| DISEASE SURVEILLANCE
- avian influenza
- Southern tick associated rash infections (STARI)
- white nose syndrome
SPECIAL INTEREST
Ft. Wayne Children's Zoo investigation (July 2008)
WDB Joe Caudell (IN) investigated an avian mortality event at the Ft.
Wayne Children’s Zoo.
Approximately 45 birds (primarily mallards) had died when WDB Caudell
was notified by the staff
veterinarian. About ½ the number of birds died at this time over
the last two years from botulism
acquired from a small pond inside the zoo. The birds are exhibiting
the same symptoms this year
and the veterinarian is confident that the birds are dying from the
same cause. Swabs from seven
birds were collected and tested for HPAI. The staff veterinarian has
also collected blood from zoo
animals and one of the mallards to confirm botulism.
Protecting endangered species (July 2008)
WDB Caudell discussed plans with a US Fish and Wildlife Services Biologist
to develop an Emergency Response Plan for White Nose Syndrome (WNS)
in bats. Funding has been provided for this plan in order to protect
the endangered Indiana bat in the event that WNS reaches Indiana.
AI China trip (June 2008)
WDB Caudell spent time preparing for the upcoming trip to China to sample
birds for avian
influenza, including getting shots, information, and equipment for the
trip.
In June, WDB Caudell spent 10 days in China traveling with officials
to sample wild birds and
mammals for avian influenza in Beijing, Zhengzhou, and Louyang, China.
WDB Caudell discussed
sampling differences between sampling methods in China and the U.S.,
sampled mammals, assisted
with the capture of wild birds, and evaluated sites for future environmental
sampling by
researchers.
IDNR goose sampling (June 2008)
WDB Caudell provided training to staff on procedures for collecting
morbidity and mortality
samples for avian influenza and for collecting samples from live capture
wild birds during the
upcoming Indiana Department of Natural Resources Canada goose roundup.
Over 150 samples
were collected by Interns from the Indiana State Board of Animal Health
and staff members from
Wildlife Services over a two week period throughout Indiana.
AI project in Kyrgystan (June 2008)
WDB Caudell met with two researchers at Purdue University to discuss
providing assistance to a
potential avian influenza research project in Kyrgyzstan. WDB Caudell
provided information for a
grant from the U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation. The
grant will provide funds
for researchers to travel to Kyrgyzstan to assist in setting up a research
project for avian influenza
surveillance in wild birds. Additional details will be provided if the
application is successful.
Indiana WDB facilitates feral swine meeting (2008)
WDB Caudell discussed the national surveillance for feral swine
disease and future actions for feral swine including assisting DNR with
the monitoring of the population size and distribution, collecting disease
samples for classical swine fever and education efforts. Follow up actions
included establishing a protocol for reporting feral swine and information
exchange between the members.
Contact:
Wildlife Disease Biologist Joe Caudell (IN)
(765)496-3913
Joe.N.Caudell@aphis.usda.gov
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