740) Rabies 52.83% (671) Sleeping sickness (EE, WEE, VEE) 49.61% (630) Influenza 24.88% (316) Equine herpes virus (EHV) 8.35% (106) Potomac ... Read full story
 6/12/2009
Human Strain of Clostridium Difficile Reported in Quarter Horse  *
The same strain of Clostridium difficile that causes illness and death in human hospitals was reported in a 14-year-old Quarter Horse, according to a paper published in May issue of the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. Clostridium difficile bacteria can proliferate in the intestines and produce toxins that can damage the intestinal lining ... Read full story
 5/13/2009
Keeping Glanders at Bay   *
Considering that North America has been free of glanders for more than 50 years, many practitioners and horse owners are, understandably, not familiar with the clinical signs of the disease. As evidenced by the recent importation of an infected horse from Brazil to Germany (see sidebar), this unfamiliarity in countries free of the disease can make ... Read full story
 4/24/2009
Table Topic: Infectious Disease   *
Several topics were discussed at the infectious diseases table topic at the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention held in San Diego, Calif. Bonnie Barr, VMD, from Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, and Josie Traub-Dargatz, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, from Colorado State University, facilitated the session. The first topic discussed was ... Read full story
 4/14/2009
From the Horse's Mouth: Zoonotic Disease in Equine Practice  *
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. All of these can infect and cause disease in animals--which is especially noteworthy when you consider that more than 70% of infectious diseases of domestic animals and wildlife can also infect humans. A rabid horse is sedated heavily and secured. Read more about equine rabies. Luckily, remarkably few ... Read full story
 3/21/2009
MRSA Awareness is Mission of British Foundation   *
In recent years, infections and fatalities due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been making the news. However, information specific to equids has sometimes been hard to come by. British actress and broadcaster Jill Moss has thrown herself into changing that reality with the Bella Moss Foundation (BMF), named for Moss' Samoyed ... Read full story
 3/2/2009
Georgia Receives Grant for Glanders Vaccine Development   *
Researchers at the University of Georgia (UGA) have received a three-year $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a vaccine to protect against glanders and melioidosis, diseases caused by pathogens that pose potential risks as biological weapons. Bacteriologist Eric Lafontaine, PhD, and immunologist Jeff Hogan, PhD, both ... Read full story
 2/26/2009
AAEP 2008: MRSA More Common in Horse People  *
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacterial infections have become hot news lately, especially among horse people. This topic likely won't die down soon because recent research shows that MRSA is up to 10 times more common in equine veterinarians than in the general population--and that it can spread from horses to humans. "MRSA ... Read full story
 2/5/2009
Glanders Case in Brazil Affects International Horse Transport  *
A case of glanders in a horse in a Sao Paulo, Brazil, has impacted international transport and competition in Brazil and abroad. Event organizers, equine transport companies, and governmental authorities are working closely together to keep horses moving while minimizing risks. A horse in a university veterinary hospital was diagnosed with glanders ... Read full story
 10/11/2008
Glanders Case in Brazil Causes Rescheduling of Event, Transport Concern  *
A case of glanders in a horse in Sao Paulo, Brazil, last month has prompted the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) to reschedule the Global Champions Tour CSI-5* Final in that city. The show jumping event has been moved back by one week. Originally planned for Oct. 8-12, the event is rescheduled for Oct. 15-19. The change was announced earlier ... Read full story
 10/3/2008
Glanders Reported in Brazil   *
A horse in the southeastern portion of Brazil has tested positive for glanders. This disease has not occurred in this area of the country since 1968. A report on the case was released by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), also known as the World Organization for Animal Health. Glanders is caused by the bacteria Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) ... Read full story
 10/2/2008
Horse Diseases and Humans  *
What can you catch from your horse? If you work around horses long enough, you'll be handling ones that have lameness, diarrhea, abortions, skin diseases, and even neurologic signs. Our first concern is generally for the horse's well-being, and the last for our own health, since, after all, who gets sick from a horse? Zoonotic diseases are those ... Read full story
 9/1/2008
Quarantine Lifted at Veterinary Clinic with Hendra  *
With test results confirming that all remaining horses at a Redlands Veterinary Clinic are free from Hendra virus, Biosecurity officials in the Australian state of Queensland have lifted the stringent quarantine that was imposed seven weeks ago. The Redlands Veterinary Clinic was quarantined July 7 after it reported an unusual disease event in horses ... Read full story
 8/26/2008
No Decision Yet on Second Recovered Hendra Horse  *
No decision has been made about the fate of a horse near Proserpine, which appears to have recovered after contracting Hendra virus. Biosecurity Queensland's Chief Veterinary Officer Ron Glanville BSc, BVSc, MVS, said initial tests revealed the horse was infected with the potentially lethal virus. It has remained under strict quarantine. "We agreed ... Read full story
 8/26/2008
Horses and Human Die in Australia Hendra Outbreak; Government Comes Under Fire  *
There have been calls for an inquiry about the recent hendra outbreak in Australia that has resulted in the death of five horses and one human, according to an article on news.com.au. Veterinarian Ben Cunneen, BVSc, who was 33 years old, died Wednesday, Aug. 20. He had contracted Hendra virus from a horse hospitalized at the Redlands Veterinary Clinic ... Read full story
 8/23/2008
Equine Veterinarian Dies of Hendra Virus   *
One of the two equine hospital staff workers hospitalized with Hendra virus in Australia has died. Veterinarian Ben Cunneen, BVSc, died Wednesday. He had contracted Hendra virus from a horse hospitalized at the Redlands Veterinary Clinic on the outskirts of the city of Brisbane in the state of Queensland. A nurse and another veterinarian have also ... Read full story
 8/21/2008
Queensland to Provide Assistance for Vet Clinic Hit by Hendra  *
An Australian veterinary practice that has been locked down due to several cases of Hendra virus will receive financial assistance through the Australian Veterinary Association following a meeting between Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin and the clinic owner. A one-off payment will be given to the Australian Veterinary Association ... Read full story
 8/13/2008
Ohio State's One Medicine Conference will Explore Contemporary Issues in Public Health  *
Ohio State University Extension and the College of Veterinary Medicine will host a conference on emerging infectious diseases of concern to public and veterinary health. Led by distinguished health care professionals, the conference will provide updates on research in these critical areas. The conference, titled, "One Medicine Conference: Contemporary ... Read full story
 8/1/2008
Emerging Equine Disease: Four Diseases/Syndromes to Watch  *
In 1968 the U.S. Surgeon General proclaimed that the war on infectious diseases had been won. Unfortunately, this statement was not true. Ongoing outbreaks of disease in humans and animals worldwide have established repeatedly that the war on infectious diseases is not over. Indeed, fully one-third of all human deaths worldwide are still caused by ... Read full story
 7/29/2008
Two More Cases of Hendra Virus Reported  *
Biosecurity Queensland received test results July 24 that indicated another two horses have tested positive for Hendra virus. Both of these horses are from known infected properties. The results follow a post-mortem on a companion horse that died at Proserpine last week, as well as an additional horse at a Redlands vet clinic that became sick. (See ... Read full story
 7/29/2008
Two Vet Clinic Workers Positive for Hendra Virus  *
Two of the people exposed to horses infected with Hendra virus at Redlands Veterinary Clinic in the Australian state of Queensland have contracted the zoonotic disease, according to a report published by The Australian. Three horses at the clinic were found to be infected with the virus earlier this month. Of these, two died and one recovered. The ... Read full story
 7/18/2008
Vet, Human Medicine Collaboration Report Released  *
The executive summary of a report by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) One Health Initiative Task Force appears in the July 15 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA). This summary provides recommendations and strategic actions to support and expand the concept of "One Health" across all health professions, ... Read full story
 7/16/2008
Hendra Testing Continues on Horses at Australian Vet Clinic  *
Biosecurity Queensland continued with tests on samples from 37 horses at a Brisbane area vet practice today while working with Queensland Health and various horse industry groups to ensure that the risks involved with Hendra virus are widely known. "There is a quarantine, but it is only at the veterinary clinic where the sick horses were located," ... Read full story
 7/9/2008
Hendra Virus: Neurologic Variant Confirmed, Clinic Staff Exposed   *
Three horses have tested positive for Hendra virus at Redlands Veterinary Clinic on the outskirts of the city of Brisbane in the Australian state of Queensland. Hendra virus is deadly and can affect both horses and humans. According to David Lovell, BVSc, MACVSC, QDAH, GCM, principal and founding partner of the Redlands Veterinary Clinic, two of ... Read full story
 7/9/2008
Hendra Virus Reported at Australian Equine Clinic   *
Three horses have tested positive for the deadly Hendra virus at a veterinary practice on the outskirts of the city of Brisbane in the Australian state of Queensland. This virus can affect both horses and humans. "We are taking the situation seriously with biosecurity inspectors moving quickly to quarantine the practice and establish thorough disinfection ... Read full story
 7/8/2008
Leptospirosis: What Is It?  *
Don’t overlook this "bug" that can cause abortion and uveitis (moon blindness). Many horse people don't know that much about leptospirosis. If you have heard of it, it is probably in reference to cattle, other livestock, or maybe dogs. However, leptospirosis does affect horses, and it can be the cause of some serious health problems, including ... Read full story
 3/1/2008
Hendra Virus Infects Australian Veterinarian  *
A Thoroughbred veterinarian infected by the killer Hendra virus was admitted to a hospital in Queensland Aug. 27. The vet contracted the virus after performing an autopsy on a Thoroughbred in his clinic last week. There are reportedly two known current cases of Hendra in the Thoroughbred population in Queensland. While believed unrelated to the ... Read full story
 8/27/2007
Detecting Animal Diseases that Could Affect Humans  *
An upcoming Ohio conference is aimed at helping public health officials earlier detect and recognize emerging diseases in animal populations that could affect humans. The June 16 meeting, "Public Health Surveillance Using a One-Medicine Approach," is part of a new program in Ohio to help researchers catch natural and intentional animal disease outbreaks. ... Read full story
 5/24/2006
EEE in Alabama Horses and Humans   *
Seven cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) were confirmed recently in southwestern Alabama. The disease has also infected two people, one of whom did not survive. The Alabama Department of Public Health has recommended the public reduce exposure to mosquitoes, which are thriving due to the copious amounts of standing water left by Hurricane Dennis. ... Read full story
 9/1/2005
Methicillin-Resistant Staph Bacteria Passed From Humans to Horses  *
"What do animal diseases have to do with people?" posed Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, Dipl. ACVIM, an associate professor at the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College. "We are just one big global population with subsets," he answered. Weese discussed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a multi-drug-resistant bacterium that affects ... Read full story
 6/27/2005
Meet the Epidemiologist  *
As people have become more health-conscious, and bonds between humans and their animals have deepened, the demand for veterinary specialties such as dermatology, behavior, pathology, and surgery has risen. The following is part of a series exploring these specialties and the University of Illinois veterinarians who practice and teach them. When your ... Read full story
 10/15/2004
USDA to Compensate for Brucellosis-Infected Sheep, Goats, and Horses  *
The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently amended its brucellosis regulations in an effort to encourage livestock owners to cooperate with the agency's brucellosis eradication program, thus reducing the likelihood of the disease spreading in this country. Beginning Aug. 12, livestock producers can be compensated for losses ... Read full story
 8/11/2004
AAEP Convention: New/Emerging Diseases  *
INFECTIOUS DISEASE FORUM With West Nile virus (WNV) marching across the United States and affecting both horses and humans, infectious disease prevention has been a hot topic in barns, the media, veterinary clinics, and elsewhere. During the Infectious Disease Forum, moderated by Josie Traub-Dargatz, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, professor of equine ... Read full story
 3/1/2003
AAEP 2002: A Review of Equine Zoonotic Diseases: Risks in Veterinary Medicine  *
Zoonotic diseases are those that can be passed from animals to humans, and, noted Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, Dipl. ACVIM, of the Department of Clinical Studies at the University of Guelph, they are an ever-present threat to veterinarians. "A number of zoonotic agents may be encountered in veterinary practice and the severity of human disease can range ... Read full story
 2/21/2003
Equine Salmonellosis in the United States and Kentucky  *
Salmonella spp. cause a multitude of diseases in horses, including diarrhea, abscesses, septicemia, and other ailments. Over 2,200 serotypes of salmonellae are known and can be identified at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. With the exception of S. typhi, which only affects humans, all other salmonellae are zoonotic, ... Read full story
 10/9/2002
Shared Diseases   *
The term zoonosis (plural zoonoses) means a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The name is derived from the Greek "zoi" or "zoe," meaning life, plus "nosos," meaning disease. An equine zoonosis is a disease that humans can contract from members of the equid family. While there are a number of zoonoses, the good news is that horses ... Read full story
 1/1/2002
Common Complaints: Diseases Horses and Humans Share  *
The titles of numerous news stories in Florida papers during a few weeks in October shared some common words--Eastern equine encephalomyelitis. The disease has been responsible for several human deaths recently in Florida, and while in Orlando for the American College of Veterinary Surgeons' annual meeting, the hotel at which I was staying was closing ... Read full story
 10/1/1997




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