Single-topic compilations of the information shaping our profession
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Updated December 2010
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Potential zoonotic agents of bioterrorism
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| Anthrax |
| Anthrax |
Highlights:
• Agent: Bacillus anthracis bacterium
• Exposure to air is a key to sporulation
• Death may be caused by toxins or bacteremia
 Disruption of infected carcasses a key to spread |
| View article (PDF, 382 KB) |
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| Sean V. Shadomy, Theresa L. Smith |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Jul 1;233(1):63-72. |
| Arenaviruses |
| The arenaviruses |
Highlights:
• Rodent-borne RNA viruses, e.g. Lassa virus
• Category A bioterrorism pathogens
• Viral hemorrhagic fever has high case fatality rate
Veterinarians handling rodents must know risks |
| View article (PDF, 525 KB) |
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| Michele T. Jay, Carol Glaser, Charles F. Fulhorst |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2005 Sep 15;227(6):904-15. |
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| Brucellosis |
More in Additional resources |
| Brucellosis |
Highlights:
• One of the oldest recognized bioterror agents
• Abortion is most common sign in livestock
• Typically transmitted via reproductive tissues, milk
Slaughter of infected animals key to control
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| View article (PDF, 564 KB) |
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| M. Kathleen Glynn, Tracey V. Lynn |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Sep 15;233(6):900-8. |
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| Filoviruses |
| Filovirus infections |
Highlights:
• Ebola, Marburg viruses make up this group
• Human infection linked to primates, bats
• Highly virulent with mortality rate near 90%
Need improved surveillance of outbreaks |
| View article (PDF, 451 KB) |
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| Kelly L. Warfield, Emily M. Deal, Sina Bavari |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 May 1;234(9):1130-9. |
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| Glanders |
| Glanders |
Highlights:
• Highly contagious disease of horses, mules
• Respiratory, cutaneous, lymphatic nodules seen
• Has been used historically as bioterrorism agent
Caution: Treating animals may create carrier state |
| View article (PDF, 354 KB) |
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| Glenda D. Dvorak, Anna R. Spickler |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Aug 15;233(4):570-7. |
| Hantaviruses |
| Hantaviruses: etiologic agents of rare, but potentially life-threatening zoonotic diseases |
Highlights:
• Rodent-borne viruses, e.g. Sin Nombre Virus
• In US, causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
• 1993 outbreak: 38% case fatality rate
Take precautions when handling mice, habitats
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| View article (PDF, 108 KB) |
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| Charles H. Calisher, James N. Mills, J. Jeffrey Root, Barry J. Beaty |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003 Jan 15;222(2):163-6. |
| Plague |
| Plague: a veterinary perspective |
Highlights:
• Agent: Yersinia pestis bacterium
• 5-15 human cases reported in US each year
• Cat-associated plague first reported in 1977
Do not send cats home if plague is suspected
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| View article (PDF, 87 KB) |
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| Kathleen A. Orloski, Sarah L. Lathrop |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003 Feb 15;222(4):444-8. |
| Psittacosis |
| Psittacosis/avian chlamydiosis |
Highlights:
• Agent: Chlamydophila psittaci bacterium
• Affects 150 avian, many mammalian species
• Diverse illnesses possible in human infection
Human infection a serious risk in poultry industry
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| View article (PDF, 93 KB) |
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| Millicent Eidson |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002 Dec 15;221(12):1710-2. |
| Q fever |
| Q fever |
Highlights:
• Agent: Coxiella burnetii rickettsial bacterium
• Key route: Aerosolized infected parturient tissues
• Chronic disease can be deadly
Livestock workers at greatest risk of exposure
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| View article (PDF, 61 KB) |
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| Jennifer H. McQuiston, James E. Childs, Herbert A. Thompson |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002 Sep 15;221(6):796-9. |
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| Rift Valley fever virus |
| Rift Valley fever virus |
Highlights:
• Mosquito-borne pathogen of livestock, humans
• Hallmark: Abortion storms after heavy rain
• Disease often recognized in humans first
One-medicine approach is critical
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| View article (PDF, 730 KB) |
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| Brian H. Bird, Thomas G. Ksiazek, Stuart T. Nichol, N. James MacLachlan |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Apr 1;234(7):883-893. |
| Tularemia |
| Tularemia |
Highlights:
• Agent: Francisella tularensis coccobacillus
• Also known as "rabbit fever"
• Pneumonic form: 60% untreated fatality rate
Aerosolized form has potential for great harm
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| View article (PDF, 285 KB) |
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| Katherine Anne Feldman |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003 Mar 15;222(6):725-30. |
| General |
| Biological terrorism against animals and humans: a brief review and primer for action |
Highlights:
• Veterinarians are key in disease surveillance
• Agricultural bioterrorism a serious threat
• Production in livestock should be monitored
CE on foreign animal diseases needed
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| View article (PDF, 55 KB) |
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| Donald L. Noah, Harvey R. Crowder |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002 Jul 1;221(1):40-3. |
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Other pathogens with human health consequences
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| Animal bites |
| Animal bites |
Highlights:
• Greatest risk: Dogs familiar to victim, home setting
• Hand wounds most prone to complications
• Animals with prior biting history more likely to bite
Be aware of potential for occult trauma
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| View article (PDF, 392 KB) |
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| Gary J. Patronek, Sally A. Slavinski |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Feb 1;234(3):336-45. |
| Aquatic zoonoses |
| Aquatic zoonoses associated with food, bait, ornamental, and tropical fish |
Highlights:
• Bacteria are most common zoonotic agents
• Mycobacterium spp: "fish handlers' disease"
• Abrasions are most common means of exposure
Gloves should be worn whenever handling fish
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| View article (PDF, 305 KB) |
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| Toby Lowry, Stephen A. Smith |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007 Sep 15;231(6):876-80. |
| Avian influenza |
| Avian influenza and Newcastle disease |
Highlights:
• Avian influenza viruses pose low risk to humans
• Newcastle disease in humans mild, self-limiting
• NDV has potential anticancer activity
Human infections with AIV, NDV are rare
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| View article (PDF, 182 KB) |
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| David E. Swayne, Daniel J. King |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003 Jun 1;222(11):1534-40. |
| Bartonellosis |
| Cat scratch disease and other zoonotic Bartonella infections |
Highlights:
• Primary agent: Bartonella henselae bacterium
• Cats are main reservoir; also rodents
• B berkhoffii a cause of endocarditis in dogs
Suspect B berkhoffii in dogs with cardiac disease
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| View article (PDF, 178 KB) |
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| Bruno B. Chomel, Henri Jean Boulouis, Edward B. Breitschwerdt |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2004 Apr 15;224(8):1270-9. |
| Borreliosis |
More in Additional resources |
| Lyme borreliosis |
Highlights:
• Agent: Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete
• Red, expanding rash early sign in humans
• Dogs most commonly develop lameness, fever
Prompt removal of ticks important
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| View article (PDF, 151 KB) |
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| Curtis L. Fritz, Anne M. Kjemtrup |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003 Nov 1;223(9):1261-70. |
| Campylobacteriosis |
| Human campylobacteriosis: a challenge for the veterinary profession |
Highlights:
• Campylobacter spp causes of foodborne illness
• Poultry, unpasteurized milk sources of infection
• 5% of infections related to contact with dogs, cats
Fluoroquinolone resistance a challenge
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| View article (PDF, 445 KB) |
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| Sean F. Altekruse, Linda K. Tollefson |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003 Aug 15;223(4):445-52. |
| Ehrlichiosis |
| Ehrlichiosis and related infections |
Highlights:
• Agents: Ehrlichia and Anaplasma spp bacteria
• Transmitted via tick bites
• German Shepherd Dogs may be severely affected
Delayed treatment may result in serious disease
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| View article (PDF, 2044 KB) |
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| Jennifer H. McQuiston, Candace L. McCall, William L. Nicholson |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003 Dec 15;223(12):1750-6. |
| Escherichia coli |
More in Additional resources |
| Animal issues associated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 |
Highlights:
• 1 in 4 cattle at slaughter shedding E coli O157:H7
• Undercooked beef source of infection in humans
• Antimicrobial resistance is low
Efforts to reduce fecal shedding in cattle are key
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| View article (PDF, 69 KB) |
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| Susan Sanchez, Margie D. Lee, Barry G. Harmon, John J. Maurer, Michael P. Doyle |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002 Oct 15;221(8):1122-6. |
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| Leptospirosis |
More in Additional resources |
| Leptospirosis |
Highlights:
• Rodents are most important maintenance hosts
• Water contaminated with urine a common source
• Cases in dogs have increased in US, Canada
Use gloves, goggles to prevent in-clinic exposure
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| View article (PDF, 322 KB) |
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| Marta A. Guerra |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Feb 15;234(4):472-8. |
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| Prion diseases |
More in Additional resources |
| Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies |
Highlights:
• Prions: Abnormal isoforms of a cellular protein
• Cause of progressive, fatal neurodegeneration
• TSEs identified in various animals, humans
BSE, vCJD show species barrier can be breached
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| View article (PDF, 420 KB) |
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| James J. Sejvar, Lawrence B. Schonberger, Ermias D. Belay |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Dec 1;233(11):1705-12. |
| Bovine spongiform encephalopathy |
Highlights:
• Slow-onset, fatal encephalopathy of cattle
• Transmitted via ingestion of infected CNS tissue
• Mean incubation period in cattle is 4.5 to 5.5 years
Currently no test available for BSE in living animals
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| View article (PDF, 244 KB) |
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| Jane L. Harman, Christopher J. Silva |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Jan 1;234(1):59-72. |
| Rocky Mountain spotted fever |
| Rocky Mountain spotted fever |
Highlights:
• Rickettsia rickettsii an intracellular bacterium
• Dogs and humans have clinical illness
• Rickettsiae induce vasculitis, thrombosis
Prompt removal of ticks, early diagnosis important
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| View article (PDF, 100 KB) |
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| Ronald D. Warner, Wallace W. Marsh |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002 Nov 15;221(10):1413-7. |
| Salmonellosis |
| Animal sources of salmonellosis in humans |
Highlights:
• Salmonella spp causes of foodborne illness
• Poultry, meat, eggs are most common sources
• Inapparent carrier state in animals a concern
Prevention of reintroduction is key control strategy
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| View article (PDF, 72 KB) |
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| Susan Sanchez, Charles L. Hofacre, Margie D. Lee, John J. Maurer, Michael P. Doyle |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002 Aug 15;221(4):492-7. |
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| Screwworms |
| Screwworms |
Highlights:
• Screwworms a threat to US livestock industry
• Eradicated in 1966, but reintroduction a concern
• Persons, animals at risk if visit endemic countries
Be alert to wounds, myiasis in animals from Iraq
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| View article (PDF, 879 KB) |
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| James L. Alexander |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006 Feb 1;228(3):357-67. |
| Sporotrichosis |
| Sporotrichosis |
Highlights:
• Sporothrix schenckii a dimorphic fungus
• Disease often seen in gardeners
• Cats are key source of transmission to humans
Yeast-like cells on cytologic exam are diagnostic
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| View article (PDF, 186 KB) |
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| Ronald D. Welsh |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003 Oct 15;223(8):1123-6. |
| Tuberculosis |
| Tuberculosis |
Highlights:
• Mycobacterium bovis can cause human infection
• M bovis spreads from wild to domestic animals
• Principal sign: emaciation despite good nutrition
Tuberculin skin test a practical diagnostic method
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| View article (PDF, 128 KB) |
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| John B. Kaneene, Charles O. Thoen |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2004 Mar 1;224(5):685-91. |
| West Nile virus |
More in Additional resources |
| West Nile virus |
Highlights:
• Top cause of human arboviral encephalitis in US
• Virus transmitted from wild birds to mosquitoes
• Horses, humans highly susceptible to disease
Potential zoonotic risk via fecal, oral shedding
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| View article (PDF, 121 KB) |
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| Rosalie Trevejo, Millicent Eidson |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 May 1;232(9):1302-9. |
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Additional resources
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| Sections: Biosecurity and precautionary measures | Zoonotic diseases | Miscellaneous |
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| Biosecurity and precautionary measures |
| The ABCs of bioterrorism for veterinarians, focusing on Category A agents |
| Radford G. Davis |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2004 Apr 1;224(7):1084-95. |
| View article (PDF, 193 KB) |
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| The ABCs of bioterrorism for veterinarians, focusing on Category B and C agents |
| Radford G. Davis |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2004 Apr 1;224(7):1096-104. |
| View article (PDF, 151 KB) |
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| Assessment of laboratory and biosafety practices associated with bacterial culture in veterinary clinics |
| J. Scott Weese, John F. Prescott |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Feb 1;234(3):352-8. |
| View article (PDF, 381 KB) |
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| Characteristics of biosecurity and infection control programs at veterinary teaching hospitals |
| Katharine M. Benedict, Paul S. Morley, David C. Van Metre |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Sep 1;233(5):767-73. |
| View article (PDF, 363 KB) |
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| Comparison of published recommendations regarding biosecurity practices for various production animal species and classes |
| Dale A. Moore, Marcia L. Merryman, Marla L. Hartman; Donald J. Klingborg |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Jul 15;233(2):249-56. |
| View article (PDF, 222 KB) |
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| Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel |
| National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Veterinary Infection Control Committee |
| Published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2010 Dec 1;237(12):1403-1422. |
| View article (PDF, 563 KB) |
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| Evaluation of ProMED-mail as an electronic early warning system for emerging animal diseases: 1996 to 2004 |
| Peter Cowen, Tam Garland, Martin E. Hugh-Jones, Arnon Shimshony, Stuart Handysides, Donald Kaye, Lawrence C. Madoff, Marjorie P. Pollack, Jack Woodall |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006 Oct 1;229(7):1090-9. |
| View article (PDF, 554 KB) |
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| Infection control practices and zoonotic disease risks among veterinarians in the United States |
| Jennifer G. Wright, Sherry Jung, Robert C. Holman, Nina N. Marano, Jennifer H. McQuiston |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Jun 15;232(12):1863-72. |
| View article (PDF, 565 KB) |
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| Methods and microbial risks associated with composting of animal carcasses in the United States |
| Anna Catharina B. Berge, Thomas D. Glanville, Patricia D. Millner, Donald J. Klingborg |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Jan 1;234(1):47-56. |
| View article (PDF, 501 KB) |
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| 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 |
| Jeff B. Bender, Stephanie A. Shulman |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2004 Apr 1;224(7):1105-9. |
| View article (PDF, 114 KB) |
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| Risk behaviors for disease transmission among petting zoo attendees |
| Marcy McMillian, John R. Dunn, James E. Keen, Karen L. Brady, Timothy F. Jones |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007 Oct 1;231(7):1036-8. |
| View article (PDF, 380 KB) |
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| A survey of veterinarian involvement in zoonotic disease prevention practices |
| Beth A. Lipton, Sharon G. Hopkins, Jane E. Koehler, Ronald F. DiGiacomo |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Oct 15;233(8):1242-9. |
| View article (PDF, 650 KB) |
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| Zoonotic diseases |
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| Comparison of clonal relatedness and antimicrobial susceptibility of fecal Escherichia coli from healthy dogs and their owners |
| Katherine A. Stenske, David A. Bemis, Barbara E. Gillespie, Doris H. D'Souza, Stephen P. Oliver, Francis A. Draughon, Karla J. Matteson, Joseph W. Bartges |
| Originally published in Am J Vet Res. 2009 Sep;70(9):1108-16. |
| View article (PDF, 669 KB) |
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| Compendium of measures to control Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci) infection among humans (psittacosis) and pet birds, 2005 |
| Kathleen A. Smith, Kristy K. Bradley, Mary G. Stobierski, Leslie A. Tengelsen |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2005 Feb 15;226(4):532-9. |
| View article (PDF, 99 KB) |
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| Incidence of acquisition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, and other health-care–associated pathogens by dogs that participate in animal-assisted interventions |
| Sandra L. Lefebvre, Richard J. Reid-Smith, David Waltner-Toews, J. Scott Weese |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Jun 1;234(11):1404-17. |
| View article (PDF, 1008 KB) |
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| An investigation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in people and pets in the same household with an infected person or infected pet |
| Meredith C. Faires, Kathy C. Tater, J. Scott Weese |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Sep 1;235(5):540-3. |
| View article (PDF, 461 KB) |
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| Outbreaks of zoonotic enteric disease associated with animal exhibits |
| Jeffrey T. LeJeune, Margaret A. Davis |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2004 May 1;224(9):1440-5. |
| View article (PDF, 122 KB) |
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| Pathologic changes associated with brucellosis experimentally induced by aerosol exposure in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) |
| Mark G. Mense, Richard H. Borschel, Catherine L. Wilhelmsen, M. Louise Pitt, David L. Hoover |
| Originally published in Am J Vet Res. 2004 May;65(5):644-52. |
| View article (PDF, 450 KB) |
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| Prevalence of and risk factors for serum antibodies against Leptospira serovars in US veterinarians |
| Ellen A. Spotts Whitney, Elizabeth Ailes, Lee M. Myers, Jeremiah T. Saliki, Ruth L. Berkelman |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Apr 1;234(7):938-44. |
| View article (PDF, 1163 KB) |
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| AVMA Collections: Rabies |
| The articles in the Rabies collection have been selected to present an overview of current findings in veterinary medicine related to best practices in rabies prevention and control. |
| Compiled September 2009 |
| Go to AVMA Collection: Rabies |
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| A review of published reports regarding zoonotic pathogen infection in veterinarians |
| Whitney S. Baker, Gregory C. Gray |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 May 15;234(10):1271-8. |
| View article (PDF, 449 KB) |
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| Serologic survey of cats and dogs during an epidemic of West Nile virus infection in humans |
| James C. Kile, Nicholas A. Panella, Nicholas Komar, Catherine C. Chow, Adam MacNeil, Brent Robbins, Michel L. Bunning |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2005 Apr 15;226(8):1349-53. |
| View article (PDF, 3432 KB) |
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| Use of tick surveys and serosurveys to evaluate pet dogs as a sentinel species for emerging Lyme disease |
| Sarah A. Hamer, Jean I. Tsao, Edward D. Walker, Linda S. Mansfield, Erik S. Foster, Graham J. Hickling |
| Originally published in Am J Vet Res. 2009 Jan;70(1):49-56. |
| View article (PDF, 585 KB) |
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| A veterinary perspective on the recently published guidelines for animal-assisted interventions in health-care facilities |
| Sandra L. Lefebvre, Andrew S. Peregrine, Gail C. Golab, Nigel R. Gumley, David Waltner-Toews, J. Scott Weese |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Aug 1;233(3):394-402. |
| View article (PDF, 381 KB) |
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| What practitioners should know about bovine spongiform encephalopathy to serve clients and the cattle industry |
| Jared D. Taylor |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2005 Oct 1;227(7):1070-8. |
| View article (PDF, 236 KB) |
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| Miscellaneous |
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| Legal implications of zoonoses for clinical veterinarians |
| Sarah Babcock, Antoinette E. Marsh, Jeanie Lin, John Scott |
| Originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Nov 15;233(10):1556-62. |
| View article (PDF, 227 KB) |
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