OPINION - Sangita Sharma on Dietary Nutrition

11 MINUTES ON DIETARY NUTRITION AND BEEF

She sees beef (and other red meat) as a wonderful supply of dietary nutrients as well as the minerals and vitamins we all require. 

HEALTH - Canine Flu H3N2 Discovered in Florida

(pexels.com)

The H3N2 flu virus, which first struck the US in 2015, has spread to Florida with the initial cases discovered in late May.

The dogs testing positive were either at a Perry, Georgia, dog show from May 19 to 21 or the Deland, Florida, dog show the next weekend — or were exposed to dogs that had been at those shows.

University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine officials hope to create “community immunity” and as such are encouraging dog owners to vaccinate their pets to prevent the spread of the virus.

“The more dogs in the community that we can vaccinate and build up community immunity, the better chance we have at keeping this virus out of the community,” Dr. Cynda Crawford, an assistant professor of shelter medicine at the college, said at a press conference.

“It’s all about using vaccines to build a wall, an immune barrier, in the community that will stop the virus from entering. Vaccination is still the primary tool we have.”

The virus was present in about 30 other states before appearing in Florida.

“This is a highly contagious virus to dogs, just like influenza virus is to people,” Crawford said. “There is an eminent threat for dogs to be exposed to this virus in this state now.”

The H3N2 canine influenza virus is an avian flu virus that adapted to infect dogs and is different from human seasonal H3N2 viruses.

Canine influenza H3N2 virus was first detected in dogs in South Korea in 2007.

According to the AVMA, Canine influenza is spread via aerosolized respiratory secretions (via coughing, barking and sneezing) and contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes) and people moving between infected and uninfected dogs.

The signs of this illness in dogs are cough, runny nose, and fever, but not all dogs will show signs of illness.

The severity of illness associated with canine flu in dogs can range from no signs to severe illness resulting in pneumonia and sometimes death.

While death is not common, it is important for owners with dogs exhibiting symptoms to seek veterinary treatment to prevent issues like pneumonia.

BUSINESS - IDEXX Supports Human Animal Bond Research

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IDEXX, a world leader in veterinary diagnostic instrument development and manufacture; reference laboratory services; and dairy and water testing, has become an official supporter of the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI).

HABRI is a not-for-profit organization that maintains the world’s largest online library of human-animal bond research and information; funds innovative research projects to scientifically document the health benefits of companion animals; and informs the public about human-animal bond research and the beneficial role of companion animals in society.

“IDEXX is proud to support HABRI and its mission to advance human-animal bond research,” said Jonathan Ayers, Chairman and CEO of IDEXX Laboratories.

“IDEXX is committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of pets and people alike by bringing to market the most advanced diagnostics and software in veterinary medicine. When we provide high quality care for pets, human health also benefits.”

Scientific evidence increasingly shows that pets improve heart health; alleviate depression; increase well-being; support child health and development; and contribute to healthy aging.

In addition, companion animals can assist in the treatment of a broad range of conditions from post-traumatic stress to Alzheimer’s disease to autism spectrum disorder.

“IDEXX is an innovative leader in pet health,” said Steven Feldman, Executive Director of HABRI. “By supporting HABRI, IDEXX is demonstrating its dedication to the human-animal bond and to keeping pets and people healthy together.”

With over 6,000 employees in 175 countries, IDEXX is a major player and their support of the relationship and health connection between humans and animals lends more credence, not just to HABRI, but to initiatives like One Health that is working to unite human and animal medicine.

By expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of health care for humans, animals and the environment, One Health Initiative hopes to accelerate biomedical research discoveries, enhance public health efficacy, expeditiously expand the scientific knowledge base, and improve medical education and clinical care.

HEALTH - First Rabies Case in Waterloo Region of Ontario

Despite a decrease in rabies cases reported in on Ontario this year, the rabies outbreak has made its way to Waterloo Region.

There were 288 cases of rabies confirmed in the province in 2016, with the majority reported in and around the Hamilton area.

Last week Waterloo Public Health announced the first case discovered in that region since the outbreak began at the end of 2015.

The provincial government has already launched their rabies control operations for this year which included helicopter baiting in Huron and Perth Counties in April.

Going forward, plans include helicopter, twin otter and hand baiting from July through September.

Baits are dropped for foxes, raccoons and skunks to eat in areas where rabies has been detected in wildlife in the current or previous year.

The bait is a small packet filled with the rabies vaccine that is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Animals are immunized against rabies about 2 weeks after they either chew or swallow the rabies vaccine bait.

To protect your family and your pets from rabies:

• Keep pets up-to-date with their rabies vaccination. In Ontario, it’s the law that all cats and dogs over three months of age be vaccinated against rabies
• Teach children to stay away from wild animals, dogs and cats they don’t know or animals that are acting strangely. A strange acting animal could be a sign that it is sick
• Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your livestock against rabies
• Keep pets away from wildlife. Don’t let your pets run free in the neighborhood and keep them indoors at night
• Don’t feed, transport or relocate wildlife.

To help pet owners Bridletown Warden Animal Hospital has been hosting low cost rabies/microchip clinics which will continue into June.

Visit Urban Animal Corporation’s website for complete clinic details, dates, locations and contact information.

HEALTH - PREDICTing and Preventing the Next Global Pandemic

Preventing the next global pandemic is a priority for many health organizations.

Identifying risks is a critical part of the prevention process, and chances are good that the next major outbreak (like many of the previous) will be the result of a zoonotic disease.

Zoonotic diseases are those that cross species lines, like HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and both Avian and Swine Flu have.

Bubonic plague was another zoonotic disease, and so is malaria, which has been killing humans since 450 AD, and still infects a huge number of people globally.

Because zoonotic diseases are such a significant risk – 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases, and 60% of all human diseases, are zoonotic – responding to the threat is a major concern for global public health.

But how should health organizations, governments, and individuals respond? What methods are most effective at preventing the spread and impact of zoonotic diseases?

The answer is complicated.

One theory is the “dilution effect,” which suggests that biodiversity provides protection.

The underlying hypothesis of this theory is that maintaining a rich diversity of plant and animal species offers a buffer against zoonotic diseases.

It’s a good theory for multiple reasons, including the support it offers to conservation efforts.

If accurate, the dilution effect could be used to support increased focus on conservation and protecting the biodiversity that remains.

But the dilution effect is not a simple one, and some studies have found that increased biodiversity increases some risks while decreasing others.

A recent study found that protecting biodiversity did not have a consistent positive impact on human health, and this is not the ideal result for researchers who had hoped to find something that would clearly benefit both humans and the ecosystem within which we live.

Chelsea Wood, a lead researcher in the study, told Smithsonian Magazine, “I know that conservation provides so many benefits to human society beyond infectious disease transmission, but [with dilution theory] we consistently find a mixed bag, which is not a good outcome for people interested in selling conservation as disease control.”

Despite this “mixed bag” when it comes to the dilution effect, other efforts to address zoonotic disease risk are proving more consistently effective.

USAID PREDICT is a collaboration between University of California at Davis’s One Health Institute and School of Veterinary Medicine, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Metabiota, EcoHealth Alliance and the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Health Program.

The program is now eight years old, and has collected samples from over 56,000 wild animals, trained more than 2,500 government and medical professionals in over 20 countries, and has provided support during 23 outbreaks and 4 wildlife epidemics.

The goal of the program is to monitor ecosystem health in order to recognize and respond to threats before they reach epidemic levels among wildlife, and before the disease can hop across species to infect humans.

And although the dilution effect is a mixed bag, the positive outcomes of the PREDICT program interventions are clear.

The 2014 Ebola outbreak, that ravaged many West African countries, killed more than 11,000 people between 2014 and 2016.

In contrast, that same year, an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo was significantly smaller and more contained, killing only 49 and lasting only three months.

The positive outcome was due to quick government response, enabled by the work that PREDICT had already done in training both medical staff and government officials.

The hope is that the PREDICT program can continue to work with governments and medical professionals globally, offering training and support to respond quickly and effectively to whatever new threats arise.

About Tiffany Sostar

Tiffany is a published academic, an editor with the Editors Association of Canada, an independent scholar and researcher, and a self-care and narrative coach. She is particularly interested in the intersection of technology and identity - how our tools shape our selves and change our stories, and in how the nature of work is changing as we incorporate more technology into our daily lives. 

HEALTH - Over 11 Million Raised for Pet Cancer Research and Treatment

Since their campaign began eight years ago, Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo Foundation have raised over $11 million for pet cancer research and treatment.

They are continuing their fundraising initiative through May - Pet Cancer Awareness Month - encouraging pet lovers to join them in the fight against pet cancer by donating in Petco stores or online, and sharing knowledge about the early warning signs of pet cancer.

This year's goal is to provide more than $2 million in additional grants to support pet cancer treatment and research initiatives.

"With approximately 6 million dogs and nearly the same number of cats impacted by cancer each year, we continue to make it a priority to invest in solutions to fight pet cancer, the number one disease-related cause of pet death," said Susanne Kogut, executive director of the Petco Foundation.

"After losing my own dog to cancer just last month, this fight against pet cancer has really hit home. One pet family battling canine or feline cancer is too many – and we are inspired by the new treatment options our funds have helped support."

Recent investments include $1 million dedicated to helping families in need cover the cost of cancer treatment, including funds at seven university oncology departments as well as $1 million for pet cancer studies like the groundbreaking research being conducted to combat osteosarcoma in dogs.

Additional funding has been put toward innovative comparative oncology work like that at Canines-N-Kids, an organization committed to finding a cure for the devastating cancers that impact kids and man's best friend.

"Blue Buffalo and the Blue Buffalo Foundation have been committed to finding a cure for pet cancer since our inception," said David Petrie, President of Blue Buffalo Foundation.

"We are excited about collaborative efforts, together with Petco and the Petco Foundation, to raise funds for research, increase awareness of cancer warning signs and help pet parents with the cost of pet cancer treatment."

Donations can be made until May 28th in any amount during checkout in a Petco store, or by donating online.

HEALTH - FDA Targets Illegal Cancer Treatment Claims

It is a violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to market and sell products that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure diseases without first demonstrating to the FDA that they are safe and effective for their labeled uses.

This week the FDA sent warning letters to 14 US-based companies illegally selling more than 65 products that fraudulently claim to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure cancer.

The products are being marketed for human and/or pet use and mainly sold through websites and social media.

“Consumers should not use these or similar unproven products because they may be unsafe and could prevent a person from seeking an appropriate and potentially life-saving cancer diagnosis or treatment,” said Douglas W. Stearn, director of the Office of Enforcement and Import Operations in the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs.

The illegally sold products cited in the warning letters include a variety of product types, such as pills, topical creams, ointments, oils, drops, syrups, teas and diagnostics (such as thermography devices).

The products make illegal, unproven claims regarding preventing, reversing or curing cancer; killing/inhibiting cancer cells or tumors; or other similar anti-cancer claims.

Companies receiving the warning letters are:

• AIE Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Amazing Sour Sop Inc.
• BioStar Technology International, LLC
• Caudill Seed & Warehouse Inc.
• DoctorVicks.com
• Everything Herbs
• Hawk Doc Natural Salve, LLC
• Healing Within Products & Services Inc.
• LifeVantage Corporation
• Nature’s Treasure Inc.
• Oxygen Health Services, LLC
• Sunstone Inc.
• The Vibrant Health Store, LLC dba Dr. Christopher’s Herbs
• The Vitamin C Foundation

It is important to consult with a veterinarian or physician before using any products for health care treatment.

The FDA encourages health care professionals and consumers to report adverse reactions associated with these or similar products to the agency’s MedWatch program.

HEALTH - Low Cost Rabies/Microchip Clinics Kickoff this Weekend in Ontario

With raccoon strain rabies in the community after a ten year absence, including two cats infected with it, rabies vaccination for Ontario pets is more important than ever.

Starting this weekend, low cost rabies and microchip clinics will be taking place in the province for those concerned about the cost of the injection.

Dr. Jeff Rabinovich of Bridletowne Warden Animal Hospital is once again offering the clinics - 23 this year - in partnership with Urban Animal Corporation, and hosted by Pet Valu and PetSmart stores.

The cost is just $25 per rabies vaccine, $25 per microchip, or $50 for both including HST (cash only).

Every participant will receive a lifetime subscription on HomeSafeTM, a global cloud-based registration and recovery service, courtesy of Urban Animal Corporation and Rabinovich.

HomeSafeTM provides the only on-line automated recovery system that allows all members of the community to post their own lost and found reports.

It facilitates instant sharing of pet information among the general public and organizations in the community, and across North America when a pet goes missing.

With an increase in clinics in 2017, organizers are confident more animals than ever before will be protected from disease and better insured of a return home if they get lost.

This weekend first-come, first-serve clinics will be held in Brockville, Waterloo and Kitchener.

Visit Urban Animal Corporation’s website for complete details, dates, locations and contact information.

HEALTH - The Pet Effect Shares the Science of Pets and People

A growing body of evidence shows just how good pets are for people.

Zoetis, a founder of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), has launched the Pet Effect Campaign to share scientific evidence and research about this unique relationship between people and animals.

Anyone trying to convince their family or significant other to get a pet can visit their website where it’s easy to find detailed information about how pets have a positive impact on heart attack survival, allergy prevention, depression, blood pressure, autism and more.

Of course, researchers and writers will also find this website very valuable with its quick links to a variety of studies.

The Pet Effect will also share the message and the science that shows how veterinary medicine is an essential component of health for pets and people.

While the site is lighthearted, the information is scientific and impacts community health.

“Zoetis partnered with HABRI to bring veterinarians, pet owners and the general public The Pet Effect, a multi-faceted, educational campaign to promote a growing body of scientific research that shows how important the human-animal bond is for human health,” Mike McFarland, Group Director Companion Animal Marketing at Zoetis, says on their site.

“The purpose of the Pet Effect is to raise awareness and encourage conversation about why pets make us healthier and happier, and how veterinarians — the professionals who help keep pets healthy – are also key contributors to human health and public health.”

Resources on the website include posters, videos, infographics, brochures and flyers.

HEALTH - Global Pandemics: What Puts us at Risk?

(World Health Organization)

Although pandemics are not a new phenomenon even for modern humans, the risks are increasing.

SARS, Ebola, Swine and Avian Flu, Zika – global health challenges have been mounting, and the next crisis-level pandemic will likely come from an unexpected source, and will hit with unprecedented force.

Although vaccination and hygiene mitigate the risk, other factors exacerbate it.

Travel is one of the biggest issues, particularly air travel. Humans travel faster than they ever have before, and across greater distances.

Infections can be carried from one population to another population in a different part of the world before the carrier even knows that they’re sick.

However, travel is not inherently an issue – pre-colonial Africans travelled widely, but had precautions in place to prevent the spread of illnesses.

One of their most effective strategies is simply no longer an option - spreading people out, so that one group of infected people would not result in an entire population being exposed.

This changed with colonization, and today global urbanization and population density pose some of the greatest risks.

It is not feasible to quarantine people with enough time and enough distance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and becoming less feasible by the year.

The UN estimates that over half the global population will live in urban areas by 2050.

Global inequality is another major risk factor, in a few different ways.

Civil unrest leaves countries vulnerable to an outbreak by putting exceptional strain on their resources and infrastructure, and countries are more likely to experience conflict when they are struggling economically.

Civil unrest is also contagious itself, meaning that the spread of conflict and the spread of disease can go hand-in-hand.

Global inequality also means that the regions most likely to experience an outbreak are also least likely to attract and retain qualified medical staff.

There are better prospects elsewhere, and qualified medical staff are unlikely to stay in impoverished countries where there is neither the compensation nor the infrastructure to support their work.

Referred to as “brain drain,” this migration of health workers has been an issue since the early 20th century.

However, it is not only the behaviour of humans that contributes to this current escalated threat level.

Zoonotic diseases are also a significant source of threat, even more urgently than they have been in the past.

Both Zoobiquity and the One Health Initiative aim to take a holistic view of human and animal health, recognizing and responding to zoonotic threats – those diseases that can jump the species barrier.

Until now, most of the concerns around zoonotic diseases have been with those diseases that move from animals to humans, such as swine and avian flu, ringworm and other parasites (including rat lungworm disease), and rabies.

Recently, a vet contracted avian flu from a cat – demonstrating just how easily some diseases hop between species.

But the recent rise of reverse zoonotic diseases is a growing concern.

Not only are animals at risk from reverse zoonoses, but humans are also at increased risk of both reinfection from their infected pets, and also of mutated and potentially more harmful diseases that cross back into the human population.

A study in 2006 concluded that MRSA was able to transmit back and forth between pets and humans, making treatment difficult and lengthy.

Finally, when discussing global health, it’s impossible to ignore the state of the globe itself.

Climate change is a factor in the rising risk of a global pandemic.

Heat waves and flooding are providing more opportunities for waterborne and mosquito-transmitted diseases in new locations.

Climate change also exacerbates the risk of civil unrest, and the pressure on urban locales.

These escalating shifts will continue to open up new risk areas, and governments and other agencies will need to keep up.

About Tiffany Sostar

Tiffany is a published academic, an editor with the Editors Association of Canada, an independent scholar and researcher, and a self-care and narrative coach. She is particularly interested in the intersection of technology and identity - how our tools shape our selves and change our stories, and in how the nature of work is changing as we incorporate more technology into our daily lives.