Anthrax

Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is an acute, soil borne bacterial disease of all warm-blooded animals. South Dakota, Nebraska, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, California are the primary areas of the animal disease in the United States. · Next Page»

Avian Influenza

AI is started in many cases from waterfowl since they are asymptomatic carriers of influenza. For more information, please click here for the PDF file.

Chronic Wasting Disease

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) of deer and elk. To date, this disease has been found only in cervids (members of the deer family).  First recognized as a clinical "wasting" syndrome in 1967 in mule deer in a wildlife research facility in northern Colorado, it was identified as a TSE in 1978.  CWD is typified by chronic weight loss leading to death.  There is no known relationship between CWD and any other TSE of animals or people. · Next Page»

EEE

Betting on disease surveillance reporting is a lot like trying to predict the stock market. Last year in Alabama, there were just fewer than 200 positive cases of West Nile Virus reported in Alabama horses.  During the same year, only one positive case of EEE was reported.  · Next Page»

Equine Infectious Anemia

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is an infectious and potentially fatal viral disease of members of the horse family.The equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is categorized as a lentivirus: it contains genetic RNA material, which it uses to produce DNA. This DNA is then incorporated into the genetic makeup of infected cells. Identified in France in 1843 and first tentatively diagnosed in the United States in 1888, EIA has commanded a great deal of attention over the years. No vaccine or treatment exists for the disease. It is often difficult to differentiate from other fever–producing diseases, including anthrax, influenza, and equine encephalitis. · Next Page»

Exotic Newcastle

Exotic Newcastle Disease is contagious and fatal viral diseases affecting all species of birds. For more information, please click here for the PDF file.

LT

This disease is characterized by respiratory distress, gasping, and expectoration of bloody exudate.   The virus is readily destroyed by most common disinfectants when outside the host environment. · Next Page»

Monkeypox Virus

An extensive multidisciplinary investigation in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana has identified cases of febrile rash illness in persons who had direct or close contact with recently purchased ill prairie dogs. Scientists at the Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, Wisconsin, recovered viral isolates from a patient and a prairie dog and demonstrated a virus morphologically consistent with a poxvirus by electron microscopy. · Next Page»

MS - Mycoplasma synoviae infections

MS is an infectious disease of chickens and turkeys which affects the synovial membranes of joints and tendon sheaths producing an exudative synovitis or bursitis. It often occurs as a sub-clinical upper respiratory infection which may lead to air sac infection. · Next Page»

National Poultry Improvement Plan

The NPIP was initiated to to provide a cooperative state-federal program through which new technology can be applied to the improvement of poultry and poultry products throughout our country. The provisions of the plan are changed from time to time to conform with the development of the industry and to utilize new information as it becomes available.  Acceptance of the plan is optional with each state and is administered in the state by an official cooperating with the USDA. · Next Page»

Pullorum Disease

Pullorum Disease is a bacterial infectious disease of primarily young avian species characterized by white diarrhea, pinpoint necrosis of organs, and mortality. It usually occurs in an acute systemic form in chicks and poults, but in adults is more localized and chronic. Birds often remain carriers after being infected. Due to eradication programs, this disease has been practically eliminated from the U.S. poultry industry. · Next Page»

Scrapie

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus (WNV) has moved across the entire state of Alabama during the past few years. According to the AL Department of Public Health, the 2002 data reveals that 597 birds, 194 horses, 49 humans (of which 2 were fatal), and 63 mosquito pools tested positive for WNV.  WNV was confirmed in all 67 Alabama counties, and is expected to be found throughout AL again in 2003.  For comparison, the 2001 data shows 59 birds, 4 horses, and 2 humans (1 fatal case) that tested positive for the disease. · Next Page»