Deer Hunters Reminded of South Texas Fever Tick Quarantine

Good morning. I am forwarding a joint release from the Texas Parks
and Wildlife (TPWD) and Texas Animal Health
Commission (TAHC) regarding fever ticks and hunting.

Carla Everett, director of Public Info, TAHC.
My contact info: 800-550-8242, ext 710
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

State officials are reminding hunters and meat processors in South
Texas that additional precautions are required when handling deer
carcasses due to concerns about spread of fever ticks in the region.
The general deer hunting season opens Nov. 1.

Portions of Zapata, Starr, Jim Hogg, Maverick, Dimmit and Webb
counties are under preventive quarantine for livestock by the Texas
Animal Health Commission due to heightened levels of fever ticks
outside the permanent quarantine zone along the Rio Grande border.
The total affected quarantine area covers more than 1 million
acres. Contact the land owner or manager to determine the current
fever tick status, if you are hunting in these counties.

Cattle, horses, white-tailed deer, nilgai and elk can act as a host
for the tick, perpetuating its population.If not contained, according
to TAHC officials, the fever ticks will continue to spread northward
outside the permanent fever tick quarantine area and could become
re-established in other areas of Texas and throughout much of the
south, southeast and parts of California.

"We're telling hunters to use common sense and take precautions when
handling and transporting deer taken on ranches within the quarantine
zone," said Mike Berger, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department director
of wildlife.

According to the TAHC, fever ticks can affect the condition and
general well-being, but are unlikely to cause death in deer. It is
safe to eat venison from fever tick-infested deer.
Deer harvested on infested, exposed, adjacent and check premises must
be inspected, treated and permitted prior to being removed from the premises.
If you kill a deer on other properties within the temporary
quarantine areas, you have three options:

1. Remove the hide completely and leave it on the ranch. If the skull
is needed for proof of sex, seal it in a bag, then dispose of the
skull away from livestock or wildlife after the carcass is processed.
2. Freeze the hide for 24 hours.
3. Have the hide/cape inspected and treated by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's Fever Tick Force before removing it from the ranch.

A permit for movement issued by a representative of the Commission
must accompany the shipment of the hide and cape.

"There is too much at stake here to take a chance on inadvertently
carrying this deadly parasite outside the quarantine zone and we are
asking hunters to be vigilant to help keep this tick from spreading,"
Berger stressed.

Fever ticks are capable of carrying and transmitting a protozoa or
tiny blood parasite that destroys red blood cells, causing the deadly
livestock disease, "Texas Fever." Cattle are highly susceptible to
"Texas Fever," and the disease may kill up to 90 percent of infected cattle.

"It took more than 50 years to eradicate fever ticks from the U.S.,"
said Dr. Bob Hillman, TAHC executive director and Texas' state
veterinarian. "We have taken extraordinary precautions against
expansion of fever tick infestation into other counties or other
areas of the Texas. Compliance with these measures is extremely
important to prevent the spread of this dangerous tick." A permanent
fever tick quarantine zone runs through eight South Texas counties
along the Rio Grande to prevent the reintroduction of the ticks into
Texas and the U.S.

Additional information on fever ticks may be found on the TAHC web
site at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us

Protect Your Pets from Food Hazards During the Holidays and Beyond

Below is an article taken from Pet Talk:

Sweet treats and family meals are a hallmark of the holidays, but
for many of our furry friends, these same indulgences can be
dangerous.Dr. Mark Stickney, Director of General Surgery Services at the
Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical
Sciences, tells us how we can keep our pets safe while enjoying the
holiday season.
One of the major food dangers to our pets during the holidays and
beyond is chocolate. Eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can
cause toxicity in dogs and cats, which can result in death.
“While chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats we see
chocolate toxicity much more often in dogs. This is simply because dogs
are much more likely to eat it. However, it is important to keep it
away from all pets just in case,” notes Stickney.
Although chocolate has long been a known toxin for dogs, other foods
and vegetation can also be very harmful.
“Few people know this, but both grapes and raisins can cause
renal failure in dogs,” states Stickney. “Another thing to note is
that Easter lilies, or really any flower from the lily family, can cause
kidney failure in cats.”
While these foods are especially dangerous, feeding any table
scraps to your pets can cause them harm in the long-run. Because of
this, Stickney stresses the importance of keeping your pet’s diet
regular year-round.
“During the holidays it is common for friends and family
members to slip your pets food under the table. While they think they
are giving them a nice treat, the high fat content of most table scraps
can not only cause weight control problems, but can also cause
pancreatitis,” says Stickney.
In order to avoid these situations, Stickney suggests that you ask
any guests to avoid the temptation of feeding your dogs table scraps and
explain to them the risks associated.
“Most people are more than willing to respect your wishes,
especially when they know the health concerns,” Stickney notes. “Of
course children are another story. The only thing you can do is watch
them like a hawk.”
Even if they are not given food, pets can sometimes find it
themselves. It is not uncommon in the commotion and food preparation of
the holidays to find your animal knee-deep in your trash can.
“It’s important to remember to always keep you trash closed
with a lid or put somewhere your animal cannot reach it,” states
Stickney. “If they do get into it you may have a sick animal on your
hands and no way of knowing what and how much they ate.”
While it is best to keep your animals on their regular diet,
Stickney does say that there are some foods that are safe for pets to
eat.
“If you absolutely have to give them something off of your
plate, hand them a green bean,” says Stickney. “Plain vegetables and
unbuttered, unsalted popcorn are both pretty harmless since they are
mostly fiber and don’t contain a lot of extra calories.”
Although toxic food is a major concern for your pets during the
holiday season, other common substances and smells can also harm them
during this time.
“Birds are very sensitive to anything they can inhale. During
the holidays people like to burn smelly candles and our guests may want
to smoke, but these types of irritants can give our winged companions
the bird version of a cold,” states Stickney.
Another thing to keep in mind, as the weather gets colder and you start
changing your anti-freeze to keep your dogs away from it.
“Anti-freeze has a sweet taste to it that dogs seem to like.
Unfortunately it is extremely toxic and can cause renal failure,”
notes Stickney.
The important thing to remember is that your pets are part of your
family. By keeping an eye out and avoiding over-feeding you can make
sure the entire family is enjoying the season.

ABOUT PET TALK...Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary
Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be
viewed on the Web at http://tamunews.tamu.edu/.

Summer 2008 VQR now available

The latest issue of the Veterinary Quarterly Review (VQR) can be found at http://aevm.tamu.edu under VQR. If you have any questions please email me at adement@cvm.tamu.edu

Rabies

Since we have been seeing more and more cases of rabies I thought that a "refresher" would be appropriate.

The following was taken from "Quick Facts about Foreign and Endemic Animal Diseases". This publication may be found at http://agrilifebookstore.org or on our website at http://aevm.tamu.edu under Publications

What is Rabies?

Rabies, caused by a virus, affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals. It is sometimes referred to as hydrophobia. Rabies is considered to be a disease of over-populated wild animal species.

Is the disease a foreign or emerging/endemic disease?

Rabies is endemic to the U.S.

What animals are affected?

Rabies can affect any warm-blooded animal and it is fatal if untreated. Species most commonly affected are skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes. Skunks shed more rabies virus in their saliva than any other species.

How is it transmitted?

The rabies virus is transmitted in the saliva and blood of infected animals. When an infected animal bites or scratches another animal and saliva is deposited on the wound, the virus enters the body and migrates to the brain by traveling up the peripheral nerves.

What is the incubation period of the disease?

The incubation period varies from 3 weeks to 7 months, depending on the species of the animal, the virulence of the strain of the virus, the age of the victim, and the site of the wound.

What are the symptoms?

The best-known symptom is excessive salivation. Other symptoms are:

• Anorexia
• Apprehension
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Hyperexitability
• Ataxia (failure of muscle coordination)
• Altered temperament

Once an animal exhibits symptoms, death usually occurs within 3 to 10 days.

Can people be infected?

Yes. Transmission may occur if an infected animal scratches or bites a person. People who have been bitten by or had contact with a rabid animal should contact a physician to determine if post-exposure prophylactic measures are required.

Is there a vaccine available?

Yes. Animals should be routinely vaccinated to build immunity against the virus.

Is this disease preventable?

Yes. The most effective preventive measure is vaccination. People should not adopt wild animals or allow bats to take up residence in areas where there are people or domestic animals.

Is this a reportable disease?

Yes. It should be reported immediately to state public health officials. Is an animal is suspected of having rabies (i.e., it bites somebody) it should be quarantined for 10 days. Domestic animals that have been in contact with a rabid animal should be destroyed immediately or, if they have been vaccinated, quarantined for 45 to 90 days.

Who should be contacted if rabies is suspected?

Immediately contact a private veterinarian or the state animal health department. Rabies can not be diagnosed in live animals. The head and brain of the animal must be tested.

Fever Ticks Lay Claim to a Million Acres in Texas

News Release
Texas Animal Health Commission
Box l2966 * Austin, Texas 78711 * (800) 550-8242 * FAX (512) 719-0719
Bob Hillman, DVM * Executive Director
For info, contact Carla Everett, information
officer, at 1-800-550-8242, ext. 710, or ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us

For immediate release---

Fever Ticks Lay Claim to a Million Acres in Texas

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) marked an ominous anniversary July 3 by expanding the preventive cattle fever tick quarantine area in south Texas by 307,000 acres, after the dangerous livestock pests were detected on cattle outside quarantine areas in Starr and Zapata counties. Fever ticks, capable of carrying and transmitting deadly “tick fever” to cattle, have been detected on livestock or wildlife on 139 Texas pastures during the past 12 months.

“In July 2007, the first preventive quarantine was established--39,325 acres in Starr county--to
enable the US. Department of Agriculture’s Tick Force and the TAHC to inspect and treat livestock moved from the area, get ahead of the fever tick and push it back across the quarantine line,” said Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas’ state veterinarian and head of the Texas Animal Health Commission, the state’s livestock and poultry health regulatory agency. “Now, a year later, we have more than a million acres under preventive quarantines in Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Maverick, Dimmit and Webb counties, in addition to the half-million acres in the permanent fever tick quarantine zone that runs alongside the Rio Grande, from Del Rio to Brownsville.”

The enlarged preventive quarantine includes portions of Starr, Zapata counties and a small area in Jim Hogg County. It is bounded on the north by Texas Highway 16, from its intersection on the west with US Highway 83 to its eastern junction with Ranch Road 649. Ranch Road 649 is
the eastern boundary to its southern intersection with US Highway 83, which is the western boundary stretching northward to the intersection with Texas Highway 16. Maps of this and all
preventive fever tick quarantines are available on the TAHC website at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us or by calling the TAHC at 800-550-8242.

“This is no longer a ‘border war’ against the fever tick,” said Dr. Hillman. “The fever tick has gained a substantial foothold on Texas soil, and without adequate resources to fight this pest, it will spread.” The fever tick, which can survive winters from coast to coast and as far north as Washington, D. C., was successfully pushed back into Mexico in 1943. Periodic tick incursions since then have occurred in Texas, but only one, in the 1970s, eclipsed the current outbreak for the number of premises infested and took six years to eradicate.

“In smaller states, a quarantine area the size of Delaware would raise red flags,” said Dr.
Hillman. “Texas’ vastness and the previous success at keeping the fever tick controlled may
be working against us. Now we need help, with a million more acres to cover and finding about a
dozen infested premises a month.”

“Early this year, the fever tick program received $5.2 million of the $13 million of federal funds
requested to fight the tick, and while appreciated and used, it is not enough to win this battle,” said Dr. Hillman. “Furthermore, there has been no funding for the National Fever Tick Eradication Strategic Plan, developed and approved by USDA in 2006. It called for preventing entry of cattle fever ticks into the U.S., enhancing surveillance, and eradicating infestations resulting from fever tick incursions. The plan also was to identify and procure the tools necessary to keep the U.S. free of fever ticks, and to work with Mexico, where cattle fever ticks are not controlled. The strategic plan has not been implemented.”

“It’s really a ‘pay now or pay later’ scenario, because this tick won’t be stopped with less than
an all-out assault that requires adequate personnel, sufficient treatment products, and enough equipment, such as portable dipping vats or portable spray boxes for cattle, and treatment
equipment for deer and other wildlife hosts,” said Dr. Hillman. “Texas has a ticking time bomb
in south Texas. So far, we have had only two of the three elements for a ‘tick fever’ outbreak--fever ticks and fever tick hosts--including cattle, horses and several species of wildlife. If, however, some of these fever ticks carry babesia, a blood parasite deadly to cattle, the equation would be complete and we could see livestock death losses.”

On the front lines are the ranchers in the preventive quarantine areas who must gather their
cattle for inspection-which in the south Texas brush country usually requires helicopters and
cowboys on horseback. The TAHC and USDA work cooperatively to provide the inspections to
determine the scope of infestation in the area. Cattle, horses and ruminants, including llamas and camels, also must be inspected, treated and permitted prior to leaving the area.

Dr. Hillman encouraged ranchers to comply with the preventive quarantines and asked producers in adjacent counties to have their livestock checked prior to movement out of the area. “In discussions with ranchers, it has been suggested that cattle moving through south Texas livestock markets be inspected and dipped prior to sale,” said Dr. Hillman. “This is being considered, but it, too, requires additional personnel, chemicals and the construction of dipping vats, resources we do not have at this time.”

“We have traced more than 1,000 cattle moved from ranches later found to be tick-infested,”
said Dr. Hillman. “Requesting an inspection prior to movement costs nothing for the rancher,
but it could save us countless hours of tracking cattle, time that could be better used in the
field to fight the ticks. I also encourage ranchers anywhere in Texas to call us if they see tick infestations on their cattle. We can check the animals, and collect and send tick samples to the state-federal laboratory for identification. We do not want to take any chances with these ticks and spread them further.” Ranchers can call their area TAHC office, or the agency headquarters at 800-550-8242.

Ranches where ticks have been detected are quarantined, and cattle are rounded up, inspected
and treated as often as every two weeks, or as seldom as every 28 days, depending on the
treatment method-dipping, spraying or injection with Dectomax, an injectable treatment. The
cattle are repeatedly treated and returned to the pasture to ‘pick up’ ticks on the vegetation,
until the animals are tick-free, indicating that the premises is free of the pests.

Another method of clearing a pasture of ticks involves removing clean, treated cattle and ‘vacating’ the pasture for as long as nine months to starve out the ticks. Recently, this method
has met with less than positive results, as ticks have demonstrated their adaptability to live on
wildlife when cattle hosts are not available.

“Historically, fever ticks preferred cattle, and sometimes, hitched a ride on horses. Now fever
ticks are being detected not only on white-tailed deer and nilgai, but also on aoudad sheep, fallow, axis and red deer, and elk. Fighting fever ticks on a variety of species--especially
free-ranging animals that don’t respect fences--makes this battle much more difficult,” said Dr. Hillman.

Currently, treatment of wildlife or exotic livestock is limited to providing corn treated with an insecticide, or setting up feeding stations equipped with treated posts that transfer pyrethrin, an insecticide, to the animal’s head and neck. Later, as the animal grooms itself, the pyrethrin is distributed across its body, killing the fever ticks. The problem: some products require a 60-day
withdrawal period, so they can’t be used just prior to or during the hunting season. In the
quarantined areas, the hides of harvested animals are either left behind, or inspected and treated prior to being removed from the premises.

“Concerns about fever ticks run deep in Texas, where the TAHC was established in 1893 to fight this pest. A Fever Tick Working Group, with industry and related agency membership, is
working on recommendations for getting ahead of the fever tick, so it can be pushed back to the
border. Likewise, a Wildlife Subcommittee also is working on suggestions for addressing fever
ticks on free-ranging and exotic livestock,” said Dr. Hillman. “Fighting fever ticks may seem
simple, but it’s not easy…and it’s never cheap.”

Pets and Fireworks: Keep The Booms Away From Boomer, Expert Says

From Pet Talk:

COLLEGE STATION, July 2, 2008 – When it comes to fireworks, animal experts agree: keep those booms far from Boomer.

“It’s not a very wise idea to keep pets anywhere near where fireworks are being set off. The possible dangers and the stress it creates for animals are very real,” says Dr. John August, a professor in Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Animals frightened by fireworks may shake or tremble, have excessive drooling, barking and howling, or may even lose bladder control, notes August.

“Loud noises from fireworks can cause some dogs to have seizures which may develop into a life-threatening situation,” he confirms. “Also, epilepsy can be triggered by loud explosions.”

Animals, especially dogs, can chew on exploded or unexploded fireworks and the ingredients in them are toxic, notes August.

“These chemicals and materials can cause severe stomach and digestive trouble, possibly even death, if ingested.” Additionally, August says that pet hair can easily catch fire, so pets should be kept as far away from the fireworks as possible to prevent burns.

August highly recommends keeping pets indoors if fireworks are being set off nearby.

“It is best to have a television or radio playing because these are familiar sounds to the pet and they will provide a distraction. Your presence may also have a calming effect,” he adds.

If scared, indoor cats can usually find a hiding place under a bed or table, notes August.

“If the animal can’t be kept indoors, provide a place in the yard, such as a dog house. An animal carrier may help your pet feel safer and provide a sense of security and comfort.

The loud noises generated by fireworks can be very upsetting to pets and may cause improper behavior such as destruction of property, hiding, escaping, or extreme anxiety, notes August. In severe cases, pets may need to be sedated.

If you have previously sedated your pet for loud noises and the effects were beneficial, it might be best to continue the practice, notes August. “But this should only be done as a last resort,” he believes.

“Pets and fireworks are not a great combination, so help your pet survive the loud, explosive celebrations in their own retreat, away from the noise.”

ABOUT PET TALK...

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at http://tamunews.tamu.edu/.

Failure of Passive Transfer

"Failure of Passive Transfer" is a phrase used in veterinary medicine to explain why the newborn has diarrhea or pneumonia or joint ill or navel ill or other physical problems or developments indicative of some generalized infection or unthrifty condition. By the way, the students on my rotation the other day didn't know what I meant by the terms "joint ill" or "navel ill". I guess these conditions are called by other names now. When "thinkers" are bored they seem to change the name of certain conditions or disease processes if they are suffering from a drought in discovering new diseases. Joint ill is the term I learned when a foal or sometimes a baby calf develops a swollen, tender, warm or hot joint or joints. This happens when germs enter the system (often times through the navel) and "settle out" in the joints. The condition is almost always a death sentence to the affected newborn since treatment can become very expensive and frustrating. Certainly, mama stepping on the leg could produce a similar appearing problem, but if multiple joints are affected, mama probably isn't that clumsy.

What allows these serious infections to occur in such a young, fragile offspring is often related to the baby not nursing the dam soon enough after birth in order to receive the very important colostrum. In some cases, it's possible that the dam's immune system wasn't properly prepared for the germ Mother Nature showed the baby, so although the newborn nursed well and in a timely manner, the colostrum was a little lacking since mama's immune system was deficient in some way. That's what is meant by "failure of passive transfer".

Since the newborn's immune system isn't ready to "take on the world" of germs, mama's milk needs to provide immediate protection. This is a concept we've all been familiar with since basic animal husbandry classes. But what sometimes isn't understood is that the window of opportunity for the absorption of these protectors against disease that are in the colostrum is relatively short. The time frame varies a little depending on whose opinion you're hearing, but I learned within the first 8 hours of birth. Some offer a more narrow window for the best chance of protection.

So what's the big deal? We all can expect the newborn to certainly have an opportunity to nurse within 8 hours. Or maybe not. What about that cow that wasn't culled last year because she's pregnant again and she always does a good job on her calf. The only problem is the several calves she's had and the plentiful milk she provides have caused her teats to be so big the calf can't get them in his mouth. Or maybe only one of her teats is enlarged, but that's the one her calf chooses to try to nurse while he's still wobbly legged. The mare with the nervous disposition that was bred since she wasn't suited for anything else has now gone through pregnancy and labor; she's still nervous and unsettled and won't let her baby even try to nurse.

The other important thing to consider is preparing the dam's immune system with the proper ammunition through a thoughtful, systematic approach to vaccination. If you are uncertain what types of infections and diseases are prevalent in your area, the local veterinarian should have already done the homework for you. He or she is probably happy to share the knowledge. Saving expense by shortcuts on nutrition and proper mineral supplementation, may compromise the vaccination protocol. So don't be too quick to blame 'ol Doc because the vaccine recommended didn't seem to help at all. Those animals need a healthy immune system in order to respond to the vaccination.

There's quiet a lot of stuff that can allow "failure of passive transfer" to occur. The end result is almost always the same, though. The dam's inventory cost is real. Her lack of productivity is too.

DSHS Offers Hot Weather Precautions

As many Texas areas mark record high temperatures, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) health officials offer precautions people can take to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The elderly, the very young, people with chronic diseases and those without access to air conditioning are those most likely to suffer in extremely hot weather.

Staying in an air-conditioned area, either at home or in a public place such as a mall, library or recreation center, is the most effective way to combat heat. If air conditioning is not available, open the windows, pull the shades down to keep out the sun and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms.

Other heat precautions from DSHS:

· Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle in hot weather, even for a short time.

· Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar. Don't wait until you are thirsty. Start drinking fluids at least 30 minutes before going out.

· Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early morning or evening when it’s cooler.

· Take frequent breaks when working outside.

· At the first signs of heat illness – dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps – move to a cooler location, rest a few minutes and slowly drink a cool liquid. Seek medical attention immediately if conditions do not improve.

· Eat more frequently but be sure meals are well balanced, cool and light.

· Check frequently on the elderly, the ill and others who may need help.

· Adjust to the environment. A sudden change in temperature – an early heat wave or travel to a hotter climate – will be stressful to the body. Limit physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat.

· Check with a doctor or pharmacist about the effects of sun and heat when taking prescription medications, especially diuretics or antihistamines.

The best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool, drinking plenty of fluids, wearing cool clothing and monitoring outdoor activities are keys to staying healthy in hot weather.