CAHSS Podcast Series - Animal Health Insights

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a contagious viral disease that continues to impact domestic and wild birds. In March of 2024, HPAI was detected in dairy cattle in Texas, has since spread rapidly across the United States. In this new miniseries, Dr. Murray Gillies, the Coordinator for the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System, and Dr. Henry Ceelan, a bovine veterinarian and Secretary Treasurer for the Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians, join Dr. Steven Roache of ACER Consulting to discuss HPAI in dairy cattle, including disease presentation, spread, and prevention, as well as the Canadian response.   Links of interest CFIA: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cattle USDA: HPAI in livestock Dairy Farmers of Canada and Animal Health Canada: HPAI: Biosecurity Recommendations for Dairy Farmers National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health: Avian influenza A(H5N1) in dairy farms: An update on public health and food safety concerns

Les moustiques - si vous vivez au Canada, vous devez faire face à ces insectes nuisibles pendant une grande partie du printemps et de l'été. Avec le réchauffement climatique, il est probable que nous verrons apparaître quelques nouvelles variétés de cet insecte irritant dans l'espace aérien canadien, et malheureusement, la variété des espèces signifie également que nous devons faire face à de nouvelles maladies à transmission vectorielle. Les moustiques sont porteurs et contribuent à la propagation d'une variété de conditions infectieuses à une variété d'espèces - il est donc important pour la santé publique et la santé animale de garder "l'œil dans le ciel" et de surveiller leurs mouvements, leur propagation et leurs préférences en matière d'habitat. Heureusement, le Canada dispose d'un groupe de chercheurs qui surveillent et d'étudient ce phénomène. Dre Antoinette Ludwig, vétérinaire et épidémiologiste au Laboratoire national de microbiologie de l'Agence de la santé publique du Canada, et Marc Avramov, candidat au doctorat à l'Université Carlton, étudient les maladies transmises par les moustiques et le risque qu'elles représentent pour les populations humaines et animales, ainsi que l'impact du changement climatique sur ces maladies. Liens d'intérêt: Informations sur la Dre Antoinette Ludwig et ses recherches Détails du projet Timo-CS Relationships between water quality and mosquito presence and abundance: A systematic review and meta-analysis Avramov, Marc & Thaivalappil, Abhinand & Ludwig, Antoinette & Miner, Lauren & Cullingham, Catherine & Waddell, Lisa & Lapen, David. (2023). Relationships between water quality and mosquito presence and abundance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Entomology. 10.1093/jme/tjad139.  Informations sur Marc Avramov et ses recherches

Mosquitoes – if you live in Canada, you deal with these pesky bugs for a significant portion of the spring and summer. With warming global temperatures, it is likely that we will see a few new varieties of this irritating insect appear in the Canadian airspace, and unfortunately, this also means we have some new vector-borne diseases to deal with. Mosquitoes carry and help to spread a variety of infectious conditions to a variety of species – so keeping an “eye on the sky” and monitoring their movement, spread, and habitat preferences is important to public health and animal health. Luckily, Canada has a group of researchers that are working to monitor and study this very thing. Dr. Antoinette Ludwig, a veterinarian and epidemiologist with the National Microbiology Laboratory at the Public Health Agency of Canada, and Carleton University PhD candidate Marc Avramov, both study the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and the risk they pose for both human and animal populations, as well as the impact of climate change on these disease patterns.  Links of Interest: Information about Dr. Antoinette Ludwig and her research Timo-CS project details Relationships between water quality and mosquito presence and abundance: A systematic review and meta-analysis Avramov, Marc & Thaivalappil, Abhinand & Ludwig, Antoinette & Miner, Lauren & Cullingham, Catherine & Waddell, Lisa & Lapen, David. (2023). Relationships between water quality and mosquito presence and abundance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Entomology. 10.1093/jme/tjad139.  Information about Marc Avramov and his research

Les antibiotiques (un type de médicament antimicrobien) sont utilisés autant en médecine vétérinaire qu'en médecine humaine pour traiter et prévenir les infections bactériennes. Les médicaments antimicrobiens sont classés en fonction du type d'agent pathogène qu'ils combattent - par exemple, les antibiotiques sont utilisés contre les bactéries, les antiviraux contre les virus, les antifongiques contre les infections fongiques, etc. Le développement de la résistance aux antibiotiques ou aux antimicrobiens a mis en évidence l'utilisation des antimicrobiens dans le monde de la médecine humaine et dans le monde vétérinaire, conduisant à une surveillance accrue de l'utilisation des antimicrobiens (UMA) et des pratiques de dispensation, ainsi qu'à la surveillance de la résistance à ces médicaments. Au cours des dernières années, les vétérinaires et les producteurs du monde entier ont connu de nombreux changements concernant la manière dont les antimicrobiens, en particulier les antibiotiques, peuvent être prescrits, délivrés et utilisés pour la gestion des maladies des animaux d'élevage. Le Dr Mohamed Rhouma, vétérinaire, microbiologiste et professeur adjoint à la Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal, a voulu comprendre comment ces changements ont affecté la surveillance de l'utilisation des antimicrobiens et le développement de la résistance aux antimicrobiens chez les animaux d'élevage - et faire le point sur les connaissances actuelles en lien avec le rôle des animaux de production dans la propagation de la résistance aux antimicrobiens aux humains dans une perspective One Health. Dans ce but, Dr Rhouma et ses collègues de l'Université de Montréal et de l'Université de Gand (Belgique) ont effectué une revue de l'état actuel des connaissances sur ce sujet sous la forme d'un article qui a été publié dans la revue Veterinary sciences en septembre 2022. Liens d'intérêt: Rhouma M, Soufi L, Cenatus S, Archambault M, Butaye P. Current Insights Regarding the Role of Farm Animals in the Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance from a One Health Perspective. Veterinary Sciences. 2022; 9(9):480. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090480 Rhouma, M.; Archambault, M.; Butaye, P. Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Animals from a One Health Perspective. Vet. Sci. 2023, 10, 319. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10050319 SCSSA Aperçu de la surveillance canadienne: une vue d'ensemble des principales initiatives de l'usage et de la résistance aux antimicrobiens chez les animaux. Fiche d'information sur les mesures et indicateurs de l'UAM chez les animaux: Décrit quelles mesures sont utilisées pour la quantification et le signalement de l'utilisation des antimicrobiens chez les animaux SCSSA Rapports sur l'utilisation des antimicrobiens: Outil pour choisir les mesures et indicateurs

Antibiotics (one type of antimicrobial medication) are used in both veterinary and human medicine to treat and to prevent bacterial infections. Antimicrobial medications are classified based on the kind of pathogen they fight – for example, antibiotics are used against bacteria, antivirals against viruses, antifungals against fungal infections, etc. The development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) highlighted the use of antimicrobials in the human and veterinary worlds, leading to increased monitoring of antimicrobial use (AMU) and dispensing practices, as well as surveillance of resistance to these medications. In recent years veterinarians and producers around the world experienced many changes regarding how antimicrobials, specifically antibiotics, can be prescribed, dispensed and used for management of farmed animal diseases. Dr. Mohamed Rhouma, a veterinarian, microbiologist and assistant professor at the Faculty of veterinary medicine at the University of Montreal, wanted to get a sense of how these changes have affected AMU and AMR in farm animals – and to provide an update on what we know right now regarding the role of farm animals in the spread of AMR to humans from a One Health perspective. To this end, he and his colleagues from University of Montreal and Ghent University (Belgium) performed a review of the current state of knowledge on this topic and the resulting paper was published in the journal Veterinary sciences  in September 2022.  Links of Interest: Rhouma M, Soufi L, Cenatus S, Archambault M, Butaye P. Current Insights Regarding the Role of Farm Animals in the Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance from a One Health Perspective. Veterinary Sciences. 2022; 9(9):480. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090480 Rhouma, M.; Archambault, M.; Butaye, P. Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Animals from a One Health Perspective. Vet. Sci. 2023, 10, 319. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10050319 CAHSS Cross Canada Snapshot: Key Surveillance Initiatives for Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Farm Animals CAHSS Metrics and Indicators for reporting antimicrobial use in animals CAHSS Tool to develop an antimicrobial use plan and how to report antimicrobial use

Ces dernières années, le monde porcin a connu une vague d'activités visant à gérer et à prévenir la propagation de la peste porcine africaine à travers le monde. Cette maladie (qui n'infecte que les porcs) a eu de graves répercussions sur la santé et la production porcine mondialement, causant souvent la mort de près de 100 % des porcs infectés. Au Canada, jusqu'à présent, nous avons eu la chance de maintenir le statut de pays indemne pour la peste porcine africaine, ce qui signifie que la maladie est absente du territoire. Tous les groupes de surveillance des maladies porcines, les vétérinaires porcins nationaux, provinciaux et praticiens ainsi les producteurs se concentrent sur la surveillance et la prévention de cette maladie au Canada. Dans le cadre de nombreuses initiatives de prévention de la peste porcine africaine, ici au Canada, un programme de surveillance et de dépistage a été créé pour aider à réduire le risque pour le cheptel porcin canadien. CanSpotASF est un programme de dépistage collaboratif qui fonctionne au niveau de laboratoires de diagnostic animal accrédités et spécifiques et dans les abattoirs provinciaux et fédéraux pour aider à détecter la PPA tôt si et quand elle apparaît, afin de minimiser l'impact de la PPA sur les porcs canadiens et les producteurs, et tous ceux qui travaillent dans l'industrie porcine canadienne. La Dre Karine Talbot, vétérinaire porcine et directrice de la santé animale chez HyLife Inc. et membre de l'un des nombreux groupes de travail CanSpotASF, s'entretient avec moi aujourd'hui pour passer en revue les avantages de ce programme de dépistage et le rôle des vétérinaires et producteurs porcins. dans la surveillance de la PPA. Liens d'intérêt:  Résumé en une page de CanaVeillePPA (Santé animale Canada (SAC)) Surveillance de la PPA: CanaVeillePPA (SAC) CanaVeillePPA : laboratoires agréés - Description à l'intention des médecins vétérinaires (SAC)  CanaVeillePPA : laboratoires agréés - Description à l'intention des producteurs (SAC) CanaVeillePPA : analyses du matériel condamné dans les abattoirs Document technique de CanaVeillePPA sur les analyses dans les laboratoires agréés CanSpotASF approved diagnostic testing laboratories (as of Apr. 20, 2023): ​​​Laboratoire de santé animale (LSA) le Ontario Animal Health Laboratory le Prairie Diagnostic Services l'Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Agri-Food Laboratories le B.C. Animal Health Centre Note: The CanSpotASF risk-based early detection testing at approved laboratories pilot is open to all Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) laboratories. CAHSN laboratories that are not approved for ASF testing can submit samples to a network laboratory that is approved. 

The past few years in the swine world have seen a flurry of activity to manage and prevent the movement of African Swine Fever around the globe. This disease (which only infects pigs) has had severe impacts on swine health and production worldwide, often causing death of almost 100% of infected pigs. In Canada thus far we have been lucky to maintain ASF disease-free status, which means this disease is not present here. All swine disease surveillance groups, national, provincial and front-line swine veterinarians and producers are focused on vigilant monitoring and prevention of this disease in Canada. As part of many ASF prevention initiatives, here in Canada a surveillance and testing program was created to help reduce the risk for Canadian swine herd. CanSpotASF is a collaborative diagnostic screening program that works at the level of specific, approved animal diagnostic laboratories and at provincial and federal abattoirs to help detect ASF early if and when it appears, in order to minimize the impact of ASF on Canadian pigs and producers, and all those who work in the Canadian swine industry. Dr. Karine Talbot, a swine veterinarian, and the Director of Animal Health with HyLife Inc. and a member of several CanSpotASF working groups, reviews the benefits of this screening program and the role for swine vets and producers in ASF surveillance. Links of Interest:  Overview of CanSpotASF program from Animal Health Canada (AHC) Details on CanSpotASF program, testing and diagnostic laboratories from AHC Information for Veterinarians  from AHC Information for Producers on CanSpotASF from AHC Information for Abattoirs on CanSpotASF from AHC CanSpotASF Approved Laboratory Testing CanSpotASF approved diagnostic testing laboratories (as of Apr. 20, 2023): the MAPAQ laboratory in Quebec the Ontario Animal Health Laboratory Prairie Diagnostic Services Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Agri-Food Laboratories B.C. Animal Health Centre Note: The CanSpotASF risk-based early detection testing at approved laboratories pilot is open to all Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) laboratories. CAHSN laboratories that are not approved for ASF testing can submit samples to a network laboratory that is approved. 

With foaling season upon us, it is the perfect time to take stock of our infection prevention and control practices - we want to ensure our mares have easy foalings and produce the healthiest offspring possible. The first few months of a foal's life can be challenging as their immune system develops – even in ideal situations they may face bacterial, viral or parasitic infections that can make or break their future health. Dr. Ashley Whitehead, a veterinary internal medicine specialist and associate professor in equine clinical sciences at the University of Calgary, has a passion for all things related to foal health, and reviews how we can optimize foal immunity in this critical first few months of life. Links of Interest: Evaluation and Care of Newborn Foals, American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foaling Mare & Newborn: Preparing for a Safe & Successful Foal Delivery, AAEP Neonatal care, AAEP Foal Care from Birth to 30 days (AAEP 2003), TheHorse.com

There are a number of health challenges that are prevalent in pig production – and we know that biosecurity is the name of the game when it comes to disease prevention. Some diseases seem to evade even the strongest biosecurity plans and this can be frustrating for producers and their veterinarians as they try to achieve optimum care for their herds. Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome is a disease that has circulated in the swine world for years – however a recent highly pathogenic strain of this virus is challenging pig herds. Dr. Doug MacDougald, a swine veterinarian working out of Southwest Ontario Veterinary Services has worked with producers in North America who have experienced outbreaks of this highly pathogenic PRRS strain – 144 Lineage 1C – and shares some case studies and practical tips for disease prevention. Links of Interest: Resources for PRRS strain 144-1c outbreaks from Swine Health Information Centre Highly pathogenic PRRSV 1-4-4 L1C variant: emergence, sources, and implications to the global industry. by Daniel Linhares, Giovani Trevisan, and Gustavo Silva at Pig333.com Emergence of a New Lineage 1C Variant of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus 2 in the United States.  Kikuti Mariana, Paploski Igor A. D., Pamornchainavakul Nakarin, Picasso-Risso Catalina, Schwartz Mark, Yeske Paul, Leuwerke Brad, Bruner Laura, Murray Deborah, Roggow Brian D., Thomas Pete, Feldmann Lori, Allerson Matt, Hensch Melissa, Bauman Tyler, Sexton Brent, Rovira Albert, VanderWaal Kimberly, Corzo Cesar A. Emergence of a New Lineage 1C Variant of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus 2 in the United States. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol. 8, 2021.  Swine Health Information Center, AASV and Iowa State University Seminar on Emerging PRRS Strains and Rosalia Feb. 21, 2023

Medical doctors and veterinarians both include antimicrobials (antibiotics) in their medical tool-kits to treat bacterial infections. In this age of antimicrobial resistance, both types of medical professionals are keenly aware of the necessity for judicious use of antimicrobials for their patients. Zoonotic bacteria are of particular interest to both human and vet medicine as they can infect a variety of species. To practice excellent antimicrobial stewardship, veterinary and public health specialists work together to monitor and assess the prevalence of zoonotic bacteria and resistance patterns of these bacteria to different antimicrobials. The Canadian Dairy Network for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Resistance was created with input from experts, producers and veterinarians across Canada, and will provide valuable information to improve herd health and public health in the years to come. Drs. Javier Sanchez and Luke Heider spearheaded this collaborative project to develop a scaffold for monitoring zoonotic bacteria of public health significance and the use of antimicrobials on Canadian dairy farms. Links of Interest: Canadian Dairy Network for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Resistance (CaDNetASR): An On-Farm Surveillance System Fonseca Mariana, Heider Luke C., Léger David, Mcclure J. Trenton, Rizzo Daniella, Dufour Simon, Kelton David F., Renaud David, Barkema Herman W., Sanchez Javier. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol. 8, 2022. DOI=10.3389/fvets.2021.799622 ISSN=2297-1769    Surveillance of antimicrobial use and resistance to improve stewardship practices and animal health on dairy farms Surveillance in Action: Can. Dairy Network of Antimicrobial Stewardship & Resistance, Dairy Research Seminar. Oct 12, 2022 CadNetDASR information from University of Calgary, One Health Consortium

Most people are at least vaguely familiar with Rabies - a fatal zoonotic disease that affects thousands of people and animals around the world. In North America, we are lucky to think about rabies rarely – usually in the context of an animal bite, or maybe faint memories of “Old Yeller” the movie, or when and if a bat gets into the house. Canadian veterinarians may see a case or two of rabies every few years in horses, cattle, dogs or cats, and occasionally in other mammalian species. With the surge of dogs imported into Canada through the pandemic the possibility of people being exposed to rabies from a pet dog has become more of a risk. Dr. Martin Appelt, the Senior Director of the Animal Health Programs Division at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, reviews the recent changes to import requirements for dogs, and the reasons for their implementation to protect Canadians. Links of Interest:  CFIA Notice to industry: New measure prohibiting the entry of commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies Countries at High Risk for dog rabies Questions to ask before you purchase or adopt an imported dog CVMA Information on Canine Importation into Canada CVMA Dog importation checklist Preventing Rabies in Imported Dogs - Dr. Scott Weese

Chaque année, une journée est dédiée à une campagne internationale de sensibilisation pour souligner l'importance de la rage, une zoonose mortelle qui touche des milliers de personnes et d'animaux dans le monde. En Amérique du Nord, nous avons la chance de rarement penser à la rage - généralement lors d'une morsure d'animal, ou peut-être de faibles souvenirs du film "Old Yeller", sinon quand une chauve-souris entre dans la maison. Les vétérinaires canadiens peuvent voir un ou deux cas de rage à quelques années d'intervalle chez des chevaux, des bovins, des chiens ou des chats, et occasionnellement chez d'autres espèces de mammifères. Avec l'afflux de chiens importés au Canada pendant la pandémie, la rage et la possibilité que des personnes soient exposées à ce virus sont devenues un risque réel. Le Dre Nancy Rheault, Directrice principale et Vétérinaire en chef adjointe, à la Division de l'importation et de l'exportation des animaux pour les affaires internationales à l'Agence Canadienne d'inspection des aliments, s'entretient avec nous aujourd'hui pour nous expliquer certains changements récents apportés aux exigences d'importation de chiens et les raisons de leur mise en œuvre pour protéger les Canadiens.  Liens d'intérêt: ACIA Avis à l'industrie : Nouvelle mesure interdisant l'entrée de chiens commerciaux en provenance de pays à haut risque pour la rage canine Pays considérés à haut risque pour le variant canin du virus de la rage Posez des questions avant d'acheter ou d'adopter un chien ACMV Importation de chiens ACMV Liste de contrôle des vétérinaires pour l'importation d'un chien (2018) Preventing Rabies in Imported Dogs - Dr. Scott Weese  Centre d'expertise et de référence en santé publique - La Rage Rage chez les animaux

Wild pigs are known to wreak environmental havoc across all types of landscapes, and they can be difficult to find, let alone to manage once they're established in an area. Information about the habitats that Canadian wild pigs utilize can help inform decisions about how best to manage wild pig populations, and perhaps may also be useful to decrease crop damage or livestock interactions at the wildlife-agricultural interface. Mr. Corey Kramer, previously a Masters student from the University of Saskatchewan, and currently a Biology PhD student at San Diego State University, investigated the habitat use and movements of invasive wild pigs in Canada, and he shares the results from this research with us on Animal Health Insights.  Links of Interest: Understanding resource selection, resource use, and landscape connectivity for invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in the prairies; implications for management. Corey Kramer, April 2021.  Mr. Corey Kramer, Dr. Melanie R. Boudreau, Dr. Ryan S Miller, Mr. Ryan Powers, Dr. Kurt VerCauteren, and Dr. Ryan K. Brook. Summer habitat use and movements of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in Canadian agro-ecosystems. Canadian Journal of Zoology. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2021-0116 (March 2022) Reporting Invasive Wild Pigs in B.C. Wild Boar in Alberta Reporting Wild Boar in Alberta SCIC Feral Wild Boar Control Program  (Saskatchewan) Squeal on Wild Pigs, Manitoba Reporting Invasive Wild Pigs in Ontario Wild pig iNaturalist page for Ontario Wild pigs/wild boar in Quebec Report feral pigs/wild boar in Quebec Reporting details for other provinces/territories from the CWHC iNaturalist app (wild pig sightings can be added into this app) Canadian Wild Pig Research Project

Our veterinary patients deal with the effects of “worms” in a number of ways – we frequently see animals who suffer from gastrointestinal illness, weight loss, blood loss, and occasionally kidney, cardiac, muscular or neurologic diseases that all may relate to parasitic infections. If you're a pet parent or animal producer – your eyes may glaze over a bit when your vet discusses the health risks associated with parasites – but these risks are significant. Many parasites have zoonotic potential – they can be shared between animals and humans – and this is part of why veterinarians continue to discuss these creatures with our clients – we want to protect animal health AND the health of humans who care for and interact with animals. The parasite risks in a specific region constantly change as parasites migrate (along for the ride in an infected animal) around the province, country, continent, or around the world. In many species, including dogs, there is evidence that some parasites are developing resistance to certain types of deworming medications. One of these parasites is the canine hookworm – known as Ancylostoma caninum. Dr. John Gilleard from the University of Calgary has been involved in investigations into the emergence and diagnosis of these drug-resistant canine hookworms over the past few years. In addition to working as a Professor of Parasitology and the Associate Dean of Research at the faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Calgary, his research focusses on drug-resistant parasites and ways to investigate the emergence and spread of these in animal populations including cattle, other ruminants, and dogs. Links of Interest: Persistent or Suspected Resistant Hookworm Infections, Clinician's Brief Multiple drug resistance in hookworms infecting greyhound dogs in the USA Pablo D. Jimenez Castro, Abhinaya Venkatesan, Elizabeth Redman, Rebecca Chen, Abigail Malatesta, Hannah Huff, Daniel A. Zuluaga Salazar, Russell Avramenko, John S. Gilleard, Ray M. Kaplan, Multiple drug resistance in hookworms infecting greyhound dogs in the USA, International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance, Volume 17, 2021, Pages 107-117, ISSN 2211-3207, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.08.005 Multiple Drug Resistance in the canine hookworm Ancylostoma caninum: an emerging threat? Jimenez Castro, P.D., Howell, S.B., Schaefer, J.J. et al. Multiple drug resistance in the canine hookworm Ancylostoma caninum: an emerging threat?. Parasites Vectors 12, 576 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-019-3828-6 Information about Dr. Gilleard's laboratory at the University of Calgary and his research  Note: A. caninum photo credit: Dr Pablo Jimenez-Castro and Dr Ray Kaplan

Spring has sprung in North America – and with the return of these migrating birds, we see predictable waves of poultry infections with influenza. Each year there is the potential for different strains of this flu to impact the health of our egg and meat producing birds – whether they are raised in small backyard flocks or in commercial poultry production systems. Dr. Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt – a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and professor of veterinary medicine at the Université de Montreal, is an expert in poultry health and biosecurity – and focuses on developing strategies to help to control the risk of infection with diseases such as Avian Influenza. He joins us in this episode to review actions and essential biosecurity steps to help maintain healthy flocks and minimize the chance of Avian Influenza infections on farm.  Links of Interest: CFIA: Response to detections of avian influenza (H5N1) in Canada, and Information for Producers and Bird Owners CFIA: Avian Influenza Fact Sheet CFIA: Status of Avian influenza response by province Chicken Farmers of Canada: Avian Influenza Information and Resources Turkey Farmers of Canada: Avian Influenza, Just the Facts British Columbia (Centre for Disease Control): Avian influenza summary Alberta: Avian influenza in domestic birds, Updates Saskatchewan: News Release re: Avian influenza detection in Sask, Apr. 8, 2022 Saskatchewan Health Authority: Avian influenza/Bird flu Manitoba: Avian influenza and your small flock FAQ Manitoba: Avian influenza updates Western Canadian Animal Health Network: Avian influenza resources and CAHSS/WeCAHN: Webinar for small flock producers and veterinarians Ontario (OMAFRA): Avian influenza updates, control zones, and webinar Ontario (Ministry of Health): Highly pathogenic avian influenza in people, FAQ Ontario Animal Health Network: Avian Influenza resources 2022 Québec: Grippe aviaire MAPAQ: Grippe aviaire surveillance New Brunswick: Avian flu advisory in the Atlantic Provinces Nova Scotia: Avian influenza  PEI: Avian influenza information and updates  

Le printemps est arrivé en Amérique du Nord – et avec le retour de ces oiseaux migrateurs, nous assistons également à des éclosions prévisibles de grippe aviaire dans la volaille. Chaque année, différentes souches d'influenza aviaire peuvent avoir un impact sur la santé de nos oiseaux producteurs d'œufs et de nos poulets à chair - qu'ils soient élevés dans de petits troupeaux de basse-cour ou dans des élevages commerciaux. Il peut sembler impossible de réduire les risques d'infections comme celles causées par la grippe aviaire - les maladies qui sont aussi présentes chez les animaux sauvages peuvent être difficiles à gérer. Heureusement, il existe un certain nombre de choses que les producteurs peuvent faire pour protéger leurs élevages - petits ou grands - et il y a des changements qui peuvent se produire au sein de l'industrie pour aider à minimiser les impacts de la maladie et à prévenir sa propagation. Un élément clé – prendre le temps de planifier et investir un peu d'argent pour mettre en place ces mesures avant qu'une infection ne se produise sera la meilleure décision à long terme! Dr Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt – vétérinaire, épidémiologiste et professeur de médecine vétérinaire à l'Université de Montréal, est un expert en santé et biosécurité de la volaille. Il se concentre sur l'élaboration de stratégies pour aider à contrôler le risque d'infection par des maladies telles que la grippe aviaire. Son travail le fait voyager partout dans le monde où il aide les producteurs et les gouvernements à élaborer des plans de biosécurité régionaux qui améliorent considérablement la santé des oiseaux. Il a également étudié l'impact des traits sociaux et de la personnalité des humains sur le succès des mesures de biosécurité. Liens d'intérêt: l'Agence canadienne d'inspection des aliments (ACIA): Réponse aux détections d'influenza aviaire (H5N1) au Canada et Information pour les producteurs et au secteur de l'élevage et les propriétaires d'oiseaux l'Agence canadienne d'inspection des aliments (ACIA): Fiche de renseignements – Influenza aviaire l'Agence canadienne d'inspection des aliments (ACIA): Biosécurité de la volaille Norme nationale de biosécurité pour les fermes avicoles Plan spécifiquement lié aux risques concernant l'influenza aviaire à déclaration obligatoire Producteurs de poulet du Canada: Information et ressources relatives à l'influenza aviaire Les Éleveurs de dindon du Canada: Grippe Aviaire – Les faits uniquement Québec: Grippe aviaire MAPAQ: Grippe aviaire surveillance L'Équipe québécoise de contrôle des maladies avicoles (ÉQCMA):  Les protocoles de biosécurité Le Nouveau-Brunswick: Avis d'information concernant la grippe aviaire dans les provinces de l'Atlantique  

In 2019, a “new bug on the block” showed up in British Columbia, and an extensive effort was launched to locate and eradicate an intimidating non-native hornet species. You've likely heard of these Asian Giant Hornets as they were all over the news – a big wasp – with strong stingers and the buzzy potential to harm native pollinator species and honeybees in Canada. Paul van Westendorp, the provincial apiculturalist or “honeybee expert” for the province of British Columbia, helped to identify this species of wasp upon its discovery. Along with colleagues, Paul worked to locate and eradicate a hornet nest near Nanaimo, B.C., and continues to monitor for this insect species in B.C. Links of Interest: B.C. Ministry of Agriculture Pest Alert: Asian Giant Hornet Information on Paul van Westendorp and his work Asian Giant Hornet information from Ontario.ca Asian Giant Hornet information from Invasive Species Centre Reporting Invasive Species Sightings by Province

As caretakers and advocates for the animal populations within the wilderness areas in Canada's national park system, teams of wildlife experts work collaboratively to try to maintain this balance of health in their regions of care. In the past few years, in Alberta's national parks, Parks Canada wildlife specialists were challenged to manage an outbreak of a disease within one of the park's watershed systems. Whirling disease is a condition affecting fish and causing abnormal swimming patterns because of physical malformations. Dr. Mark Taylor, an aquatic biologist with Parks Canada in Banff National Park, works in all aspects of aquatic resource management, and worked with others in Alberta and Canada to manage this threat to the wild fish populations through the use of some novel strategies. Links of Interest: Environmental Impact Analysis: Whirling Disease Eradication from Johnson Lake, Banff National Park Information re: the Tubifex worm theseis: Whelan, C. (2020). Distribution and habitat characteristics of Tubifex tubifex, intermediate host of whirling disease, in Banff National Park (Unpublished master's thesis). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. http://hdl.handle.net/1880/112571 Overview of Whirling Disease Biology and Management: Sarker S, Kallert DM, Hedrick RP, El-Matbouli M. Whirling disease revisited: pathogenesis, parasite biology and disease intervention. Dis Aquat Organ. 2015 May 21;114(2):155-75. doi: 10.3354/dao02856. PMID: 25993890. Whirling Disease confirmed in fish from Johnson Lake in Banff National Park, Parks Canada Whirling Disease Fact Sheet, CFIA First known publication re: eradication of Whirling Disease: Nehring RB, Alves J, Nehring JB, Felt B. Elimination of Myxobolus cerebralis in Placer Creek, a Native Cutthroat Trout Stream in Colorado. J Aquat Anim Health. 2018 Dec;30(4):264-279. doi: 10.1002/aah.10039. Epub 2018 Aug 21. PMID: 30133011.

When it comes to providing veterinary care for small ruminants like sheep and goats, one of the most frustrating challenges for production can be the management of parasitic infections. Individual farms vary widely in their amount of pasture, availability of other species for pasture rotations, and their general deworming and parasite management protocols. Often a veterinarian is called in to address only the most severe flock or herd parasitic issues, and it can be challenging to get a program in place to bring these animals back from a severe infestation. As part of disease surveillance work in Quebec, a unique program was created to connect veterinarians and producers, and to establish a targeted parasite management plans for the province's sheep flocks and goat herds. Dr. Anne Leboeuf, a veterinarian who previously led the Quebec RAIZO disease surveillance network for small ruminants, and Dre. Denise Bélanger, a professor emeritus at the St-Hyacinthe Vet Faculty, epidemiologist, and a sheep producer, share information about this PISAQ Parasite management campaign and how it has improved understanding of the risk factors for Quebec flocks and herds.  Links of Interest:  Gestion intégrée du parasitisme gastro-intestinal - CEPOQ PISAQ ​​​​​​​​Campagne nº 7 : Visite zoosanitaire dans les élevages ovins et caprins Programme intégré de santé animale du Québec (PISAQ) Fact sheets - Santé biodiversité, avortment, reproduction | CEPOQ (English Fact Sheets)

Lorsqu'il est question de soins vétérinaires aux petits ruminants comme les ovins et les caprins, la gestion des infections parasitaires représente l'un des plus gros défis de la production. La quantité de pâturages disponibles, la disponibilité de différentes espèces pour effectuer la rotation des pâturages et le protocole de gestion du parasitisme varient beaucoup d'une ferme à l'autre. Souvent, le vétérinaire est appelé à traiter des problèmes parasitaires devenus graves au sein d'un troupeau et il est alors difficile d'intervenir efficacement pour guérir les animaux. Au Québec, il existe un programme destiné aux éleveurs de moutons et de chèvres de la province pour les aider à créer des liens avec les vétérinaires et à établir un plan ciblé pour la gestion du parasitisme. Ce programme provincial a été mis sur pied dans le cadre des travaux de surveillance des maladies animales. Dre Anne Leboeuf est médecin vétérinaire et elle était responsable du Réseau de surveillance des petits ruminants au sein du MAPAQ lorsque nous avons réalisé l'enregistrement du balado. Elle a accepté de nous partager de l'information au sujet de la campagne PISAQ qui a pour thème la gestion intégrée du parasitisme dans les élevages caprins et ovins et de nous expliquer comment cette campagne a permis de mieux comprendre les facteurs de risques à considérer dans les troupeaux québécois. Elle est accompagnée par Dre Denise Bélanger, professeure émérite à la Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal. Dre Bélanger s'est impliquée dans cette initiative à titre d'épidémiologiste mais aussi en tant qu'éleveure de moutons.   Liens d'intérêt: Gestion intégrée du parasitisme gastro-intestinal - CEPOQ PISAQ ​​​​​​​​Campagne nº 7 : Visite zoosanitaire dans les élevages ovins et caprins Programme intégré de santé animale du Québec (PISAQ) Fact sheets - Santé biodiversité, avortment, reproduction | CEPOQ (English Fact Sheets)  

Mental health is an essential facet of health and well-being for everyone, but there are unique facets of mental health that can be affected for all those who work with animals and who navigate the challenges associated with an animal health incident. Dr. Margaret McGeoghegan and Dr. Luc Bergeron discuss the significant mental health impacts of these situations on producers and veterinarians, and review how our government organizations are consistently working to improve communications and supports in these incredibly stressful scenarios. Dr. McGeoghegan currently works as a Canadian Food Inspection Agency veterinary program analyst and she is also a CFIA liaison for the vet college and the province of PEI.  Additionally, she works closely with the provincial Chief Veterinary Officer, industry groups, and producers in PEI.  As part of her work, she participates as a member of the CFIA National Human Destruction Emergency Response Team and working group. She participated in the 2004 Avian influenza outbreak in the Fraser Valley, B.C., that led to the development of national emergency response teams, and she trains and leads on many disease response exercises. She also was site commander in the Infectious Salmon Anemia outbreaks in Newfoundland in 2013 – so she has a strong understanding of the importance of strong leadership and clear communications to all those involved in an animal health incident.  Dr. Bergeron is a veterinarian and epidemiologist who graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Montreal. He worked initially as a large animal veterinarian, and currently works in animal health surveillance, and is the coordinator of the surveillance network for bovine diseases at the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Links of Interest:  Mental health supports for producers and agricultural workers: DoMoreAg: a not-for-profit organization focusing on mental health in agriculture across Canada. Canadian Mental Health Association: Mental Health in the Agriculture Industry B.C.: AgSafeBC Mental Health Resources Yukon: Farm Stress resources Alberta: Alberta Farm Mental Health Network Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Farm Stress rural support services Manitoba: Manitoba Farm, Rural, and Northern support services Ontario: In the Know: A mental health literacy program for farmers and the agricultural community Connex Ontario, mental health support services Québec: Commision de la sante mentale du Canada: Cette ligne est accessible 24/7 partout au Québec. Newfoundland and Labrador: Farmer-specific Mental Health Resources Nova Scotia: Producer Specific mental health resources from Nova Scotia We Talk, We Grow: an initiative of Farm Safety Nova Scotia raising awareness and taking action to protect and nurture the mental health and well-being of Nova Scotia's farming community PEI:  farmerstalk.ca : confidential counselling for farmers Farmer Assistance Program: counselling for farmers New Brunswick: Mental health resources News Release: Agriculture and Agri-food Canada: Governments Supporting Mental Health for Farming and Rural Communities Chicken Farmers of Canada: Mental Health and Agriculture resources Dairy Farmers of Canada: Mental Health resources Canadian Cattlemen's Association Mental Health resources Veterinary Mental Health:  Canadian Veterinary mental health resources from the CVMA i-matter.ca: Mental health strategies for veterinarians and veterinary team members from OVMA

Some diseases have the potential to be so threatening to animal or human health, or so rapidly contagious, that veterinary authorities need to aware of a single case as soon as possible. For some of these reportable diseases, actions or interventions are required immediately, while for others, veterinary authorities need to be aware of their occurrence simply for disease surveillance and monitoring purposes. Veterinarians in practice, and even animal owners, are required to contact these authorities if they have even just the suspicion that an animal *might* have one of these reportable infections. Once a veterinarian has contacted the appropriate authorities, these federal veterinarians (from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency) and sometimes provincial veterinarians, are involved in the processes of disease surveillance for certain specific diseases. In the rare case of a significant disease outbreak, these experts monitor the patterns of disease spread, and when indicated, may be involved in management of the case to ensure it does not  turn into an incident affecting many animals, many humans, and our national food security systems and public health. This is an important role, and often involves several specialists working on the front lines, the middle lines, and behind the scenes, to ensure rapid diagnosis and appropriate management of an outbreak. Dr. Margaret McGeoghegan from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Dr. Luc Bergeron, a disease surveillance veterinarian from Quebec, help to demystify these situations, and provide some clarification as to just who does what, and why and how they do it in the case of an animal health incident.  Links of Interest: Terrestrial Animal Diseases list and information - CFIA CAHSS Tools - Reportable and Notifiable Regulated Disease Tables RAIZO - MAPAQ  OMAFRA - Livestock Disease Control and Prevention Manitoba Animal Health, Disease Control and Surveillance Disease Surveillance and Management - Saskatchewan Provincially Regulated Animal Diseases - Alberta Animal Disease - Foreign Animal Disease - British Columbia Yukon Animal Health Unit Newfoundland Animal Disease Surveillance Nova Scotia Notifiable Animal Diseases Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - wildlife disease surveillance

There are a number of clinical signs that always strike a bit of fear into the veterinary heart –  for example, livestock that show blisters on their nose, mouth, or near their hooves, the dog or cat with unexplained neurological signs (especially if they had recent interaction with a bat), or the acute death of a number of animals. In any of these cases (and in many others) a veterinarian must keep the potential of certain reportable diseases on their differential list, and they contact their federal and provincial authorities to advise of this possibility. But, once a vet has made that contact, what happens? What's the next step? This can sometimes be unclear, as each disease incident has many different variables, and generally, a “risk-based assessment” is performed to assess the level of concern and risk to other humans and animals on a case by case basis. The varied responses and the methods by which veterinary regulatory authorities manage a disease outbreak can be confusing, so in the next 3 podcast episodes we try to provide some clarity around these processes, by working through all levels of diagnosis and response – and highlight the connections between veterinarians and the provincial and federal veterinary authorities.  Dr. Ryan Tenbergen is a swine veterinarian who works with Demeter Services Vétérinaires, and he has a strong interest in research and epidemiology. He is a past-president of the Ontario Association of Swine Veterinarians, and contributes to disease surveillance nationally as a representative for the Maritimes on the Canadian Swine Health Information Network. Dr. Tenbergen shares his experiences interacting with veterinary authorities as part of the diagnostic process.  Links of Interest:  Find a CFIA District Office contact number    

When diseases affect our wildlife, they can also impact the health of domestic animals and humans. Diseases may "spillover" from wildlife to other species, can be maintained in nature, develop new and more potent strains, and can travel across provincial, territorial, and national borders, often unimpeded. Increasing stresses due to habitat loss, international trade of animals and their parts, climate change, or any of the artificial constructs our human society creates – compound the health challenges faced by the wildlife species we share this planet with. Veterinarians and wildlife biologists work together to study, monitor, learn from, and support our wildlife populations. Dr. Iga Stasiak is a veterinarian working as a wildlife health specialist in for the Ministry of the Environment in Saskatchewan. She works on a number of initiatives in that province, and is particularly active working on management of Chronic Wasting Disease, a disease of cervids. She discusses Chronic Wasting Disease and its surveillance with us, and discusses why wildlife health and disease monitoring is such an important (but complex) undertaking.  Links of Interest: Canadian Resources: Chronic Wasting Disease testing and surveillance information for Saskatchewan CWD Surveillance and Mapping information from Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance CWD and Traditional Foods, Information from the Government of Canada CWD testing and surveillance updates and information for Alberta CWD testing and surveillance information for British Columbia CWD surveillance program for Yukon CWD Factsheet for NWT Field Guide to Wildlife Diseases, NWT CWD biological sample submission information, Manitoba CWD prevention in Manitoba (2019) from a presentation to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters CWD testing and surveillance information for Ontario CWD surveillance information for Quebec U.S. Resources: The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy CWD website USGS CWD Resource website  

When we bring dogs from far away into Canada, it is essential that we consider infectious organisms they may also bring into our country as “tag-alongs”. This a veterinarian and molecular-parasitology researcher (who is devoted to tackling zoonotic parasites) shares details on which infections should be top of mind when importing dogs, and describes a cautionary tale of an imported parasitic disease, Leishmania infantum.  Anyone who has been working in veterinary clinics throughout the pandemic will be all-too-aware of the increase in pet-ownership, and specifically, puppy and dog adoption, occurring throughout the past little while. Sometimes it seems that everyone, everywhere is on the hunt for a new furry companion to add to the family, and veterinarians have certainly had their hands full trying to keep up to the increased demand for veterinary medical services. Dog breeders in Canada are taking reservations years into the future for puppies, and prices for puppies are rising. Pet rescue organizations have also been scrambling to fill this “puppy void” – and increasing numbers of dogs are imported into Canada each year from far off locations. Sometimes these dogs are imported from countries where they have a drastically different climate, and potentially very different parasite and infectious disease threats for both dogs and humans. It is impossible to keep every single infectious disease front and centre in our minds, but veterinarians know that when something seems weird or unusual, we need to call in some help. In 2020, this is exactly what happened in Quebec, Canada, when multiple veterinarians noticed some  unusual things in their canine patients. And, as it turns out, these unusual findings were all observed in dogs that were imported to Canada.  Dr. Christopher Fernandez-Prada played an instrumental role in helping veterinarians investigate cases of Leishmania infantum, a parasitic infection. Dr. Fernandez-Prada is currently Director of the parasitology diagnostic laboratory and an assistant professor at the University of Montreal. In addition, he is also an Adjunct professor at McGill University faculty of Medicine, Deputy director of the Animal Infectious Diseases Research Group, and he is a member of the steering committee of the Canadian Network in Neglected Tropical Diseases. Recently, Dr. Fernandez Prada was the first veterinarian to receive the Canadian Institutes of Health Research prize – the Bhagirath Singh Early Career Award in Infection and Immunity.  Links of Interest:  Leishmania infantum infection in a dog imported from Morocco. Wagner V, Douanne N, Fernandez-Prada C. Leishmania infantum infection in a dog imported from Morocco. The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne. 2020 Sep;61(9):963-965. PMID: 32879521; PMCID: PMC7424924._ A flesh-eating parasite carried by dogs is making its way to North America. Victoria Wagner, Christopher Fernandez-Prada, Martin Olivier. The Conversation, Oct. 21, 2020.  Unravelling the proteomic signature of extracellular vesicles released by drug-resistant Leishmania infantum parasites Douanne N, Dong G, Douanne M, Olivier M, Fernandez-Prada C (2020) Unravelling the proteomic signature of extracellular vesicles released by drug-resistant Leishmania infantum parasites. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 14(7): e0008439. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0008439 Dr. Christopher Fernandez-Prada and his research  

Toute personne ayant travaillé dans une clinique vétérinaire pendant la pandémie sait trop bien que les adoptions d'animaux de compagnie, en particulier de chiots et de chiens, sont en hausse depuis quelque temps. On dirait parfois que tout le monde, partout, est en quête d'un nouveau compagnon à fourrure à ajouter à la famille, et les médecins vétérinaires sont très occupés à essayer de suffire à la demande accrue pour les services de santé vétérinaire. Les éleveurs de chiens du Canada prennent des réservations plusieurs années d'avance pour fournir des chiots, et les prix de ces chiots augmentent. Les organismes de sauvetage d'animaux de compagnie font aussi des pieds et des mains pour combler ce « manque de chiots » – et de plus en plus de chiens d'endroits éloignés sont importés au Canada chaque année. Ils viennent parfois de pays où le climat est radicalement différent et où des parasites et des maladies infectieuses très différents peuvent poser une menace pour la santé des chiens et des humains. Quand nous importons des chiens de très loin, il est essentiel de penser aux petits « passagers » contagieux qu'ils peuvent apporter avec eux dans notre pays. Dr Fernandez-Prada est un médecin vétérinaire et chercheur en parasitologie moléculaire spécialiste des parasites zoonotiques. Il est directeur du laboratoire de diagnostic en parasitologie et professeur adjoint à l'Université de Montréal. Il est aussi professeur associé à la Faculté de médecine de l'Université McGill, directeur adjoint du Groupe de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale et membre du comité directeur du Réseau canadien pour les maladies tropicales négligées. Et il est récemment devenu le premier médecin vétérinaire à recevoir le prix Bhagirath-Singh de début de carrière en recherche en maladies infectieuses et immunitaires décerné par les Instituts de recherche en santé du Canada. Liens d'intérêt: Infection par Leishmania infantum chez un chien importé du Maroc. (Wagner V, Douanne N, Fernandez-Prada C. Leishmania infantum infection in a dog imported from Morocco. The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne. 2020 Sep;61(9):963-965. PMID: 32879521; PMCID: PMC7424924._) A flesh-eating parasite carried by dogs is making its way to North America. Victoria Wagner, Christopher Fernandez-Prada, Martin Olivier. The Conversation, Oct. 21, 2020.  Unravelling the proteomic signature of extracellular vesicles released by drug-resistant Leishmania infantum parasites Douanne N, Dong G, Douanne M, Olivier M, Fernandez-Prada C (2020) Unravelling the proteomic signature of extracellular vesicles released by drug-resistant Leishmania infantum parasites. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 14(7): e0008439. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0008439 Dr. Christopher Fernandez-Prada et ses recherches  

We're all racing neck and neck against antimicrobial resistance - trying to preserve antibiotics for use in the most critical situations. This equine specialist pinpoints actions horse owners and veterinarians can take to minimize spread of resistant pathogens in horse populations and facilities. With fewer anti-microbials in our equine veterinary toolkit, it is essential that we learn all we can about how antimicrobial resistant pathogens travel between horses and their handlers. Without being able to identify and track antibiotic resistant bacteria, we are left in the dark when we try to adjust our management of our animals to minimize disease and to save these valuable medications for situations where they are absolutely necessary. Dr. Maud de Lagarde is a researcher and diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine who studies the movement of antimicrobial resistant genes in bacterial populations that affect horses in both Quebec and France. She is specifically interested in their route of dissemination to develop strategies to prevent antimicrobial resistance, and her work highlights some interesting intervention points for horse owners and veterinarians alike. Links of Interest:  Prevalence, risk factors, and characterization of multidrug resistant and extended spectrum β-lactamase/AmpC β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in healthy horses in France in 2015  (de Lagarde M, Larrieu C, Praud K, Schouler C, Doublet B, Sallé G, Fairbrother JM, Arsenault J. Prevalence, risk factors, and characterization of multidrug resistant and extended spectrum β-lactamase/AmpC β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in healthy horses in France in 2015. J Vet Intern Med. 2019 Mar;33(2):902-911. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15415. Epub 2019 Jan 15. PMID: 30648296; PMCID: PMC6430864.) Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Characterization of Multidrug Resistant and ESBL/AmpC Producing Escherichia coli in Healthy Horses in Quebec, Canada, in 2015–2016 (de Lagarde M, Fairbrother JM, Arsenault J. Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Characterization of Multidrug Resistant and ESBL/AmpC Producing Escherichia coli in Healthy Horses in Quebec, Canada, in 2015-2016. Animals (Basel). 2020;10(3):523. Published 2020 Mar 20. doi:10.3390/ani10030523) Spread of multidrug-resistant IncHI1 plasmids carrying ESBL gene bla CTX-M-1 and metabolism operon of prebiotic oligosaccharides in commensal Escherichia coli from healthy horses, France (Maud de Lagarde, Caroline Larrieu, Karine Praud, Nathalie Lallier, Angélina Trotereau, Guillaume Sallé, John M. Fairbrother, Catherine Schouler, Benoît Doublet, Spread of multidrug-resistant IncHI1 plasmids carrying ESBL gene blaCTX-M-1 and metabolism operon of prebiotic oligosaccharides in commensal Escherichia coli from healthy horses, France, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, Volume 55, Issue 6, 2020, 105936, ISSN 0924-8579) 

Nous sommes tous engagés dans une course contre la résistance aux antibiotiques et nous essayons de préserver l'efficacité de ces médicaments pour pouvoir continuer à les utiliser dans les situations les plus critiques. Cette spécialiste en médecine équine propose aux propriétaires de chevaux et aux vétérinaires équins des mesures qui peuvent être utilisées pour réduire la propagation de bactéries pathogènes résistantes au sein de la population équine et dans les écuries. Étant donné la réduction du nombre d'antibiotiques disponibles dans la trousse médicale des vétérinaires équins, il est essentiel que ces derniers aient accès à un maximum de connaissances concernant la façon dont les bactéries pathogènes résistantes aux antibiotiques peuvent se transmettre entre les chevaux et leurs propriétaires. Si les vétérinaires équins ne savent pas comment identifier et suivre les mouvements des bactéries résistantes aux antibiotiques, il leur est difficile d'adapter la gestion de leurs cas pour réduire le risque de maladies et réserver ces médicaments importants aux situations pour lesquelles ils sont absolument nécessaires. Dre Maud de Lagarde est chercheure et diplomée du Collège américain de médecine interne vétérinaire (ACVIM). Elle étudie les mouvements des gènes de résistance aux antibiotiques dans les populations bactériennes retrouvées chez les chevaux au Québec et en France. Elle s'intéresse particulièrement à la façon dont ces gènes se propagent afin de développer des stratégies de prévention de la résistance. Son travail souligne des possibilité d'interventions concrètes pour les propriétaires de chevaux et leurs vétérinaires. Liens d'intérêt: Prevalence, risk factors, and characterization of multidrug resistant and extended spectrum β-lactamase/AmpC β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in healthy horses in France in 2015  (de Lagarde M, Larrieu C, Praud K, Schouler C, Doublet B, Sallé G, Fairbrother JM, Arsenault J. Prevalence, risk factors, and characterization of multidrug resistant and extended spectrum β-lactamase/AmpC β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in healthy horses in France in 2015. J Vet Intern Med. 2019 Mar;33(2):902-911. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15415. Epub 2019 Jan 15. PMID: 30648296; PMCID: PMC6430864.) Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Characterization of Multidrug Resistant and ESBL/AmpC Producing Escherichia coli in Healthy Horses in Quebec, Canada, in 2015–2016 (de Lagarde M, Fairbrother JM, Arsenault J. Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Characterization of Multidrug Resistant and ESBL/AmpC Producing Escherichia coli in Healthy Horses in Quebec, Canada, in 2015-2016. Animals (Basel). 2020;10(3):523. Published 2020 Mar 20. doi:10.3390/ani10030523) Spread of multidrug-resistant IncHI1 plasmids carrying ESBL gene bla CTX-M-1 and metabolism operon of prebiotic oligosaccharides in commensal Escherichia coli from healthy horses, France (Maud de Lagarde, Caroline Larrieu, Karine Praud, Nathalie Lallier, Angélina Trotereau, Guillaume Sallé, John M. Fairbrother, Catherine Schouler, Benoît Doublet, Spread of multidrug-resistant IncHI1 plasmids carrying ESBL gene blaCTX-M-1 and metabolism operon of prebiotic oligosaccharides in commensal Escherichia coli from healthy horses, France, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, Volume 55, Issue 6, 2020, 105936, ISSN 0924-8579) 

Sharing information about Salmonella Dublin, an emerging pathogen of cattle, is essential to improve health, manage disease and minimize losses. This epidemiologist of infectious diseases of dairy cattle discusses some innovative ways to share Salmonella Dublin risk and prevalence information with producers and veterinarians.  For the past number of years, in our cattle populations, veterinarians and producers have dealt with a host-adapted strain of Salmonella that causes significant respiratory disease and sepsis in calves and can cause major production losses for an infected herd. Veterinarians work hard with their producers to set up biosecurity and treatment protocols on farm to help minimize new infections and manage risk factors, but there is also a lot of exciting work going on at Universities, and with governments and disease surveillance organizations to establish programs to effectively monitor outbreaks, track infections, and communicate this disease prevalence and risk information back to producers and veterinarians.  Dr. Simon Dufour, a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology at the Faculty of Veterinary medicine at the University of Montreal, joins us to share some information on Salmonella Dublin infections in dairy calves and cattle, and to discuss some collaborative projects that are in the works to help manage this important emerging pathogen. Links of Interest: Dr. Dufour and his research S'attaquer à Salmonella Dublin au Québec, La revue Le producteur de lait québécois, Dec. 2019 Project in progress: Diagnostic of Salmonella Dublin infection in Québec dairy herds Salmonella Dublin, calfcare.ca Dairy Knowledge Summary, Salmonella Dublin, from the Dairy Research and Extension Consortium of Alberta, Jan. 2020

Il est essentiel de partager de l'information à propos de ce pathogène en émergence chez les bovins afin d'améliorer la santé, gérer la maladie et réduire les pertes qui y sont associées. Ce spécialiste en épidémiologie des maladies infectieuses des bovins laitiers discute de nouvelles façons de partager de l'information aux producteurs et aux vétérinaires à propos des risques et de la prévalence de cette maladie. Dr Simon Dufour, professeur au département de pathologie et de microbiologie de la faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal, va nous partager de l'information au sujet des infections à Salmonella Dublin dans les élevages laitiers, va discuter de certains projets en cours pour aider à gérer cet important pathogène en émergence. Liens d'intérêt: Dr. Dufour et ses recherches S'attaquer à Salmonella Dublin au Québec, La revue Le producteur de lait québécois, Dec. 2019 Projet en cours: Diagnostic of Salmonella Dublin infection in Québec dairy herds Salmonella Dublin: CalfCare.ca

Ticks are becoming increasingly common in Canada; posing a variety of disease threats to animal and human health. This scientist and tick expert provides an update on ticks of concern, tick-borne disease risks, and shares some highlights and cringe-worthy tales from the day-to-day life of a tick specialist. There are many tick species, and they each can carry and potentially spread a mind-numbing number of disease conditions to us, our pets, and our livestock. Luckily there are experts in both the veterinary and human medical realm who actively research and monitor these pesky vectors and help to alert professionals in practice to emerging disease threats. Dr. Robbin Lindsay and his research team have been actively involved in tick surveillance across Canada for several decades and generate critical data related to geographic range of vector ticks and tick-borne disease prevalence with the Public Health Agency of Canada, in the Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens section of the National Microbiology Laboratory. Dr. Lindsay is an expert in all things tick-related, and he shares information on current and emerging ticks and tick-borne pathogens, the evolution of tick-surveillance in Canada, and some ways to minimize these risks for both ourselves and our animals. Links of Interest:  www.etick.ca The Canadian Lyme Disease Research Network, Dr. Robbin Lindsay More information about Dr. Lindsay's work with the Public Health Agency of Canada Tick Talk Canada, from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Pets and Ticks

Infectious disease enters a barn the same way you do.. through the door! This poultry veterinarian shares how a few extra steps can change the movement of pathogens into farms and lower disease risk.  When veterinarians discuss disease prevention, they often talk about the importance of excellent biosecurity practices. Biosecurity refers to the protective measures put in place to minimize the chance that any infectious pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria, can make it's way from the outside of the farm to the inside of the barn; infecting a herd or a flock. In the face of an emerging disease or other disease threat, veterinarians will emphasize that producers should work to increase biosecurity measures. Sometimes, it can be difficult to imagine how these biosecurity changes may actually impact animal health - since some of the measures seem so simple and common sense.  Dr. Geneviève Huard, a poultry veterinarian and researcher, worked on a project that provides visual evidence of how pathogens can move into our barn facilities, and shows what we can do to keep pathogens outside the barn. Links of Interest: Poultry Production, Penn State Extension Biosecurity Basics for Poultry Growers, University of Georgia Government of Canada, Animal Biosecurity Avian Biosecurity, Government of Canada Biosecurity, Nova Scotia Animal Health and Biosecurity, Manitoba B.C. Poultry Biosecurity Reference Guide Biosecurity Fundamentals for Visitors to Livestock Facilities, Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Les maladies infectieuses entrent dans un bâtiment d'élevage de la même façon que nous: en passant par la porte! Cette vétérinaire avicole explique comment réduire le risque de maladies en adoptant certains comportements pour réduire le mouvement des agents pathogènes dans les bâtiments d'élevage. Face à une éclosion de maladie, les vétérinaires recommandent aux éleveurs de rehausser leurs mesures de biosécurité. La biosécurité fait référence aux mesures de protection mises en place pour réduire le risque qu'un agent pathogène tel qu'un virus ou une bactérie entre dans un bâtiment d'élevage et contamine un troupeau.  Certaines de ces mesures sont tellement simples qu'il peut être difficile d'imaginer l'ampleur de l'impact positif qu'elles peuvent avoir sur la santé animale. Quand les vétérinaires parlent de prévention des maladies, ils mentionnent souvent l'importance d'appliquer d'excellentes mesures de biosécurité. La biosécurité fait référence aux mesures de protection mises en place pour réduire le risque qu'un agent pathogène tel qu'un virus ou une bactérie entre dans un bâtiment d'élevage pour contaminer un troupeau. Face à une éclosion de maladie, les vétérinaires recommandent aux éleveurs de rehausser leurs mesures de biosécurité. Certains de ces changements sont tellement simples qu'il peut être difficile d'imaginer l'ampleur de l'impact qu'ils peuvent avoir sur la santé animale. Dre Geneviève Huard, vétérinaire avicole et chercheure, a travaillé sur un projet qui illustre comment les agents pathogènes peuvent entrer dans un bâtiment d'élevage et quoi faire pour les garder à l'extérieur. Liens d'intérêt : Gouvernement du Canada, Biosecurité Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec, Biosécurité à la ferme En anglais:  Biosecurity Overview, Penn State Extension Biosecurity Basics for Poultry Growers, University of Georgia  

A veterinarian reveals newly identified biosecurity-related risk factors for introduction of respiratory disease, Johne's disease, and calf diarrhea into beef cow-calf herds in Western Canada. Biosecurity is one tool that veterinarians and producers use to minimize the chance of any disease exposure to animals on farm, but it is a broad group of principles that can seem difficult to implement correctly in all farming situations. While some disease risks are shared across species, different animals and management systems also have some unique biosecurity factors. Dr. Trent Wennekamp, a veterinarian from Lloydminster, Alberta, and a graduate student in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, researched biosecurity practices on cow-calf farms in Western Canada. Dr. Wennekamp uncovered some key biosecurity-related disease risk factors for cow-calf herds, and his work emphasizes just how important biosecurity principles can be to the health of calves and cattle. Links of Interest: Biosecurity and bovine respiratory disease on beef operations in western Canada, Dr. Trent R. Wennekamp Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance Network (a national expansion of the Western Cow-Calf Surveillance Network  The Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosecurity Standard

Good barn ventilation goes a long way to support the respiratory health of ruminants. An agricultural engineer and a large-animal veterinarian explain why ventilation is so important for animal health, and share simple barn improvements to minimize disease. For animals that are dealing with a contagious disease outbreak, true “social distancing” can be almost impossible to put in place. Veterinarians have to think creatively about all aspects of animal care, including the functionality of their housing, in order to decrease the chance that a group of animals will experience a contagious respiratory infection. Dr. Rex Crawford, a large-animal veterinarian, and Mr. Harold House, an agricultural engineer focused on livestock housing, join us to discuss how barn ventilation systems can help to improve ruminant health. From clinical presentations of respiratory disease and common indications of barn ventilation issues, to retrofits or new barn designs to maximize flock or herd health, there are a number of interesting points to consider to help improve ventilation systems for ruminant housing. Links of Interest: Dairyland initiative, University of Wisconsin Ventilation for Livestock and Poultry Facilities, Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Farm Practices Guide - Ventilation, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture Fan Ventilation Principles and Rates, Alberta Lamb Producers Ventilation in Dairy Production, Alberta Government Sheep Housing Requirements, Canadian Sheep Federation Ventilation for Dairy Goat Housing, Ontario Goat Plans types - Aménagment de bâtiments pour petits ruminants de boucherie, MAPAQ  

Genomic testing may be the future of respiratory disease management - Dr. Cheryl Waldner outlines a project investigating use of genomic tests to gain a timely pen-level risk assessment, allow for targeted use of antibiotics, and improve the health of feedlot cattle. Diagnostic tests for respiratory disease are similar in both veterinary and human medicine, and many Canadians have now experienced the naso-pharyngeal swab procedure as part of COVID-19 testing. A common frustration when diagnosing bacterial respiratory infections in veterinary medicine is that sick patients need treatment before diagnostic test results are available. A new research project is underway to investigate how cutting-edge genomic testing can help to guide prudent medication selection, improve time to diagnosis and develop diagnostic strategies to improve calf health in feedlots. Dr. Cheryl Waldner, the NSERC/BCRC Research chair and lead investigator for Genomic Assets in Livestock at the University of Saskatchewan, reviews highlights of this investigation, and shares how this work may assist in the global battle against antimicrobial resistance. Links of Interest: Genomic ASSETS ((Antimicrobial Stewardship Systems from Evidence-Based Treatment Strategies) for Livestock Research Project page More information on Dr. Waldner and her work at the University of Saskatchewan Photo credit: Christina Weese

An infectious disease specialist and a veterinary epidemiologist discuss zoonotic disease risks and the benefits of integrating a One Health approach to veterinary and human medical practice. The recent pandemic highlights the risks associated with animal - human disease transmission (zoonosis). Dr. Martha Fulford, a medical doctor and specialist in Infectious Diseases from McMaster University, and Dr. Jane Parmley, a veterinary epidemiologist and associate professor in the Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, join us to discuss the importance of zoonosis to the current medical landscape, the variety of ways that veterinarians and medical doctors discuss zoonotic diseases with their clients and patients, and how a One Health approach to medicine can help us to meet future disease challenges. Links of Interest: Centre for Disease Control Information on Zoonotic Diseases  Worms and Germs Blog  Community for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases 

Plan stratégique 2020-2025 pour consultation des membres du Système canadien de surveillance de la santé animale

Charte pour consultation des membres du Système canadien de surveillance de la santé animale

Governance charter for consultation with Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System members

Strategic plan 2020-2025 for consultation with Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System members