Russell
Site Founder
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2009
- Messages
- 283
- Location
- Edmonton, Alberta CANADA
Message from the State Veterinarian
As the New Year begins, my staff and I reflect back on a very busy 2010, that was teeming with challenges on all fronts.
Last year began with all eyes on the budget. Like other state agencies, we were working to trim our budget in the face of lagging state revenues resulting from the economic downturn. In January, we negotiated a compromise to cut the state’s contribution to the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program (MPIP) in an effort to meet the Administration’s budget target.
January also brought rule-making for the newly enacted Commercial Dog Breeders and Brokers program. Since the law took effect on January 1, 2010, BOAH has registered 98 breeders and two brokers.
This time last year, final results for bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing of more than 400 hunter-harvested wild white-tailed deer were just being reported back to BOAH and the Department of Natural Resources. The testing was done as a follow up to a test-positive farm-raised elk identified in 2009. Since all results were reported as negative, the search for the source of TB continues into 2011 with more suspect traces having been reported back to cattle herds in Southeastern Indiana in 2010. BOAH staff is still working with local livestock owners in the region to trace cattle and cervid movements.
Even the equine industry had more than its fair share of regulatory health issues last year.
Piroplasmosis, a foreign-origin tick-borne infection of horses, continues to be a threat nationwide. Indiana is among the states affected by a “spider web” of disease spread by animals moving from state to state. As a result, many states, including Kentucky and Michigan, have increased testing requirements on horses moving interstate. To protect our valuable equine industry, Indiana may soon follow suit. Similarly, other equine health issues, such as the West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis and strangles, gave BOAH field veterinarians much to do last year.
The complexities of working through these types of animal health issues and the related traces in the field is one reason BOAH staff worked so hard in 2010 to increase the adoption of the radio frequency identification (RFID) tag systems (also known as “840” ID). By the second anniversary of the RFID tag program in October, BOAH had distributed more than 100,000 IDs to Hoosier producers, veterinarians and Extension educators to improve traceability in disease investigations. As we move into 2011, more than 70 Indiana county 4-H programs have already committed to using the RFID technology in local cattle exhibitions. Once again, Indiana is leading the nation in adopting the systems and technologies we need to protect our food system in an emergency. No other state comes close to accomplishing what our livestock industry has done in voluntarily supporting state programs. This is truly a testament to the excellent working relationship this agency has with Indiana’s livestock industry to achieve common goals.
During 2010, BOAH continued to integrate use of the USAHERDS program into more agency programs, including the Commercial Dog Breeder and aquaculture programs. Through the efforts of BOAH staff, USAHERDS is becoming the database system of choice for other state animal health agencies.
These issues are just the tip of the iceberg of issues and events that BOAH tackled in the last year—many of which are continuing into 2011. Only space limits my ability to convey the full picture of the work and dedication of our BOAH staff, from those in the main office answering the phones and processing time sheets to the dairy inspectors who are on farms and in plants everyday ensuring the safety of milk produced in Indiana. Our field veterinarians and animal health specialists work in so many areas, at so many levels. They coordinate with local governments to do emergency planning as well as investigate animal abuse and neglect cases. The field staff also follows up on disease traces ranging from avian influenza to zoonotics that can affect public health.
I am proud of the work we do here at the Board of Animal Health. And, even more so, I’m proud of the people here who get it done. Even in tough economic times during the last year, which saw unprecedented lay-offs and a central office move acrosstown, the BOAH staff has continued to maintain a high standard for performance and service to the people of Indiana.
By all indications, 2011 will be just as busy and at least as challenging. But, I stand confident that we are poised to meet those challenges and will be ready for whatever comes our way.
Bret D. Marsh, DVM
Indiana State Veterinarian
BOAH Board Actions
DURING THEIR regular October 14 meeting, Board members:
• passed the first reading of the proposed rule to allow registered veterinary
technicians or veterinary assistants to administer the rabies vaccine under the supervision of a licensed and accredited veterinarian;
• passed the first reading of the proposed rule to amend the current animal carcass disposal laws; comments on the changes are being accepted by the public;
• passed the changes in the proposed rule on the meat and poultry program.
The new rules clarify scheduling procedures and update federal regulations incorporated by reference;
• approved the adoption the 2009 Pasteurized Milk Ordinance by reference;
• passed the proposed changes to the National Poultry Improvement Plan; and
• passed the final hearing to tighten dairy requirements for somatic cell count and bacteria levels for manufactured grade products. The new rules take effect January 1, 2011.
Companion Animal
THE PROPOSED amendment to Indiana’s rabies vaccination law will be presented for a public hearing at the Jan. 13 board meeting. If adopted, the proposed rule will clarify that a registered veterinary technician or veterinary assistant working under the direct supervision of a licensed and accredited veterinarian may legally vaccinate dogs, cats and ferrets for rabies. Public comment is currently being taken on this proposed rule, and those comments may be submitted via e-mail to [email protected] or by U.S. mail to the BOAH office.
BOAH WILL participate in the National Level Exercise 2011 which involves simulating an earthquake along the New Madrid and Wabash fault lines. The exercise will take place in several Midwestern states in May of 2011 to observe the 200th anniversary of the 1811-12 New Madrid earthquake. BOAH will keep veterinarians posted as details and opportunities come available for participation in this exercise.
Premise ID
THE CURRENT number of premises registered are as follows: avian: 6227; bovine: 23,779; camelid:466; caprine: 7117; cervids: 920; equine: 6982; fish: 821; ovine: 5236; and porcine: 11,278. The total number premises registered in the state is 42,284. Traceability continues to be a top priority for the state; therefore, any changes to premise information need to be reported to BOAH, so the agency’s database is current in case of an animal health emergency.
Equine
KENTUCKY REQUIRES a negative equine piroplasmosis test for all horses before they are allowed on a Kentucky racetrack, as of January 1, 2011. The mandate comes after the outbreak of piroplasmosis, which has infected at least 550 horses nationwide. The testing is expected to remain in place through the fall racing season.
Cattle/Ruminants
APPROXIMATELY 1500 cattle participated in the 2010 Hoosier Beef Congress in December. The Indiana Beef Cattle Association required all commercial heifers and steers to be tagged with 840 RFID tags before being shown. The technology was used to speed check-in and ensure the correct cattle were shown in their appropriate classes. This show was the first in Indiana to require cattle to be tagged with RFIDs, and early reports indicate it was a success.
LATE NOVEMBER, Wyoming officials announced a second case of Brucellosis in a herd in Park County. This most recent case is unrelated to the positive herd announced in October, but is within Wyoming’s Designated Surveillance Area. The state is not in jeopardy of losing its Free status as long as the cases are handled according to federal guidelines.
SCIENTISTS AT the U.S Department of Agriculture have discovered the site in cattle where foot-andmouth (FMD) disease begins. This discovery will help develop new vaccines to control—and potentially eradicate—FMD. Because FMD has several different types and subtypes, vaccines must be very specific, but blocking the initial site of infection may be the most effective method yet.
Meat & Poultry
A NEW water sampling policy for meat and poultry processing and slaughter facilities will take effect January 1, 2011. The new rules will shift responsibility for water sampling and documentation of a potable water supply from the MPI inspection staff to the plant operators. Questions pertaining to the new rules can be directed to the Division at 317/544-2405.
THE U.S. SENATE has passed legislation to give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) more power, including the ability to force companies to recall tainted food. The $1.4 billion bill would increase inspections of food processing facilities, requiring farmers and food processors plan out prevention of diseases in every step of their operations. The bill does not apply to meat, poultry and egg processing facilities, which are already regulated by FDA or USDA.
MEDIA COVERAGE does make an impact on consumer demand for meat and poultry products.
According to a study conducted by economists from Kansas State and Purdue University, from 1982 to 2008, pork and poultry demand was reduced by media attention to animal welfare issues. Beef demand was not directly impacted. Glynn Tonsor, with Kansas State University, said the research found that increased media attention caused a reallocation of consumers’ expenditures to non-meat food rather than a reallocation of expenditures across competing meat products.
Dairy
BOARD MEMBERS passed the rule lowering the limits for the somatic cell count and bacteria levels in Manufactured Grade milk in October. Bacteria count standards were reduced from 1,000,000 bacteria per milliliter to 500,000 per milliliter. The somatic cell count is now 750,000 from the previous 1,000,000. This rule applies to all milk, except goat milk.
Wildlife
THE WILDLIFE Health Event Reporter (WHER) is a new website that allows anyone with internet access to report sightings of sick or dead wildlife. Another website, HealthMap.org, accepts and relays wildlife health reports to the WHER site through the application “Outbreaks Near Me.” The programs were created to work together so people around the world can easily share information about possible health threats to humans and wildlife.
Animal Health
THE STATE of Missouri is requesting certificates of veterinary inspection (CVIs) for large and small animals being shipped into the state be submitted electronically by e-mailing [email protected] Global Vet Link offers a fee-based electronic CVI system that can be submitted electronically as well. More information about e-CVIs can be found on the BOAH website at www.boah.in.gov.
LAST OCTOBER Indiana joined 13 other states in the Multi-State Partnership for Security in Agriculture. The Partnership is made up of animal health, food safety and public health experts who meet regularly to plan and prepare for disease or other events that could affect the United States food and agriculture system. The coordination offered by the partnership is important because disease and food safety issues do not know state boundaries.
SOUTH KOREA has closed all livestock markets in the nation in order to prevent further spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) from Andong, North Gyeongsang Province. Recent discovery of FMD at a supplier of feeder pigs has increased concern that the disease has now spread to all regions of the nation. A total of 480,000 animals have been culled and buried, and that number is growing daily.
Scrapie
TOTAL NUMBER of scrapie infections in both the United States and Indiana continues to decrease.
The decline will continue as long as producers remember to practice good biosecurity and cull infected animals. New CODON testing technology is also a helpful tool in minimizing risk. Sheep and goat farmers may also participate in the Scrapie Flock Certification Program, which encourages producers to test regularly, keep better records, and only purchase animals from certified-free flocks or herds. As of Sept. 30, 2010, Indiana has 66 flocks and the United States has a total of 1,630 flocks enrolled in the program.
Swine
INDIANA’S PSEUDORABIES program has been reassigned Stage V status, as of December 2010.
This status is recognized for the fiscal year July 1, 2010 until June 30, 2011.
Denise Derrer
Public Information Director
Indiana State Board of Animal Health
4154 N. Keystone Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
317/544-2414
www.boah.in.gov
**Please note the new address and phone number as of Mar. 29, 2010***
As the New Year begins, my staff and I reflect back on a very busy 2010, that was teeming with challenges on all fronts.
Last year began with all eyes on the budget. Like other state agencies, we were working to trim our budget in the face of lagging state revenues resulting from the economic downturn. In January, we negotiated a compromise to cut the state’s contribution to the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program (MPIP) in an effort to meet the Administration’s budget target.
January also brought rule-making for the newly enacted Commercial Dog Breeders and Brokers program. Since the law took effect on January 1, 2010, BOAH has registered 98 breeders and two brokers.
This time last year, final results for bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing of more than 400 hunter-harvested wild white-tailed deer were just being reported back to BOAH and the Department of Natural Resources. The testing was done as a follow up to a test-positive farm-raised elk identified in 2009. Since all results were reported as negative, the search for the source of TB continues into 2011 with more suspect traces having been reported back to cattle herds in Southeastern Indiana in 2010. BOAH staff is still working with local livestock owners in the region to trace cattle and cervid movements.
Even the equine industry had more than its fair share of regulatory health issues last year.
Piroplasmosis, a foreign-origin tick-borne infection of horses, continues to be a threat nationwide. Indiana is among the states affected by a “spider web” of disease spread by animals moving from state to state. As a result, many states, including Kentucky and Michigan, have increased testing requirements on horses moving interstate. To protect our valuable equine industry, Indiana may soon follow suit. Similarly, other equine health issues, such as the West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis and strangles, gave BOAH field veterinarians much to do last year.
The complexities of working through these types of animal health issues and the related traces in the field is one reason BOAH staff worked so hard in 2010 to increase the adoption of the radio frequency identification (RFID) tag systems (also known as “840” ID). By the second anniversary of the RFID tag program in October, BOAH had distributed more than 100,000 IDs to Hoosier producers, veterinarians and Extension educators to improve traceability in disease investigations. As we move into 2011, more than 70 Indiana county 4-H programs have already committed to using the RFID technology in local cattle exhibitions. Once again, Indiana is leading the nation in adopting the systems and technologies we need to protect our food system in an emergency. No other state comes close to accomplishing what our livestock industry has done in voluntarily supporting state programs. This is truly a testament to the excellent working relationship this agency has with Indiana’s livestock industry to achieve common goals.
During 2010, BOAH continued to integrate use of the USAHERDS program into more agency programs, including the Commercial Dog Breeder and aquaculture programs. Through the efforts of BOAH staff, USAHERDS is becoming the database system of choice for other state animal health agencies.
These issues are just the tip of the iceberg of issues and events that BOAH tackled in the last year—many of which are continuing into 2011. Only space limits my ability to convey the full picture of the work and dedication of our BOAH staff, from those in the main office answering the phones and processing time sheets to the dairy inspectors who are on farms and in plants everyday ensuring the safety of milk produced in Indiana. Our field veterinarians and animal health specialists work in so many areas, at so many levels. They coordinate with local governments to do emergency planning as well as investigate animal abuse and neglect cases. The field staff also follows up on disease traces ranging from avian influenza to zoonotics that can affect public health.
I am proud of the work we do here at the Board of Animal Health. And, even more so, I’m proud of the people here who get it done. Even in tough economic times during the last year, which saw unprecedented lay-offs and a central office move acrosstown, the BOAH staff has continued to maintain a high standard for performance and service to the people of Indiana.
By all indications, 2011 will be just as busy and at least as challenging. But, I stand confident that we are poised to meet those challenges and will be ready for whatever comes our way.
Bret D. Marsh, DVM
Indiana State Veterinarian
BOAH Board Actions
DURING THEIR regular October 14 meeting, Board members:
• passed the first reading of the proposed rule to allow registered veterinary
technicians or veterinary assistants to administer the rabies vaccine under the supervision of a licensed and accredited veterinarian;
• passed the first reading of the proposed rule to amend the current animal carcass disposal laws; comments on the changes are being accepted by the public;
• passed the changes in the proposed rule on the meat and poultry program.
The new rules clarify scheduling procedures and update federal regulations incorporated by reference;
• approved the adoption the 2009 Pasteurized Milk Ordinance by reference;
• passed the proposed changes to the National Poultry Improvement Plan; and
• passed the final hearing to tighten dairy requirements for somatic cell count and bacteria levels for manufactured grade products. The new rules take effect January 1, 2011.
Companion Animal
THE PROPOSED amendment to Indiana’s rabies vaccination law will be presented for a public hearing at the Jan. 13 board meeting. If adopted, the proposed rule will clarify that a registered veterinary technician or veterinary assistant working under the direct supervision of a licensed and accredited veterinarian may legally vaccinate dogs, cats and ferrets for rabies. Public comment is currently being taken on this proposed rule, and those comments may be submitted via e-mail to [email protected] or by U.S. mail to the BOAH office.
BOAH WILL participate in the National Level Exercise 2011 which involves simulating an earthquake along the New Madrid and Wabash fault lines. The exercise will take place in several Midwestern states in May of 2011 to observe the 200th anniversary of the 1811-12 New Madrid earthquake. BOAH will keep veterinarians posted as details and opportunities come available for participation in this exercise.
Premise ID
THE CURRENT number of premises registered are as follows: avian: 6227; bovine: 23,779; camelid:466; caprine: 7117; cervids: 920; equine: 6982; fish: 821; ovine: 5236; and porcine: 11,278. The total number premises registered in the state is 42,284. Traceability continues to be a top priority for the state; therefore, any changes to premise information need to be reported to BOAH, so the agency’s database is current in case of an animal health emergency.
Equine
KENTUCKY REQUIRES a negative equine piroplasmosis test for all horses before they are allowed on a Kentucky racetrack, as of January 1, 2011. The mandate comes after the outbreak of piroplasmosis, which has infected at least 550 horses nationwide. The testing is expected to remain in place through the fall racing season.
Cattle/Ruminants
APPROXIMATELY 1500 cattle participated in the 2010 Hoosier Beef Congress in December. The Indiana Beef Cattle Association required all commercial heifers and steers to be tagged with 840 RFID tags before being shown. The technology was used to speed check-in and ensure the correct cattle were shown in their appropriate classes. This show was the first in Indiana to require cattle to be tagged with RFIDs, and early reports indicate it was a success.
LATE NOVEMBER, Wyoming officials announced a second case of Brucellosis in a herd in Park County. This most recent case is unrelated to the positive herd announced in October, but is within Wyoming’s Designated Surveillance Area. The state is not in jeopardy of losing its Free status as long as the cases are handled according to federal guidelines.
SCIENTISTS AT the U.S Department of Agriculture have discovered the site in cattle where foot-andmouth (FMD) disease begins. This discovery will help develop new vaccines to control—and potentially eradicate—FMD. Because FMD has several different types and subtypes, vaccines must be very specific, but blocking the initial site of infection may be the most effective method yet.
Meat & Poultry
A NEW water sampling policy for meat and poultry processing and slaughter facilities will take effect January 1, 2011. The new rules will shift responsibility for water sampling and documentation of a potable water supply from the MPI inspection staff to the plant operators. Questions pertaining to the new rules can be directed to the Division at 317/544-2405.
THE U.S. SENATE has passed legislation to give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) more power, including the ability to force companies to recall tainted food. The $1.4 billion bill would increase inspections of food processing facilities, requiring farmers and food processors plan out prevention of diseases in every step of their operations. The bill does not apply to meat, poultry and egg processing facilities, which are already regulated by FDA or USDA.
MEDIA COVERAGE does make an impact on consumer demand for meat and poultry products.
According to a study conducted by economists from Kansas State and Purdue University, from 1982 to 2008, pork and poultry demand was reduced by media attention to animal welfare issues. Beef demand was not directly impacted. Glynn Tonsor, with Kansas State University, said the research found that increased media attention caused a reallocation of consumers’ expenditures to non-meat food rather than a reallocation of expenditures across competing meat products.
Dairy
BOARD MEMBERS passed the rule lowering the limits for the somatic cell count and bacteria levels in Manufactured Grade milk in October. Bacteria count standards were reduced from 1,000,000 bacteria per milliliter to 500,000 per milliliter. The somatic cell count is now 750,000 from the previous 1,000,000. This rule applies to all milk, except goat milk.
Wildlife
THE WILDLIFE Health Event Reporter (WHER) is a new website that allows anyone with internet access to report sightings of sick or dead wildlife. Another website, HealthMap.org, accepts and relays wildlife health reports to the WHER site through the application “Outbreaks Near Me.” The programs were created to work together so people around the world can easily share information about possible health threats to humans and wildlife.
Animal Health
THE STATE of Missouri is requesting certificates of veterinary inspection (CVIs) for large and small animals being shipped into the state be submitted electronically by e-mailing [email protected] Global Vet Link offers a fee-based electronic CVI system that can be submitted electronically as well. More information about e-CVIs can be found on the BOAH website at www.boah.in.gov.
LAST OCTOBER Indiana joined 13 other states in the Multi-State Partnership for Security in Agriculture. The Partnership is made up of animal health, food safety and public health experts who meet regularly to plan and prepare for disease or other events that could affect the United States food and agriculture system. The coordination offered by the partnership is important because disease and food safety issues do not know state boundaries.
SOUTH KOREA has closed all livestock markets in the nation in order to prevent further spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) from Andong, North Gyeongsang Province. Recent discovery of FMD at a supplier of feeder pigs has increased concern that the disease has now spread to all regions of the nation. A total of 480,000 animals have been culled and buried, and that number is growing daily.
Scrapie
TOTAL NUMBER of scrapie infections in both the United States and Indiana continues to decrease.
The decline will continue as long as producers remember to practice good biosecurity and cull infected animals. New CODON testing technology is also a helpful tool in minimizing risk. Sheep and goat farmers may also participate in the Scrapie Flock Certification Program, which encourages producers to test regularly, keep better records, and only purchase animals from certified-free flocks or herds. As of Sept. 30, 2010, Indiana has 66 flocks and the United States has a total of 1,630 flocks enrolled in the program.
Swine
INDIANA’S PSEUDORABIES program has been reassigned Stage V status, as of December 2010.
This status is recognized for the fiscal year July 1, 2010 until June 30, 2011.
Denise Derrer
Public Information Director
Indiana State Board of Animal Health
4154 N. Keystone Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
317/544-2414
www.boah.in.gov
**Please note the new address and phone number as of Mar. 29, 2010***
