1 USAHA Protecting Animal and Public Health Since 1897

United States Animal Health Association Newsletter - Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 Incoming President Hillman Welcome to Sets Focus For Next Year Birmingham by Bob Hillman, Incoming President sufficient to provide funding for a 104th Annual Meeting During the four years that I half-time Executive Director, I October 19-26, 2000 have been an officer in our associ- will appoint a search/selection ation, we have seen a number of committee to identify and make by J. Lee Alley, Secretary changes to im- recommendations to the Board of The USAHA/AAVLD Annual prove the annual Directors. We hope to be able to Meeting will be held October 19- meeting and our fill the position by early in 2001. 26, 2000, at the Birmingham ability to address Two years ago, Dr. McCapes Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham, the needs of ani- appointed a Sub-committee of the Alabama, where mal agriculture in Program Committee and charged attractions are the United States it with developing a Standard Op- abundant. Take a during the 21st erating Procedures Manual for poignant look at century. Bob Hillman USAHA Committees. This manu- the struggle for The Long al is currently in what we hope is human rights at Range Plan has been approved the final draft. It will be dis- the Birmingham and is being implemented. Full Page 15, Col. 1 Civil Rights Insti- J. Lee Alley tute and the 16th A major item ... Street Baptist of business ... will be to ... INSIDE Church. Smell the roses at the employ a half-time Botanical Gardens and shop at the Executive Director ... Riverchase Galleria's 200 plus • President’s Corner ...... 2 stores. • AAVLD news ...... 2 implementation will be dependant • Veterinary med & envir.health ...... 3 We are expecting 900 to 1,000 upon approval of the Constitution • New USDA labs essential ...... 3 participants to review, discuss and and Bylaw amendment and ap- • Animal research neglected ...... 4 develop solutions to issues of ani- proval of a dues increase at the • CVM update ...... 4 mal health and disease control, • Canada’s emergency response .....5 food safety, public health and ani- Birmingham meeting. President • Pat Smith passes away ...... 5 Zirkle has outlined the procedure • Yellowstone bison & brucellosis .....6 mal welfare. to affect these changes in his Pres- • Animal Health Protection Act ...... 8 AAVLD sessions begin on ident’s Corner article. • Salmonella risk reduction ...... 8 Thursday, October 19th, with spe- A major item of business, dur- • Spouses activities - Birmingham ....9 cial workshops on Reporting An- • Tick symposium ...... 9 timicrobial Susceptibility Results ing my term as President of our • Contacting the editior ...... 9 association, will be to recruit, se- • Webpage update ...... 9 and on Serological Test Valida- lect and employ a half-time Exec- • ARS position vacancy ...... 14 tion and Standardization. Com- utive Director. Upon approval of • Book review ...... 14 mittee and Subcommittee meeting the Constitution and Bylaw • USAHA email & web addresses ...16 kick-off on Friday, October 20th. amendment and a dues structure Page 16, Col. 3

8100 Three Chopt Road, Suite 203, P.O. Box K227, Richmond, VA 23288 • (804) 285-3210 office; (804) 285-3367 fax; www.usaha.org

USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 2 President’s Corner Y THE TIME you read cess. our livestock industries and to this, all of your plans for ¥ First, the membership must help influence how federal gov- Bthe Birmingham meeting approve the proposed constitu- ernment agencies are affecting should have been made. We are tional amendment for the Execu- the way we do things today. The looking forward to another agenda tive Committee to set dues. This most recent example is the pro- filled meeting proposed amendment was dis- posed Animal Health Protection with lots of ma- cussed and then approved by the Act and the attempt to impose jor issues being Executive Committee last year regulations State Veterinarians addressed. Your and must now be approved by the could not live with. We will have Board of Direc- general membership this year. lots more information on this for consideration in Birmingham tors consider the ¥ Second, the Executive Com- most important mittee must vote on a specific NOTHER MAJOR ITEM Association item to come before the mem- of business for dollar amount increase in dues. It is estimated that the hiring Abership is the revised Con- Ernie Zirkle the annual meet- stitution and Bylaws. The com- ing is to come of a part time Executive Director mittee co-chaired by Larry away with a dues will cost the association approxi- Williams and J. Lee Alley has re- increase that will finance the 1999 mately $55,000 per year. As I vised it into a document that Board recommendations pertain- have mentioned in my visits to makes sweeping changes. These ing to the Long-Range Plan and the regional meetings and in this changes provide for the participa- specifically the financial means to column, it is critical that we have tion of our international stakehold- hire a half-time, retired Executive/ a presence in Washington, not to ers and yet allow decisions in Director. The procedure to ac- lobby, but to be available to have committees to be voted upon by complish this is a two-step pro- input in issues that are critical to Page16, Col. 1

full-time administrative assistant addressed, but to formulate specif- AAVLD NEWS has been added for the JVDI Edi- ic strategies and action plans to ad- dress those issues. This effort ap- by Bruce L. Akey tor and another such position is President, AAVLD being developed for the Secre- pears to have been successful and The American Association of tary-Treasurer. will be inculcated into an annual Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosti- As part of a joint effort with review and update process to make cians (AAVLD) has reached a the USAHA, a set of Standard sure the organization continues to turning point in it’s history. With Operating Procedures for move forward. Longer term strate- more than 1,100 Committees has been devel- gies that were developed in- members now, the oped and reduced to writ- cluded: demand for mem- ing this year. As with ¥ Gain recognition of ber services, along the USAHA, the AAVLD accreditation as a with the steadily AAVLD’s committees are the viable, internationally acceptable, increasing in- backbone of the organization and quality-based process for accredi- volvement of the this new SOP will help ensure tation in order to insure acceptance organization with uniform operation of those com- of work performed in AAVLD ac- national and inter- mittees, the carryover from Chair credited laboratories. Bruce Akey national issues, to Chair of the vital work of the ¥ Implement programs to in- has brought to committees and encourage pro- crease the pool of individuals in- bear pressures to reshape the way ductive activities that are of spe- terested in pursuing careers in vet- the organization functions. The cific benefit to the membership. erinary diagnostic laboratories in Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Another major effort this year order to insure an adequate supply Investigation (JVDI) has grown in was to conduct an in-depth strate- of future well-trained diagnosti- stature from four to six issues a gic planning effort to chart both cians. year also. These growing pains the short-term and long-term di- ¥ Centralize administrative have brought on the need for addi- rections of the AAVLD. The in- functions in order to provide conti- tional, formalized supporting in- tention was to not only identify nuity and improve efficiency of pro- frastructure for the AAVLD. A critical issues that needed to be Page 12, Col. 1 USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 3 Veterinary Medicine’s New USDA Responsibility and Role in Laboratories Environmental Health Essential Bennie I. Osburn, Dean health issues through the re- School of Veterinary Medicine search, teaching and service mis- Congress Urged to University of California, Davis sion over the next ten years. The Fund NADC, NVSL Environmental issues are a ma- areas of major interest include air, jor concern of our society today water, land and the animals and and CVB Master Plan and will continue to challenge us humans that inhabit them. Fo- in the future. The cused Centers for Comparative by Bob Frost, Third Vice President consequences of Respiratory Biology and Medi- Increasing concern to our global warming, cine, Aquatic Toxicology, Vec- membership over the past number emerging diseas- torborne Disease Research, Wild- of years about the conditions of es, air pollution, life Health, and Fish Health have three USDA re- water quality, faculty participating in the initia- search and diag- wildlife conserva- tive. nostic laboratory tion, mitigation and regulatory fa- In addition, a new program, cilities located in Bennie Osburn decisions asso- the Masters in Public and Envi- ciated with devel- the Ames, Iowa, ronmental Health, is under devel- area has prompted opment, and conservation of spe- opment to train future "ecosystem cies, among others, are all the USAHA health clinicians" who can apply Board of Direc- associated with the changing en- multidisciplinary academic Bob Frost vironment. tors to develop a knowledge to practical problem- plan of action to help secure fund- Society's concern for human solving initiatives. Faculty from health and for the health and wel- ing for the APHIS/ARS Master the Centers as well as faculty Plan. fare of all animals in natural habi- from the Masters in Preventive tats places veterinary medicine in Veterinary Medicine will partici- USAHA became aware of the a favorable position for future op- pate as instructors and mentors seriousness of the condition of portunities. Veterinary medicine for the program. these laboratory and facility com- provides the educational back- plexes during our last few Gov- Examples of environmental is- ernment Relations Committee ground to address the challenging sues and/or problems that can and environmental issues of society in meetings in Washington, D.C., have been used as case studies for and “USAHA” newsletter articles the most comprehensive manner teaching are as follows: of any profession. The strong described the seriousness of the grounding in animal health, pub- Case Study 1 situation in 1998. This, in turn, lic health, individual animal med- The issue of cryptosporidiosis led to discussion on how to secure icine, population health, epidemi- in humans resulting from animal financing to rebuild and modern- ology, toxicology, microbiology, waste contaminating water sup- ize. clinical medicine and client rela- plies has long been a concern of During this same time period, tions are all unique to the profes- public health officials. In Cali- ARS’s National Animal Disease sional education of veterinarians. fornia, these concerns prompted Center, and APHIS’s National Veterinarians are also adept at water districts and the California Veterinary Services Laboratories addressing complex disease and State Department of Health and and Center for Veterinary Biolog- management issues that involve Human Services to recommend ics have combined their previous ecosystems in agricultural settings removal of livestock, such as cat- individual efforts on new con- and wildlife in their natural habi- tle and horses, from critical wa- struction and modernization to a tat. Examples of ways that the tershed areas. A similar initiative joint plan for shared facilities. veterinary profession can play im- is now underway in New York At the direction of the board, portant roles addressing environ- state. Livestock owners and ani- Dick McCapes and Bob Frost mental issues are now being ad- mal agricultural groups in Cali- traveled to Ames for a week in dressed at the School of fornia requested the assistance of July. The board felt the necessity Veterinary Medicine, University veterinarians to address important to understand and document the of California, Davis. public policy issues that would need for these facilities first hand. have significantly reduced live- The faculty have developed a The intent of USAHA is to edu- plan to address environmental Page 12, Col. 2 Page 14, Col. 1 USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 4 Animal Health Research Neglected

by John Melcher ance. passing new legislation in Con- Former U.S. Senator, Montana gress. It is not just knowing and Consultant to AVMA Govt. Relations Div. The AVMA Legislative Ad- visory Committee is consider- understanding the need; it is con- Mention "medical research" ing developing a new research veying to the general public and and together we all nod wisely - bill and lobbying for its pas- Congress that the cause is urgent that’s what we sage. It would be a new initia- and that the result of neglect of want. But tive to turn around the trend of animal health research spreads when it comes less appropriations for animal disease. to animal dis- health research in comparison A case in point is the spread of ease research, to human health research. This TB in white-tailed deer in Michi- there is a grow- would be a long-term commit- gan. What do we need to know ing gap in fed- ment to generate solid backing about deer that is different from eral spending not just from us in veterinary domestic livestock? Obviously, between animal medicine but also universities, wildlife disease control will not John Melcher health research the bio-medical and public all be solved solely in the labora- dollars spent health professions, producers tory but will inevitably require compared to that spent on hu- and consumer groups, and the more basic knowledge of the epi- man research. general public—including hunt- demiology in deer. And that is The inter-relationship be- ers and fishers interested in ani- only one disease in one species. tween animal and human health mal well being. That is practi- We can list a number of diseas- is being neglected on the animal cally everyone, and everyone es among wildlife species that in- side. As veterinarians, it is our has a stake in animal health. fect livestock, and/or birds and/or responsibility to lead the effort I know the task we face in to correct this dangerous imbal- Page 15, Col. 3

ters had to absorb the costs of the amount of staff time (FTEs, or CVM Update government-wide streamlining in- Full-Time Equivalents) involved by Bert Mitchell, Associate Director itiative and new unfunded legisla- in new animal drug review work. Policy & Regulation, CVM, FDA tive initiatives such as the Animal CVM in Fiscal Year 2000 was The Center for Veterinary Medicinal Drug Use Clarification given an additional $1.6 million Medicine (CVM), like all other Act and the Animal Drug Availa- and 14 FTEs for pre-market ap- parts of the Food and Drug Ad- bility Act (ADAA.) plication review. For this review, ministration, faces One consequence of these CVM committed to: yearly increases of changes was a 21 percent reduc- ¥ More than twice as many about 7 percent tion—between fiscal year 1994 pre-approval study inspections for inflation in and 1997—in staff for CVM’s Of- (up to 115, from the previous 50); overhead costs fice of New Animal Drug Evalua- and mandated sal- tion (ONADE), even though this ¥ Maintaining pre-submission ary increases. function is the Center’s highest conferences at the FY99 level; Without addition- priority. And, the Center had pro- ¥ Developing new electronic submission pilots; and Bert Mitchell al funding to pay tected ONADE from reductions as for that 7 percent, long as possible. ¥ Reviewing and acting on 65 FDA is forced to use program op- Also, increasing workload has percent of New and Abbreviated erating funds to pay for the infla- taken staff members in ONADE New Animal Drug Applications tionary increases. away from their main job Ð re- within 180 days of submission. Throughout the 1990s, CVM viewing animal drug applications. For all other programs, CVM took on its share of new work un- Increasingly, the drug review staff committed to: der the Food Safety Initiative. Al- is being asked to write regulations ¥ Develop new collaborations though funding was available for for the FDA Modernization Act, on epidemiological research with the Initiative, the related overhead the ADAA, and guidance docu- other government agencies; costs also increased, and there ments. These are all core func- was no new funding to pay them. tions, but they have also lead to a ¥ Conduct on-farm epidemiol- Also, the Agency and all its Cen- significant reduction in the Page 10, Col. 1

USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 5 An Assessment of Canada’s Past President Animal Health Emergency Pat Smith Response Capability Passes Away by Matt Taylor, Project Secretariat ¥ the globalization of trade, From the Sacramento Bee, Saturday, August Stakeholder Collaboration Project for Animal risk factors and information, with 12, 2000 Health in Canada1 countries acting on the latter to Dr. Patton “Pat” L. Smith, past Canada’s animal health status is close their borders and otherwise president of the USAHA (1990/ critically important to the country’s maintain their zoosanitary status; 91), passed away peacefully at livestock industry. The National Animal Health Program (NAHP), ¥ the increasingly virulent tra- home August 9, 2000, at the age administered by the Canadian Food ditional risk factors, coupled with of 69. A retired veterinarian na- Inspection Agency (CFIA), has emerging risk factors affecting tive Californian been responsible for maintaining or animal and human health and and resident of improving this status. Loss of this trade but for which there is little Sacramento for 37 status or threats to the status jeop- information; and years, he leaves ardize: ¥ the changing legal environ- his wife Carol of • the country’s livestock popula- ment arising from the World 44 years, son tion, comprised of over 30 million Trade Organization (WTO) and Reed Smith of large animals, plus a large poultry its standard-setting body, the Of- Coronado, and fice International des Epizooties sector; Pat Smith daughter Tracy (OIE), and the increasing impor- Smith-Lyon of • the country’s human health tance these organizations place Sacramento and population of 30.5 million scat- upon a country’s national veteri- five grandchildren who will al- tered over a country that is 3,400 nary infrastructure. miles wide at its broadest point; ways remember him as "Paka" and Three aspects of the NAHP who loved them. are being studied in the Project, • industry’s access to the mar- Dr. Smith graduated from the with the limited time and resourc- University of California, Davis, kets from which over 200,000 pro- es available. Conclusions of the ducers generate an estimated $60 with a Bachelor of Science in study regarding emergency re- Veterinary Medicine, 1954, Doc- billion in direct and indirect contri- sponse capability are presented in butions to the Canadian economy. tor of Veterinary Medicine, 1956 this report. The other issues be- and Master of Preventive Veteri- Stakeholders initiated the Stake- ing studied are: communication holder Collaboration Project for and resources. The Project was nary Medicine, 1968. Animal Health in Canada,1 upon initiated in January 2000. A final In 36 years of dedicated public consideration of the following is- report will be presented for con- service to the State of California, sues: sideration at the December 2000 he served as Field Veterinarian, ¥ the perception that the meeting of the Canadian Animal California State Veterinarian, NAHP’s capabilities may be less Health Consultative Committee Ð Chief of the Bureau Animal than desired, particularly with re- Canada’s counterpart of the U.S. Health, and at his retirement, As- spect to emergency response, com- Animal Health Association. sistant Director of the Division of munication and long-term plan- In the project’s study of Cana- Animal Industry of the Depart- ning; da’s animal health emergency re- ment of Food and Agriculture. ¥ the relatively heavy reliance of sponse capability, the following Dr. Smith contributed to Cali- Canada’s livestock industry upon tools were considered: fornia’s livestock health and dis- export markets to absorb produc- ¥ A case study of a recent out- ease control while serving in vari- tion—over 50 percent in the case break Ð since controlled and erad- ous capacities with professional of the beef and swine sectors— icated in accordance with OIE organizations including his ser- highlighting the importance of an standards; vices as president of the United effective NAHP; States Animal Health Associa- Page 10, Col. 1 ¥ declining government re- tion, as President of the National sources for this and other pro- 1 The Stakeholder Collaboration Project Assembly of Chief Livestock grams, accompanied by a shift in for Animal Health in Canada is made Health Officials, as President of government’s role from a ‘sole up of some 20 stakeholder organizations the Western States Livestock agency’ to a ‘lead agency’ with including: commodity associations, Health Association, as a member provincial animal health departments, of the Board of Directors of the stakeholder support Ð for which the professional associatoins, the corresponding shift in industry’s Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Western Veterinary Conference role is only beginning to occur; veterinary schools. Page 11, Col. 1

USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 6 Yellowstone Bison and Brucellosis: Does Population Size Really Matter?

by Keith Aune, Laboratory Supervisor in an attempt to minimize lethal this biological issue since bison Wildlife Research Laboratory Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks impacts to bison populations. In- populations were primarily man- creased tolerance of bison has re- aged within Yellowstone Park and A secondary but important issue sulted in annual out-migrations of under a policy of natural surrounding the problem of brucel- bison into Montana and extensive regulation.2 For Montana there losis in Yellowstone bison is deter- 1 mining an acceptable population hazing programs were imple- was simply no means to regulate size for bison in this ecosystem. mented recently to mitigate bison this population growth through Population management and eco- mortality and control the distribu- typical wildlife management pro- system carrying capacity for Yel- tion of bison. grams that have been implemented lowstone elk have long been debat- with great success throughout the ed and many issues remain ... important underlying nation. unresolved. population issues are Population management and For bison, the issue of popula- disease issues became entangled tion size has not been predominant often overlooked. How when expanding distributions of because expansion beyond Yellow- many bison can bison in Yellowstone Park resulted stone has been a relatively new Yellowstone National from unrestrained growth in bison event. Prior to 1980, the bison populations. An examination of the population grew steadily but re- Park support? relevant historical data reveals that mained below 2,000 animals and when bison populations remained bison rarely migrated from the Although many and diverse below 2,000, out-migrations were park. During the following two views are expressed about the ne- rare events and minor in conse- decades, the population grew to cessity of disease-control measures quence (Table 1). At this popula- nearly 4,000 animals and distribu- or the methods of disease control, tion level the potential for bison tion expanded to envelop habitats the important underlying popula- and cattle to co-mingle were very adjacent to Yellowstone National tion issues are often overlooked. small. When bison distribution ex- Park. How many bison can Yellowstone panded and population size ex- National Park support? ceeded 3,000, bison out-migration As a result of this range expan- became nearly certain and, further- sion, management debates Well before significant public emerged that have been primarily Table 1. directed toward disease manage- ment concerns. Specifically, bison The probability of out-migrations of any size by total bison population, 1968-99. exiting Yellowstone National Park carry an important disease, brucel- Population Level Northern Boundary Western Boundary Parkwide losis, that has a significant poten- tial to affect Montana's cattle in- 500-2000 (N=9) 0.333 0 0.333 dustry. 2000-3000 (N=11) 0.364 0.636 0.818 What had been local manage- ment debates during the early >3000 (N=8) 0.625 1 1 1980's grew to a full-blown public firestorm following the mass out- migration of bison in 1988-89 and debates about brucellosis emerged, more, the magnitude of bison re- again in 1996-97. The flames were state wildlife and livestock agen- movals by lethal means exceeded fanned when disease-management cies were concerned about the pop- 200 for 5 of 8 years. When popu- programs implemented by the ulation growth, ecological carrying lations approached 3,000, Montana State of Montana resulted in the capacity and range expansions of experienced significant social- death of hundreds of bison in an at- bison. In fact, boundary control political conflict and incurred ex- tempt to prevent the spread of the programs were in place in Monta- tensive management costs asso- disease brucellosis. These pro- na as early as 1967 and hunting ciated with managing the risks for grams have been dramatically programs were attempted in the transmission of brucellosis. shaped and reshaped by public de- mid 1980's. However, there have An important detail overlooked bates and evolving agency policies been no successful remedies for Page 7, Col. 1 USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 7 Yellowstone Bison Yellowstone Park borders. migrations and at least some lethal and Brucellosis If we look at bison removal removal of bison have occurred from page 6 from the population by herd seg- every single year since 1985 along the western border of the Park. in many analyses of out-migration ment we see two somewhat differ- ent patterns (Figures 1 and 2). A clearly chronic problem is and population size is the great emerging in the West Yellow- dissimilarity between habitats in ¥ In the northern herd, bison re- movals (which is not always an stone area as opposed to the more various regions of the Park and periodic, but intense, events in the the subsequent separate popula- accurate measure of out-migration intensity because of changing northern herd. Some of these re- tion segments. cent migration patterns may have Figure 1. Bison removals near the northern boundary of been shaped by fires in ‘88-‘89 Yellowstone National Park by year over total population, 1983-99. that opened a forest landscape 4500 800 along the western regions of Yel- lowstone. Use of these and other 4000 700 newly discovered grassland habi- 3500 tats have been annually reinforced 600 by learned behavior of herd 3000 groups. These differences be- 500 tween herd segments are very sig- 2500 400 nificant from a disease manage- 2000 ment perspective and even more 300 enlightening from the population 1500 Bison Removal management perspective. 200 Total Bison Population 1000 Some important conclusions 500 100 seem obvious when examining data from past experiences with 0 0 bison migrating into Montana. 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 ¥ First, there are apparent dif- ferences in the pattern of out- Population Northern migrations between bison herd segments, which are very likely In Yellowstone National Park, management policies) have been inspired by ecological factors there are two distinct (some peo- periodic and large in magnitude such as climate, population size, ple believe three) population sub- during the past decade. and habitat. units. ¥ In the central herd the removal I believe the central herd clear- ¥ The central herd includes the pattern appears more chronic de- ly has discovered new grassland largest number (about 2,000) of spite some very intense efforts to habitats well outside the western bison, which tend to utilize habi- avoid lethal removal of bison from boundary and are beginning to in- tats along the western boundary of winter ranges in Montana. Out- Page 8, Col. 1 Yellowstone. These bison occupy a predominantly forested habitat Figure 2. Bison removals near the western boundary of with interspersed meadowlands. Yellowstone National Park by year over total population, 1983-99. Some portions of these habitats 4500 450 were significantly modified in the 1988-89 wildfires. Snowfall in 4000 400 this area is significant and critical 3500 350 winter habitat inside the Park is Increased 3000 300 often confined to areas with geo- Hazing thermal activity or along water 2500 250 courses. 2000 200 ¥ The Northern herd includes

1500 150 Bison Removal about 500 bison that use a vast Total Population rolling valley bottom, which is 1000 100 composed mostly of open grass- land. The climate is milder, win- 500 50 ter snow-pack is commonly less 0 0 severe and important winter habi- 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 tat for elk and bison is more abun- dant within and just adjacent to Total Population Western

USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 8 Yellowstone Bison and Brucellosis New Bill Seeks to from page 7 tegrate these new resources into Modernize USDA Laws their annual habitat use patterns. Furthermore, they are annually USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services one comprehensive law. subjected to more severe winter Recognizing that prevention, 2. Expand the definition of an- snow conditions and limited win- detection, control and eradication imal disease to ensure that nonin- ter range availability. of diseases and pests of animals fectious diseases and other condi- The northern bison have inte- are essential to protecting animal tions affecting animal production grated some habitat outside of the health, human health and the eco- can be addressed. park, but utilize them on a more nomic interests of livestock and 3. Increase civil penalties to intermittent basis when severe related industries, Congress is ensure that production agriculture winter weather and crusting snow seeking to modernize USDA stat- is protected against the conse- force migrations to milder habitats utes. quences of violations of the law. at lower elevations. The northern The Animal Health Protection population herd unit has previous- 4. Improve authority to inves- Act of 2000 (AHPA), H.R. 4801 tigate violators. ly experienced periodic, but se- has been introduced by Rep. Col- vere, mortality that resulted in lin C. Peterson (D-MN) and Rep. 5. Improve consistency with population reductions and regres- international obligations. sive distributions. Richard W. Pombo (R-CA). It will update and consolidate laws The proposed bill takes into ¥ Secondly, the probability of that policy makers and others say account the complexities of the migration into Montana is certain- are now just a patchwork with modern world. For example, the ly related to population size. The gaps, conflicts and duplications. term “livestock” in this new bill density of bison on available win- In fact, some statutes authorizing would be defined to cover all ter habitat is a very likely factor the Secretary of Agriculture to ad- farm-raised animals, and the term contributing to range expansions dress pests and diseases affecting “move” has been defined to cover and the increasing exploration of animals date back as far as 1884. all methods by which an animal new habitats adjacent to the Park. Among other things, the AHPA or article can be moved including ¥ Finally, the out-migration of would: being released into the environ- bison is the most critical factor ment. The bill attempts to parallel that sparked many of the debates 1. Consolidate 20 existing ani- over management of the disease mal quarantine authorities into Page 11, Col. 1 brucellosis. This is considered by many to be the root of the issue practices (e.g., hatchery sanita- and perhaps one possible solution Linking New Data to tion, properly pelletized feeds, fly to the problem from a disease- Old Principles: control, etc.) are now unimpor- management perspective. How- tant. ever, not everyone looks at the is- Salmonella Risk sues from that single angle. However, the Maryland per- Reduction at the spective suggests that just as Regardless of your perspective Farm Level proper food preparation and han- it is obvious that population size dling neutralize those occasional matters and is very relevant to bru- by Ed Mallinson, Professor Emeritus introductions of contamination at cellosis risk management. Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veteri- the kitchen end of the food safety nary Medicine continuum, litter/manure manage- 1 Hazing - The active movement With funding support from the of bison from specific geographic ar- ment strategies that deter the mul- eas where they are not allowed by U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, tiplication of introduced salmo- agency policy using harassment by data has recently been obtained by nellae and contribute to their vehicles, snowmachines, horsemen, Maryland researchers that suggest: death or inactivation are vitally and/or helicopters. a) the prevention of water/ important farm management prac- 2 Natural regulation - This is a leakage/spillage; and b) the provi- tices. hypothetical process whereby popu- sion of gently drying uniform pat- The Maryland group believes lations of wildlife are regulated by terns of airflow, at the modest rate that significant, practical, envi- forces of nature. The forces are ex- of ≥ 100 ft/min, in close proximity ronmentally-friendly risk reduc- erted on reproduction, recruitment of to litter/manure surfaces, could be tion opportunities exist when air- young and natural mortality to limit major features of a HACCP pro- the population to some level suitable flow is improved over litter/ to the natural environment. gram for poultry production. This manure. is not to say that other preventive

USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 9 Spouses’ Birmingham www.usaha.org Activities in Symposium on webpage update “Ticks and Tick- by Larry Mark USAHA Webmaster, Birmingham e-mail address: [email protected] This will be brief, as I—along Spouses’ events start on Sun- Borne Diseases” with many of you—are getting day, October 22nd, with brunch at by Gale Wagner, Chair ready for the annual meeting in the Sheraton. The Alabama Poul- Committee on Parasitic Diseases Birmingham this October. try and Egg Association will be Last October, the Committee Our web site stands at nearly cooking omelets. Entertainment on Parasitic and Hemoparasitic 24,000 “hits” at the end of August. I will be vocalist Kristi Higginbot- Diseases and Parasiticides met to think we will hit ham. discuss why parasites have be- the 25,000 mark— maybe even Tours are being scheduled for come so central to free trade and 26,000—by the Monday and Tuesday, October animal movement, and why the time we get to Ala- 23rd and 24th. The Monday tour detection and control of parasites bama. will depart the Sheraton at 10:00 has become such an important is- As you (hope- a.m. and include visits to Birm- sue. fully) have noticed, ingham's Historic Five Points Several anecdotes were pre- I’ve recently re- South and Mountain Brook. sented and discussed, including a Larry Mark vamped our Home Lunch will be at The Club, and dog from Panama with undetected Page to give it a Delores Hydock, actress/story screwworm, South African Am- “cleaner” look and perhaps make it teller will entertain with a dramat- blyomma ticks on an imported more user friendly. I’d appreciate ic talk. tortoise, Zambian ticks on a trav- any feedback. Monday afternoon will include eling cat, and babesiosis (Texas In past columns, I’ve mentioned time for treasure hunting in Birm- fever) in cattle in Texas for the setting up “private” spots on the ingham's antique malls or shop- first time in more than 40 years! Web for USAHA members—a place ping at the Riverchase Galleria. where they could discuss issues with All these instances reflect the other members outside the public Tuesday's activities include growing concern that as people view or perhaps where members of touring historic Birmingham. and animals move often and more a particular committee could edit Learn about the Civil Rights Dis- easily, the U.S. animal agriculture and work on a document. trict with visits to the Civil Rights and public health becomes dis- We now have two such sites: Institute and the Sixteenth Avenue turbingly vulnerable to ticks, http://usaha.intranets.com for all Baptist Church. Enjoy lunch at fleas, mosquitos and the disease USAHA members and http://usaha- the Botanical Garden's tea room, agents they can transmit. johnes.intranets.com for members of and a tour of the gardens 67.5 The committee discussion con- the Johne’s Disease Committee. acres of glorious nature. centrated on emerging parasitic We’re using a commercial ser- The cost of tours will be diseases because of the potential vice that’s free (they get their mon- $45.00 each day. Please register of many of the disease agents to ey through advertisements), but it for tours with the Richmond of- infect humans as well as animals, does what we want to do in terms of fice as soon as possible. and because of the high profile of setting up a site where we can post emerging diseases and their vec- material that only selected individu- als can access. To be useful, howev- tors among the public. We decid- er, we need more folks involved. I ed that we want our committee to hope to talk to many of you at the identify those areas where U.S. annual meeting to get your views on USAHA agriculture is particularly suscep- this—and any other aspect of our “USAHA” is publshed by the United tible to pathogen introduction, USAHA Web presence. So be think- States Animal Health Association, 8100 and how to manage those areas to ing of your ideas, questions, whatev- Three Chopt Road, Suite 203, PO Box reduce future pathogen introduc- er—and catch me in the press room K227, Richmond, VA 23288; (804) 285- tions. In other words, we will be in Birmingham! 3210 office; (804) 285-3367 fax; www.usaha.org; concentrating on risk factors and P.S. Don’t forget that we’ll be (e-mail) [email protected] risk management, and interpreting posting press releases on the Web as Editor ...... Dick McCapes information, not just listening to committees meet, so this is a remin- 27224 Meadowbrook Dr. der to committee chairs to come to Davis, CA 95616 reports. We also decided to 530-756-4284 telephone & fax present options for a name change the press room and give me a brief RMCCAPES@ compuserve.com summary of major committee ac- Page 11, Col. 2 tions.

USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 10 CVM Update dian context; role or responsibilities in the event from page 4 ¥ A survey of industry leaders Ð of an emergency. similar to the above, but mindful of 7. Under the “lead agency with ogy studies; the industry context; and shared responsibility,” emergencies ¥ Develop and enforce import ¥ A review of initiatives under must be managed in a collaborative tolerances; way or being implemented in the manner. ¥ Expand geographical scope of United States and Australia. In light of the conclusions noted the National Antimicrobial Resis- Based on analysis of the above above, the Steering Committee is tance Monitoring System tools, the Project Steering Commit- recommending that stakeholders: (NARMS), while maintaining the tee’s primary conclusions are that: • prepare an “all hazards” emer- same number of human and vete- 1. Stakeholders perceive that gency system, starting with FADs, rinary isolates; Canada’s animal health emergency and including plans and understood ¥ Use NARMS data to target response capability is less than de- roles and responsibilities; outbreak investigations and relat- sired, where it should be ‘above av- • establish an ‘animal health net- ed studies; erage.’ work’ to create, maintain and im- 2. Stakeholders have specific plement the system and its related ¥ Further expand NARMS by plans; establishing an international resis- concerns regarding: tance database; ¥ low awareness of plans, ¥ develop an awareness pro- gram; and ¥ Develop educational material ¥ low level of understanding for related to the appropriate use of their own roles and responsibilities, ¥ initiate cost sharing discus- and the expectations of others, sions for planning, preparedness, drugs in food animals; response and recovery phases of an ¥ Develop recommendations on ¥ low level of industry prepara- emergency. the prudent use of antimicrobials; tion, particularly for initial re- sponse, The conclusions and recommen- ¥ Work with State and local au- dations noted relate specifically to thorities to distribute education ¥ low level of training and Canada’s animal health emergency material that FDA developed; awareness, and response capability. The Steering ¥ Expand efforts to develop, ¥ ineffective communications Committee has also prepared rec- evaluate and adapt new molecular network. ommendations specific to commu- methodology for use in identifica- 3. Industry and other stakehold- nications and resources. tion, epidemiological tracing, and ers will bear tremendous costs dur- On the basis of the information genetic manipulation of foodborne ing the response phase and even gathered through the Project, the pathogens; and more so during the recovery phase Steering Committee is proposing of a major emergency Ð and that the ¥ Develop and validate models that stakeholders envision a Cana- timing and magnitude of these costs dian Animal Health System that is for microbiological hazards. will be significantly impacted by: an evolving partnership with inter- The Fiscal 2000 budget in- ¥ planning and preparedness national recognition for excellence. creased the funding of the animal strategies, That System is considerably broad- drugs and feeds program. Howev- ¥ timeliness and effectiveness of er than the Canadian Food Inspec- er, unless FDA receives additional initial & follow-up response, tion Agency’s NAHP, and includes funding to cover current services the provinces’ surveillance and ex- such as overhead and mandated ¥ choice of response strategy, tension resources, the universities’ salary increases, the gains from e.g., stamp out vs. vaccination teaching and R&D resources, and these increases will be lost within 4. There is strong stakeholder in- the commodity associations’ com- two years. Thus, increased fund- terest now, to participate in and im- munication, policy development ing is needed to enable FDA to prove Canada’s animal health emer- and financial resources. fulfill all its responsibilities in gency response capability To implement the recommenda- protecting public and animal 5. Emergencies are more than an tions being proposed, the Steering health. FAD outbreak, and will involve Committee is also proposing a “lead” agencies other than the Ca- year-round Canadian Animal nadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Council, with the mission of Canada e.g., other “trade” diseases, feed strengthening the Canadian Animal from page 5 contamination, bioterrorism, natu- Health System, by: ral disasters, and processing plant ¥ Providing strategic leadership; ¥ A survey of provincial veteri- closures. narians Ð similar to that of the ¥ Ensuring the animal health 6. Stakeholders do not under- needs of stakeholders are met; McCapes study presented to USA- stand the implications of the ‘lead HA in 1996, but with additional agency with shared responsibility’ questions and mindful of the Cana- scenario now in place, and their Page 11, Col. 1

USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 11 Canada The definition was broadened steps that can be taken to mini- from page 10 to prepare for situations that have mize the risks. arisen in the past and are likely to The symposium is scheduled ¥ Balancing the interests of ani- recur. For example, APHIS was for 12:30-5:30 p.m., Sunday, Oc- mal and human health and trade; asked to assist with the disposal tober 22nd. The tentative agenda: ¥ Facilitating the collaborative of radioactive animals during the and optimal use of all available re- Three Mile Island accident, but ¥ The current threat of heartwa- sources. could not because it did not have ter to the cattle, sheep, and goat industries, and to white-tailed deer This proposal is being put for- the authority to use appropriated funds to respond to a situation in- populations in the United States: ward in the firm belief that animal Risks associated with importa- health in Canada must evolve to- volving a non-infectious condi- wards a more collaborative style of tion. tions of reptiles and wild game an- imals from Africa. management. This proposal is This new bill would authorize simply another step in the ongoing the Secretary to work coopera- ¥ The current status on the di- evolution of animal health in Cana- tively with other Federal agen- agnosis and management of heart- da. cies, states and state political sub- water divisions, national governments, ¥ The Progress of the Caribbe- Pat Smith local governments, other nations, an Amblyomma Programme and from page 5 domestic and political organiza- the French tropical bont tick eradi- tions and individuals to carry out cation program in the French and the California Academy of the Act, and in the administration West Indies towards the eradica- Veterinary Medicine, and as of regulations for the improve- tion of the tropical bont tick from Chair and a member of various ments of livestock and their prod- the Caribbean University of California and fed- ucts. eral and state committees. ¥ The potential role of Am- The AHPA also increases civil blyomma maculatum, the Gulf In Pat’s memory, the family re- penalties and gives the Secretary Coast tick, in the transmission and quests that donations be made to authority to issue subpoenas to dissemination of Cowdria rumi- the American Cancer Society/ those whose activities (such as nantium in the United States. Prostate Research 1765 Challenge smuggling animals into the coun- ¥ Regulating the importation of Way, Suite 115, Sacramento, CA. try) could harm US agriculture. 95815. reptiles and wildlife into the Unit- For additional information on ed States—Issues and Challenges New Bill H.R.4801 contact APHIS Legisla- ¥ Changing factors that influ- from page 8 tive and Public Affairs at (202) ence the prevalence of infestations 720-2511. of fever ticks in the Quarantine the recently passed Plant Protec- Zone and the implementation of tion Act. Ticks the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication The Plant Protection Act, from page 9 Program signed by the President earlier ¥ Risk of babesiosis in herds of this year, consolidates plant to the membership. By January, the votes were in and we are now U.S. cattle, horses, and native and health statutes. The USDA and exotic wildlife plant-related industries were ex- the Committee on Parasitic Dis- tremely pleased because of the eases. ¥ Diagnosis and mitigation of positive effect the it will have on The members agreed that our acaricide resistance of Boophilus the safety of US agriculture. committee could provide a con- microplus to acaricides: Immedi- Perhaps the most significant structive framework for a nation- ate and potential impact on the change which the Animal Health al dialog on several important is- Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Pro- Bill addresses is the definition of sues. We decided to organize a gram disease. Historically, the Animal symposium for the meeting in ¥ Status of research to develop and Plant Health Inspection Ser- Birmingham entitled "Ticks and recombinant vaccines to protect vices’ (APHIS) authority to deal Tick-borne Diseases - A Critical livestock against tick-borne hemo- with animal diseases has been Priority." The symposium parasitic diseases limited to contagious or commu- speakers will be expected to ¥ Industry, government and ed- nicable animal diseases. The new raise the issues and describe the ucation roundtable to discuss of definition would include both in- risk factors involved. The partic- issues of concern, risk assessment, fectious and noninfectious diseas- ipants (industry, government, ed- and risk reduction in relation to es of animals or any animal ucation) in the round-table dis- ticks and tick-borne diseases af- health-related conditions detri- cussion at the end of the fecting livestock mental to production of livestock. symposium will consider the

USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 12 AAVLD News their visions of what they will need gesting that much of this water from page 2 from AAVLD laboratories in the quality concern may be inappropri- future. Please consider attending ately focused on ranching and do- cesses currently shared by a varie- this special session on Monday, mestic animal use on California ty of committees and officers. October 23rd, from 8 a.m. to noon watersheds. ¥ Promote and establish Veteri- in Birmingham and add your in- The outcome of these studies nary Diagnostic Labs as contribu- sights into the ongoing develop- permitted local water quality dis- tors to food safety, zoonotic dis- ment of the AAVLD. tricts and federal land management ease, water and environmental agencies, such as the U.S. Forest pathogen detection and bioterror- Environmental Health Service, to make science-based ism initiatives in order to utilize from page 3 policy decisions relevant to live- Veterinary Diagnostic Laborato- stock activity on watershed regions ry’s expertise. stock grazing, recreational horse- in California. The School of Vete- ¥ Expand AAVLD income back riding and packstock use over rinary Medicine played a critical sources in order to establish a large areas of rangeland in the role in this project because faculty strong long-term funding base for state. A veterinary faculty member applied knowledge of animal the organization and its programs proceeded with a comprehensive health, public health, infectious (JVDI, Foundation, annual meet- project that evaluated the ages of disease expertise, epidemiology, ing, etc.). livestock and horses shedding or- and synthesized the appropriate as- ¥ Increase membership involve- ganisms in the feces, determined pects in scientifically meaningful ment in AAVLD activities in or- the parasite load at different times ways important to the livestock der to accomplish organizational during the life of an animal, sam- and public health sectors. In addi- objectives. pled wildlife populations to deter- tion to their scientific credibility, mine their contributions to envi- veterinary faculty also brought to As part of the strategic plan- ronmental contamination, ning review, a communications the table an understanding of atti- evaluated the soil conditions neces- tudes and concerns of stakeholders survey was conducted to deter- sary for disease organisms to sur- mine the methods and amounts of from private business, non- vive, sampled watershed areas for governmental groups, and state communication AAVLD mem- evidence of the organisms and bers felt were most beneficial for agencies that fostered effective dis- them. Results indicated that while evaluated the molecular epidemiol- cussion among all parties. the majority of members have ogy of animals and human isolates of several organisms. Case Study 2 now accepted receiving electronic Over the last few years, major versions of the quarterly newslet- As a result of this study, scien- tific criteria has been established tire fires in California have result- ter, they were not yet ready to ed from lighting strikes at tire switch to an all electronic version for designing livestock manage- ment plans that allow for economi- dumps containing millions of tires. of the JVDI. Also, in general they For example, a 55-acre fire of 7 were satisfied with the amount of cally important livestock activity to continue in these watershed are- million tires burned in Tracy, Cali- communication received from the fornia for more than eight months Executive Board, but many would as while simultaneously reducing the water quality risk from such in 1998-99. The by-products of like to see improvements made in the burning include thick acrid the AAVLD web site. Towards pathogens as Cryptosporidium par- that end, a complete review of the vum that can be found in the ma- smoke containing products of py- web site will be carried out and an nure of cattle and horses. As a re- rolysis and oil. The pyrolytic com- overhaul is expected by the end of sult of these studies, it was pounds are of various particle sizes this year. concluded that adult livestock and with some particles as small as 10 microns. These small particles are Many issues will continue to horses contribute insignificant quantities of the parasite to Califor- highly carcinogenic and often con- challenge AAVLD member labor- tain additional contaminants, in- atories in the coming year and nia watersheds, with minimal risk posed to the environment and wa- cluding heavy metals such as lead. will be topics of discussion this The particulates settle on plants year in Birmingham such as anti- ter supplies when reasonable bene- ficial management practices are which readily absorb them and in- biotic resistance monitoring, na- corporate the toxic principles into tional and international accredita- utilized by ranchers, equine enthu- siasts, and packstock operators. all parts of the plants. These tion, bioterrorism and food safety plants then carry the carcinogens testing. There will be a special Furthermore, it was determined into the food supply whether the Plenary Session at the Birming- that certain wildlife species, in- plants are for animal or human ham meeting devoted to a look at cluding the ubiquitous California consumption. These products can the future of veterinary diagnostic ground squirrel, shed higher quan- then be consumed in meat, milk or laboratories with representatives tities of the Cryptosporidium par- eggs. from industry, government and vum on a per kg body weight basis private practitioners laying out compared to livestock species, sug- Page 13, Col. 1

USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 13 Environmental Health has undertaken a study to deter- dairies. Also, education about from page 12 mine key factors of a balanced sys- water quality issues to reduce po- tem important for all species to tential contaminants associated Many of the small particulates survive in a natural state. Some of with animal disease and food are inhaled and find their way into the studies underway include an borne diseases is important. Vete- the lower airways where they may evaluation of the health status of rinarians need to stay abreast of be absorbed and become systemic, selected Bighorn sheep, collection these issues and serve as consul- predisposing individuals to cancer. and analysis of scat from mountain tants to dairymen as they develop Particulates left on the plants or as lions to determine by genetic anal- wastewater systems and waste dust are washed away by rains ysis the food sources of the lion, disposal practices. Veterinarians into streams where the toxic prod- deer demographics and the impact understand the implications of ucts often cause large numbers of of human habitat, grazing live- these issues relative to animal and fish and other aquatic species to stock, and related activities on all public health issues and require- die off. Contaminated water sup- of the species. The information ments. plies also place other wildlife and collected from these studies will human populations at risk. Another major concern is food be used by the Department of Fish safety. The best way to assure The issues associated with and Game to improve management on-farm food safety is to develop these catastrophies call for exper- of the habitats for these species. quality assurance programs based tise in toxicology, public and ani- Veterinary medicine's leadership on the established principles of mal health, water quality and food comes from training in infectious Hazard Analysis and Critical Con- safety, all areas of central rele- diseases, epidemiology, wildlife trol Points (HACCP). Specific vance to veterinary medicine. health and management and an un- management approaches such as Case Study 3 derstanding of population dynam- the Breakthrough Management There has been considerable ics of these different species in (BTM) and Total Quality Assu- concern over the decline of the Pe- their natural environment. rance (TQA) principles are being ninsular Bighorn sheep population Case Study 4 applied to production systems. in California. There has been spec- Agricultural production units Veterinarians become well versed ulation that diseases such as blue- can also be considered mini- in these approaches and can modi- tongue, pasteurellosis and scabies, ecosystems. For example in Cali- fy the systems to fit dairy man- among other infectious diseases, fornia, veterinarians are playing a agement needs. They also consid- have been instrumental in the pop- leading role in developing criteria er all aspects of production ulation decline. Subsequent eval- and management systems with the including feed, medication, health uation of the decline in population large dairy operations. The aver- care, and management of cows has been associated with the in- age dairy in California now has both in and out of the milking par- creased population of predators 850 milking cows with many pro- lor. such as the mountain lions. This ducers milking more than 2,000 Practioners play a key role in along with other factors led to head. These large dairies are faced the instruction of employees and placing Bighorn sheep on the en- with new legislative restrictions later review of program imple- dangered species list. and other demands for improved mentation. In addition, veterinari- Approximately 10 years ago, a food safety standards and effective ans have ideal qualifications to law was passed in California that waste management, and additional conduct certification of produc- prohibited hunting of mountain li- guidelines for animal welfare prac- tion system records for milk and ons. Since the passage of this law, tices. The planning and implemen- dairy beef processors. the mountain lion population has tation of a systematic approach to Finally, the increasing societal increased from approximately address these issues has been in- interest in the welfare of animals 1,000 animals to about 5,000. The cluded in the California Dairy requires more attention on the principle food source for mountain Quality Assurance Program under part of veterinarians to serve as lions in California has been deer, the leadership of veterinarians in advisors for management deci- although there has been good evi- the Animal Health and Food Safe- sions about the welfare issues on dence that the Bighorn sheep also ty Branch of the California Depart- production units. Consideration serve as a food source for these ment of Food and Agriculture, of some of these issues has al- cats. Associated with the increase University of California faculty, ready paid off in California where of mountain lions have been at- dairy producers, processors and the installation of shade structures tacks on humans and on livestock. dairy veterinarians. for dairy cattle has significantly In order to develop better crite- Specific activities include train- increased milk production. ria for managing the ecosystems ing veterinarians and dairymen Again, veterinary medicine is that the Peninsular Bighorn sheep, about the Environmental Protec- the only profession with the ex- deer, mountain lions and humans tion Agency guidelines regarding pertise to address these new man- occupy, a team of veterinarians, chemical and microbial levels ecologists and wildlife biologists present in waste water runoff from Page 14, Col. 1 USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 14 Environmental Health USAHA has sent a letter to key from page 13 leaders in Congress voicing the ARS Position need to include the $9 million in agement challenges. Their broad the President’s 2001 budget for Vacancy education background prepares the engineering of the APHIS/ National Program Leader for these health professionals for the ARS Master Plan. discipline-based understanding of Veterinary and Medical the issues as well as the means of The next effort by USAHA Entomology communicating information to will be to influence the 2002 bud- The ARS National Program Lead- producers, farm workers, environ- get. USAHA will publish a Spe- er for Veterinary and Medical Ento- mental organizations and govern- cial Edition Newsletter featuring mology (GS 0414-92-15, GS-701-15, ment policy makers and represen- the Master Plan. This publication Salary Range $84,638 - $110,028): tatives. will be distributed nationwide to 1. Serves as the focal point for na- gain a grass roots drive and pro- tional leadership and coordination of This is a new era in which the agricultural research programs relat- profession needs to step up as ex- vide stakeholders with informa- tion to educate their respective ing to insect pests of veterinary and pert advisors and consultants for medical importance. producers. We are responsible for Congressional representatives on the importance of the APHIS/ 2. As the agency’s technical expert sustaining agricultural production for insect pests of veterinary and med- units, assuring the public health ARS Master Plan. ical importance, advises ARS senior and improving the environmental leadership on related technical and well being of society and ecosys- policy issues. Represents and speaks tems. To achieve the delicate bal- Book Review for ARS concerning these insect pest ance that will meet these needs, issues both nationally and internation- veterinarians in academic settings, ally. the public sector and private enter- By Dick McCapes 3. Works with ARS scientists and prise must continue to do their “Lords of the Horizons: A line managers nationwide to assure part. History of the Ottoman Empire,” that the veterinary and medical ento- by Jason Goodwin and published by mology national research program re- flects national priorities and policies, New USDA Laboratories Henry Holt and Company. 1999. contains acceptable timetables for ac- from page 3 351 pgs. tion, and correctly utilizes available The involvement of our armed human and physical resources. cate its members on the need of forces in the most recent Balkans’ 4. Examines programs and makes the plan, the realities of the plan conflict, this time involving Yugo- recommendations to achieve both pro- itself, and the avenues that the slavian Serbia and its Kosovo re- gram balance and resource allocation members may contribute to mak- gion, reinforced a long standing re- consistent with the best scientific ing this modernization project a alization that my understanding of practices and national priorities. reality. this area of the world was limited The work requires strong interper- A considerable amount of time and that some reading about it was sonal skills as well as technical abili- was spent touring, meeting with in order. ties. The chosen applicant must have directors, and interviewing per- This is a sweeping and fascinat- the ability to organize and lead groups ing book about the Ottoman Em- of highly technical experts for the pur- sonnel at all three USDA agencies pose of formulating recommendations during the week. In addition to pire, a people that no longer exist, but who conquered a large part of and directing and coordinating nation- the extensive schedule at the facil- al research programs. It is critical for ities themselves, numerous meet- the world, including the Balkan pe- the incumbent to be able to work ings were held in Ames and Des ninsula, over a six-century period cooperatively and successfully with Moines with groups having inter- stretching from the early 1300s to other National Program Leaders; the early 1900s. At its height, their agencies, in particular APHIS; state est in the Master Plan. A morning empire extended from Tripoli, was spent with Iowa State Univer- veterinarians; industry representa- through Cairo, Jerusalem, Damas- tives; and interested organizations. sity personnel, and an afternoon in cus, Baghdad, Ankara, Istanbul, Des Moines with the staff of the This permanent full-time position Athens, Belgrade, Bucharest, Buda- is based at ARS National Headquar- United States Senators and Con- pest and beyond. ters in Beltsville, MD, and requires gressmen. Also the local Cham- Along the way, Goodwin’s nar- U.S. citizenship. ber of Commerce and the Ames rative provides glimpses into the Applicants must have a Ph.D. or Economic Development Commis- long-standing and seemingly impla- DVM/Ph.D. and research expertise in sion shared their experiences and cable enmity between Serbians and entomology. involvement in their efforts to pro- Albanians in the Kosovo region. Look for the vacancy announce- mote the funding of the project. A fine read about the rise and ment to be posted at As a result of previous infor- fall of a most remarkable and little www.ars.usda.gov during the week of mation and the above described remembered empire. Sept 18, 2000. fact finding trip to Ames, the USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 15 Hillman neighbors and I believe this is the Animal Health Research from page 1 place to begin our efforts. from page 4 cussed in the Program Committee The USAHA has been a guid- humans. But what do we know meeting and if accepted will go to ing, and at times a prodding, force about the epidemiology in the vari- the Executive Committee for ap- in eradication of a number of dis- ous wildlife, and what do we know proval. We hope to adopt the eases and the control of others. on their control and eradication? manual for the 2001 Annual We are nearing eradication of bru- Obviously the answer is: "not Meeting. I believe this manual cellosis from livestock in the enough." will significantly help committee United States. The pseudorabies program is also near completion. If our profession believes that chairs plan, operate and conduct animal health research has not kept business in their committees. With the upgrading of the tuber- culosis program, we should elimi- up, it is our responsibility to as- It is clear that we need to ex- nate this disease from livestock sume the leadership role to correct pand membership of USAHA. within a short period of time. the imbalance and expand the nec- While we have a broad member- essary research. We can eliminate these diseas- ship base, we need to expand this The USAHA is the significant base if we are to successfully ad- es from livestock, but can we keep them out? Each disease has and credible voice to convey that dress some of the challenges fac- message to the public. Aside from ing our industries. To this end, one or more reservoirs in wild, ex- publishing the "urgent need," there President Zirkle identified the otic or feral species. For the most has to be a plan for action to bring need for and recommended a part we have hardly begun to ad- about the solution. Membership Committee. I will dress these and other diseases that are present in wild, feral or exotic Starting down the legislative appoint this committee as soon as trail to pass a new definitive ani- possible. species. A portion of the Scientif- ic Session on Wednesday will be mal health research mandate is a Foreign, exotic and emerging dedicated to Wildlife/Livestock challenge we can take as a unified diseases will continue to be a fo- Disease Interactions. I hope this profession. A likely beginning is cus of USAHA during the coming session will be a springboard to to jointly agree on the most urgent year. Part of the Tuesday Scientif- ignite efforts to address diseases shortcomings—that is a process of ic Session will be dedicated to a that affect both wild and domestic consultation on the priorities of our follow-up on OIE and Internation- species. current most dangerous diseases al Issues. President Zirkle has and the steps that must be taken for discussed OIE and international One of the things we must do if their control. we are to effectively address dis- animal health issues in several of The Chinese proverb "that a his articles in the newsletter as eases of concern in wild and feral journey of a thousand miles begins well as in his address to the mem- species is to bring interested indi- with the first step" means to me bership when he assumed the viduals and agencies with authori- that the decision once made sets in Presidency last year. I pledge to ty over management of these spe- motion that first step, and that ap- continue these efforts. cies to the USAHA table. We plies to us in whether we want to also must be willing to go and sit meet the challenge. After having had the opportu- at their table and discuss these is- nity to attend the OIE meeting in sues with them. They must be a Along the legislative trail—if Paris this year, I am more con- part of the solution; otherwise we embark on the journey to pass a vinced than ever that USAHA they will be part of the problem. bill—are points that have to be ad- must play a significant role in de- This will be one of our challenges dressed such as drafting a bill that velopment and implementation of for 2001 and beyond. is comprehensive and enforceable. strategies to address diseases and We can do that through legislative pests that are of international sig- Dr. Zirkle has established a counsel of either the House or Sen- nificance. We must be prepared standard for service to our associ- ate. There have to be House or to review and comment on OIE ation that I will strive to emulate Senate sponsors. We can do that. proposals. A process is in place during my term as President. I There has to be a united backing and is being fine-tuned to accom- look forward to the challenge and from the afore-mentioned producer plish this task. will serve our association to the and consumer, organizations, uni- utmost of my ability. I believe a more significant versities, wildlife groups, fisheries function is for USAHA to serve See you all in Birmingham. along with hunters and fishers. as a forum to discuss international We can do that, starting with con- disease issues and facilitate the sultations with them on what should the bill accomplish. formulation of fair, equitable, sci- Only he who keeps his eye on the ence-based disease-control strate- far horizon will find his right road. That we need more animal gies. We already have member- Dag Hammarskjold health research is a conclusion that ships from our North American Page 16, Col. 1 USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000 16 Animal Health Research there is a very strong opposition Welcome to Birmingham from page 15 among Long Island residents to from page 1 any enhancement of the laborato- is self evident. The question we ry to a BSL 4 facility. Michael Their Scientific Sessions start on should ask ourselves is, "Have we Forbes has vowed not to let it Saturday, October 21st, and con- got a plan to correct it?" happen. Politics being what they tinue through Monday morning, What do you think? I would are, what are the possibilities of October 23rd. like to hear from you. getting any money appropriated USAHA activities begin with for the upgrade in the near future? Committee and Subcommittee He was very successful in killing meetings on Saturday, October President’s Corner the budget proposals in the last 21st. Committee meetings will cycle. continue through Wednesday, Oc- from page 2 Someone needs to take leader- tober 25th. United States members only. Our ship responsibilities to make deci- USAHA will be having two international allies contribute im- sions to assure that there are facil- special Scientific Sessions. The mensely to our meetings and we ities available for study of disease first will be Tuesday afternoon, will encourage greater participa- entities that are also infectious to October 24th and will address tion but when there are sensitive humans, in an environment that OIE - International Trade issues. issues on the table there are provi- will not hinder scientific research The second scientific session on sions to exclude them from partic- or the admission of infected ani- Wednesday, October 25th, will ipation as well. This has been a mals to the facility. focus on Wildlife - Livestock Dis- difficult issue but I think the If Plum Island is to be sal- ease Interactions. Committee has come up with a vaged, we the stakeholders in the The President's Reception and plan that will work. facility need to support efforts to the Joint USAHA/AAVLD Gen- UPPORT OF USDA’S con- enlighten the populace of Long eral Session will be Sunday eve- struction plans for animal Island to the good things that go ning, October 22nd. Plentiful and Sdisease research and diag- on there and relieve the anxiety filling hors d'oeuvres will be nostic laboratories remains of and paranoia surrounding the served at the reception. highest priority to our Associa- myths presently being espoused. Special workshops are also tion. We also need to support the ap- scheduled during this year's meet- propriation of the funds to up- ing. These workshops include the Dick McCapes and Bob Frost grade. I call on VS and ARS to visited Ames, Iowa, to gather in- Johne's Working Group, Work- get their act together and do what- shop on Epidemiological Methods formation for a special edition of ever it takes to salvage the facili- the Newsletter on the proposed and Approaches for Food Safety, ty. If you take a firm lead and Blue Ribbon Panel for Vesicular upgrade of the three USDA facili- demonstrate that you truly can ties that consist of the Agricultu- Stomatitis and the National Com- work together you will get the mittee for Clinical Laboratory ral Research Service (ARS) Na- support you need. tional Animal Disease Center Standards. (NADC), and the Animal and HIS WILL BE my last regu- We look forward to seeing you Plant Health Inspection Service lar Newsletter article as in Birmingham. Please be sure to (APHIS) National Veterinary Ser- Tyour President. The year make your hotel reservations and vices Laboratories (NVSL) and has passed very quickly and there to send in your meeting registra- the APHIS Center for Veterinary have been many issues to make it tion information to the Richmond Biologics (CVB). As a result of an eventful one. It has been chal- office as soon as possible. the deteriorated condition of these lenging and a lot of fun. It has Editor’s note: For information Federal Laboratories and facili- been a pleasure to serve with a on Spouses Activities at the annual ties, the United States is incapa- Board of Directors that has meeting in Birmingham, see the ble of meeting the standards we worked exceedingly well together. article on page 9. require of our foreign trading The Board is unanimously sup- partners or the worldwide OIE portive of the Long-Range Plan standards of trade. I feel we must and I'm sure the same dedication do everything within our power and support will follow Bob Hill- USAHA electronic addresses to secure the funding necessary to man as has me. ¥ E-mail: bring these facilities out of their I look forward to my role as [email protected] disgraceful situation. Past President and will assist the The Plum Island situation is Board with the same dedication as ¥ World Wide Web: very alarming. Recent articles in while I was President. http://www.usaha.org the New York times indicate that

USAHA Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 3, October, 2000