Russell
Site Founder
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2009
- Messages
- 283
- Location
- Edmonton, Alberta CANADA
USAHA Conference Report 2009
By Laurie Prasnicki
Cervid Livestock Foundation (CLF)
This year’s United States Animal Health Conference was held in San Diego, California, October 7-14. Once again dedicated individuals from across the country attended the event representing the cervid industry. Industry representatives included NADeFA, EWA, ROBA, NAEBA, WOW, WOO, MWBHRA, WDFO, TAH, IDEFA, and TDA
Hot topics for this year’s conference included the CWD rules, TB, EHD and Bluetongue, NAIS, Anthrax and Fever Ticks. I will give you a brief overview of each of these topics.
TB Update: In FY 2009 (Oct. 2008-Sept. 2009), a total of 12 TB –affected herds have been identified: three beef herds, two dairy herds, and seven captive cervid herds. While the total number of TB-affected herds identified in FY 2009 is comparable to the 11 herds indentified during FY 2008, the identification of seven TB-affected captive cervid herds is unprecedented. Only four affected captive cervid herds were identified between FY 1998 and FY 2008. Of the TB-affected herds found during FY 2009, two beef herds and four captive cervid herds were depopulated with Federal indemnity. Four dairy herds are under test-and-remove herd plans. Two captive cervid herds in Michigan identified as “shooter” herds were not depopulated. These herds are in an area where TB is endemic; also, they pose no risk of disease spread because no live animals leave the facilities.
Dr. John Clifford addressed the entire group in regards to future plans to revamp the current TB eradication program. He stated, “We can’t continue to put producers out of business.” Depopulating whole herds to manage TB is becoming less popular. This approach provided an effective and efficient way of eradicating the disease when herds were small and the infection rate was high. As herd sizes continue to increase, it is becoming more difficult for APHIS to justify depopulating herds that are very large and have low infection rates. One alternative that Veterinary Services is considering is managing TB-affected herds under a test-and-removal policy in conjunction with quarantines and restricted movement of animals to limit disease spread (already being tried in four dairy herds).
Several research companies gave presentations on their current TB blood test research. It is great to see more research being conducted in this area which should lead to a better test for TB in the very near future. Chembio has submitted the paperwork to have their TB blood test licensed. We should be hearing something soon.
CWD Update: The federal CWD rules are expected to be finalized sometime in 2010 (don’t hold your breath waiting for them). Word at the conference is that the federal preemption of these rules over state’s rights is going to be dropped from the final version. What this means to the cervid industry is that most inter-state movement is still going to remain as is. Individual states will still be able to ban the importation of cervids into their state, although some states such as Indiana, which currently does not allow the entry of cerivds from any state that has found CWD, are saying they will adopt the federal rules and allow the importing of cervids provided they meet protocol. Perhaps more states will follow that lead.
As I listened and read about APHIS’s plan for the eradication of TB in our country, I couldn’t help but relate all of this information to our plight with CWD. The cervid industry needs to push for the validation of the rectal biopsy. Even though research is showing only a 75% accuracy of the rectal biopsy, this test is just as accurate as the current TB test that APHIS is using in their test-and-remove herd plans. If Dr. Clifford and APHIS are seriously considering not putting herds out of business because of TB, one would hope they would be willing to apply the same to CWD infected herds. Why can’t terminal hunting ranches be allowed to continue to operate under a herd plan? Why can’t CWD infected breeding herds be allowed to sell to terminal hunting ranches? We all know the answers to these questions before we even ask. The regulators will say our animals are a risk to the wild population. Well, TB is an even greater risk to the wild population and yet most regulators, namely wildlife agencies, can’t see the forest for the trees. Wildlife agencies continue to allow CWD infected carcasses to enter their state even though research has proven this to be a source for spreading the disease. They continue to close their eyes to this fact and yet are determined to continue attacking our industry as the source of spreading the disease. In reality we have the means to eliminate the disease from our herds.
EHD and Bluetongue Update: In 2008, Bluetongue viruses 3, 9, 12, and 24 were found in farmed cervids across the U.S. These viruses are considered exotic and not common to the U.S., which means the viruses have to be destroyed and cannot be used in vaccines. The cervid industry representatives asked state and federal regulators to change this regulation. Regulators agreed that once a new Bluetongue is shown to be established in the U.S., the virus should not be labeled as an exotic strain.
Fever Tick Update: Officials from the Texas Animal Health reported that the infestation of fever ticks is on the increase. New counties are being quarantined and the fever ticks could go nationwide if they are not diligently sprayed and checked by USDA representatives.
National Animal Identification System (NAIS) Update: Several hearing sessions were held nationwide in 2009 in regards to the federal national animal identification program. NAIS was not well received across the nation primarily because of how USDA presented it to the producers. USDA is taking a step back after spending millions of tax payers’ dollars on this program. They are now leaning towards mandatory identification for animals moving interstate. Originally all animals, including horses, chickens, fish, etc., would have fallen under mandatory identification even if they never left the farm.
Anthrax Outbreak: Dr. David Hunter, a herd veterinarian with Turner Enterprises Inc., gave an interesting presentation during the Captive Wildlife & Alternative Livestock Committee meetings on the outbreak of Anthrax in their buffalo herd in 2009. It made one realize how devastating this disease can be and the longevity of disease if not handled properly. Dr. Hunter showed us on a map how the disease tends to show itself along the Chisholm trail used in the late 1800’s to move cattle from Texas to Montana and Kansas.
Scimitar-Horned Oryx Project Update: Charly Seale, Executive Director of the Exotic Wildlife Association, gave an update of the repatriation of the Scimitar-Horned Oryx to native land of Senegal. These animals are extinct in their native country and the EWA, along with the Second Ark Foundation, are working to return some of these animals to Senegal. His presentation was well received by the committee members, demonstrating that our industries are not just about hunting the animals, but rather preserving these endangered species for years to come.
Once again I will remind all of you how important it is that we maintain our presence at this conference and give input to the people who regulate our industry. Those of us who have attended this conference for a number of years have developed a rapport with researchers, wildlife agency representatives, USDA/APHIS representatives and state veterinarians who value our input and expertise.
By Laurie Prasnicki
Cervid Livestock Foundation (CLF)
This year’s United States Animal Health Conference was held in San Diego, California, October 7-14. Once again dedicated individuals from across the country attended the event representing the cervid industry. Industry representatives included NADeFA, EWA, ROBA, NAEBA, WOW, WOO, MWBHRA, WDFO, TAH, IDEFA, and TDA
Hot topics for this year’s conference included the CWD rules, TB, EHD and Bluetongue, NAIS, Anthrax and Fever Ticks. I will give you a brief overview of each of these topics.
TB Update: In FY 2009 (Oct. 2008-Sept. 2009), a total of 12 TB –affected herds have been identified: three beef herds, two dairy herds, and seven captive cervid herds. While the total number of TB-affected herds identified in FY 2009 is comparable to the 11 herds indentified during FY 2008, the identification of seven TB-affected captive cervid herds is unprecedented. Only four affected captive cervid herds were identified between FY 1998 and FY 2008. Of the TB-affected herds found during FY 2009, two beef herds and four captive cervid herds were depopulated with Federal indemnity. Four dairy herds are under test-and-remove herd plans. Two captive cervid herds in Michigan identified as “shooter” herds were not depopulated. These herds are in an area where TB is endemic; also, they pose no risk of disease spread because no live animals leave the facilities.
Dr. John Clifford addressed the entire group in regards to future plans to revamp the current TB eradication program. He stated, “We can’t continue to put producers out of business.” Depopulating whole herds to manage TB is becoming less popular. This approach provided an effective and efficient way of eradicating the disease when herds were small and the infection rate was high. As herd sizes continue to increase, it is becoming more difficult for APHIS to justify depopulating herds that are very large and have low infection rates. One alternative that Veterinary Services is considering is managing TB-affected herds under a test-and-removal policy in conjunction with quarantines and restricted movement of animals to limit disease spread (already being tried in four dairy herds).
Several research companies gave presentations on their current TB blood test research. It is great to see more research being conducted in this area which should lead to a better test for TB in the very near future. Chembio has submitted the paperwork to have their TB blood test licensed. We should be hearing something soon.
CWD Update: The federal CWD rules are expected to be finalized sometime in 2010 (don’t hold your breath waiting for them). Word at the conference is that the federal preemption of these rules over state’s rights is going to be dropped from the final version. What this means to the cervid industry is that most inter-state movement is still going to remain as is. Individual states will still be able to ban the importation of cervids into their state, although some states such as Indiana, which currently does not allow the entry of cerivds from any state that has found CWD, are saying they will adopt the federal rules and allow the importing of cervids provided they meet protocol. Perhaps more states will follow that lead.
As I listened and read about APHIS’s plan for the eradication of TB in our country, I couldn’t help but relate all of this information to our plight with CWD. The cervid industry needs to push for the validation of the rectal biopsy. Even though research is showing only a 75% accuracy of the rectal biopsy, this test is just as accurate as the current TB test that APHIS is using in their test-and-remove herd plans. If Dr. Clifford and APHIS are seriously considering not putting herds out of business because of TB, one would hope they would be willing to apply the same to CWD infected herds. Why can’t terminal hunting ranches be allowed to continue to operate under a herd plan? Why can’t CWD infected breeding herds be allowed to sell to terminal hunting ranches? We all know the answers to these questions before we even ask. The regulators will say our animals are a risk to the wild population. Well, TB is an even greater risk to the wild population and yet most regulators, namely wildlife agencies, can’t see the forest for the trees. Wildlife agencies continue to allow CWD infected carcasses to enter their state even though research has proven this to be a source for spreading the disease. They continue to close their eyes to this fact and yet are determined to continue attacking our industry as the source of spreading the disease. In reality we have the means to eliminate the disease from our herds.
EHD and Bluetongue Update: In 2008, Bluetongue viruses 3, 9, 12, and 24 were found in farmed cervids across the U.S. These viruses are considered exotic and not common to the U.S., which means the viruses have to be destroyed and cannot be used in vaccines. The cervid industry representatives asked state and federal regulators to change this regulation. Regulators agreed that once a new Bluetongue is shown to be established in the U.S., the virus should not be labeled as an exotic strain.
Fever Tick Update: Officials from the Texas Animal Health reported that the infestation of fever ticks is on the increase. New counties are being quarantined and the fever ticks could go nationwide if they are not diligently sprayed and checked by USDA representatives.
National Animal Identification System (NAIS) Update: Several hearing sessions were held nationwide in 2009 in regards to the federal national animal identification program. NAIS was not well received across the nation primarily because of how USDA presented it to the producers. USDA is taking a step back after spending millions of tax payers’ dollars on this program. They are now leaning towards mandatory identification for animals moving interstate. Originally all animals, including horses, chickens, fish, etc., would have fallen under mandatory identification even if they never left the farm.
Anthrax Outbreak: Dr. David Hunter, a herd veterinarian with Turner Enterprises Inc., gave an interesting presentation during the Captive Wildlife & Alternative Livestock Committee meetings on the outbreak of Anthrax in their buffalo herd in 2009. It made one realize how devastating this disease can be and the longevity of disease if not handled properly. Dr. Hunter showed us on a map how the disease tends to show itself along the Chisholm trail used in the late 1800’s to move cattle from Texas to Montana and Kansas.
Scimitar-Horned Oryx Project Update: Charly Seale, Executive Director of the Exotic Wildlife Association, gave an update of the repatriation of the Scimitar-Horned Oryx to native land of Senegal. These animals are extinct in their native country and the EWA, along with the Second Ark Foundation, are working to return some of these animals to Senegal. His presentation was well received by the committee members, demonstrating that our industries are not just about hunting the animals, but rather preserving these endangered species for years to come.
Once again I will remind all of you how important it is that we maintain our presence at this conference and give input to the people who regulate our industry. Those of us who have attended this conference for a number of years have developed a rapport with researchers, wildlife agency representatives, USDA/APHIS representatives and state veterinarians who value our input and expertise.
