.
This seems to be the first confirmation that it is circovirus in German cattle.
We already have German reports that it was suspected in English, Welsh and Scottish cattle, as well as Dutch and German, see our report on the 7th November 2009
see http://animal-epidemics.blogspot.com/2009/11/circovirus-reaches-british-dutch-and.html
Circovirus reaches British, Dutch and German cattle
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez
Bone marrow depletion with haemorrhagic diathesis in calves in Germany: characterization of the disease and preliminary investigations on its aetiology.
Kappe EC, Halami MY, Schade B, Alex M, Hoffmann D, Gangl A, Meyer K, Dekant W, Schwarz BA, Johne R, Buitkamp J, Böttcher J, Müller H.
Bavarian Animal Health Service, Poing, Germany. eva.kappe@tgd-bayern.de
Since 2007 a new fatal haemorrhagic diathesis in calves has been observed in all areas of Germany. Analysis of 56 cases submitted for necropsy allowed its characterization. Calves fell ill within the first month of life independent of breed and sex. Only single or a few animals per herd were affected. Petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages in many organs and tissues, particularly in skin, subcutis and gastrointestinal tract, were major findings in all animals. Microscopically a severe depletion of bone marrow cells was always observed. Lymphocytic depletion (43%) and inflammatory lesions (46%) were less frequently observed. Blood analysis of five animals indicated an aplastic pancytopenia. The resulting thrombocytopenia is regarded as major pathomechanism of this Haemorrhagic Disease Syndrome (HDS). Pedigree analysis gave no indication of hereditary disease.
Tests for specific toxins such as S-(1,2-Dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCVC), furazolidone, or mycotoxins resulting in bone marrow depletion were negative. Bacterial infections, Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus, and Bluetongue Virus were ruled out as cause of the disease. HDS shares similarities with a circoviral infection in chickens (chicken infectious anaemia). A broad-spectrum PCR allowed detection of circoviral DNA in 5 of 25 HDS cases and in 1 of 8 non-HDS cases submitted for necropsy. Sequencing of the whole viral genome revealed a high similarity (up to 99%) with Porcine Circovirus type 2b. Single bone marrow cells stained weakly positive for PCV2 antigen by immunohistochemistry in 1 of 8 tested HDS animals.
This is the first report of circovirus detection in cattle in Germany.
The exact cause of HDS still remains unknown. A multifactorial aetiology involving infection, poisoning, immunopathy, or a genetic predisposition is conceivable. Additional research is necessary to clarify the pathogenesis and the potential role of PCV2 in HDS.
PMID: 20135908 [PubMed - in process]
Stop the World
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Thursday, 3 December 2009
MRSA in pigs - hot from Westminster today
.
Had the question been worded slightly differently, they would have been forced to admit that MRSA st398 has been found in Scotland in children a couple of years ago and was covered up for 6 months. They went so far as to say they could find no connection with pigs, when they did own up.
Another wording would have produced the answer that st398 had been found in England in unspecified livestock more than five years ago. Presumably, Defra do know the difference between poultry, pigs and cattle, but do not want to tell us.
So, our hospitals still have not introduced the eminently sensible and proven precautions adopted by the Dutch more than five years ago, when they bravely flew to the USA and told the world that their pigs were carrying MRSA and that veterinarians, pig and pork workers were a danger to themselves, their families and their hospitals.
It isn't complicated - and it is the worst scandal for many years. It will break over the heads of those that conspired to keep it secret.
http://http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200910/ldhansrd/text/91202w0002.htm
Question
Asked by Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any connection between animal and human strains of MRSA; and whether they will consider the experience of the Netherlands in that matter. [HL360]
Baroness Thornton: The majority of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are due to healthcare-associated strains. However, given experience in the Netherlands and elsewhere the Health Protection Agency asks diagnostic laboratories to send it unusual isolates from people with a farming association for further investigation. No cases of the pig-related strain ST398 have been reported in England. The Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections continue to keep developments in relation to human and animal strains of MRSA under review.
Had the question been worded slightly differently, they would have been forced to admit that MRSA st398 has been found in Scotland in children a couple of years ago and was covered up for 6 months. They went so far as to say they could find no connection with pigs, when they did own up.
Another wording would have produced the answer that st398 had been found in England in unspecified livestock more than five years ago. Presumably, Defra do know the difference between poultry, pigs and cattle, but do not want to tell us.
So, our hospitals still have not introduced the eminently sensible and proven precautions adopted by the Dutch more than five years ago, when they bravely flew to the USA and told the world that their pigs were carrying MRSA and that veterinarians, pig and pork workers were a danger to themselves, their families and their hospitals.
It isn't complicated - and it is the worst scandal for many years. It will break over the heads of those that conspired to keep it secret.
http://http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200910/ldhansrd/text/91202w0002.htm
Question
Asked by Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any connection between animal and human strains of MRSA; and whether they will consider the experience of the Netherlands in that matter. [HL360]
Baroness Thornton: The majority of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are due to healthcare-associated strains. However, given experience in the Netherlands and elsewhere the Health Protection Agency asks diagnostic laboratories to send it unusual isolates from people with a farming association for further investigation. No cases of the pig-related strain ST398 have been reported in England. The Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections continue to keep developments in relation to human and animal strains of MRSA under review.
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
MRSA - Weasel words on British pigs
'Evidence does not suggest that the presence of MRSA in pig herds is a public health risk.'
They must hold the people of Britain in total contempt. MRSA has been hidden up by Britain's corrupt government veterinarians for at least five years.
It will not be long before they are stripped of Crown immunity and before the Courts.
Pig MRSA widespread in Europe
The Ecologist
25th November, 2009
Calls for national testing in UK pig herd after survey finds superbug to be prevalent throughout Europe
MRSA has been found in pig herds in more than two-thirds of countries within the European Union (EU), new research shows.
In the first EU-wide survey, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found the antibiotic-resistant bug in 17 out of 24 member states.
Spain and Germany had the highest incidence, with over 40 per cent of pig holdings testing positive for MRSA.
The most common MRSA strain found is considered by EFSA to be 'an occupational health risk for farmers, veterinarians and their families'. It causes skin infections, pneumonia and bone infections.
National test
Whilst the survey did not find any evidence of MRSA in UK pig holdings, the Soil Association has warned that MRSA could still be present in British pigs and that the test used was inadequate.
Another country declared MRSA-free by the survey, Switzerland, did detect the bacteria through its own national testing.
The Soil Association is calling for the UK to carry out its own national survey of bacterial infections in pigs.
'MRSA testing is simple and relatively inexpensive and there can be no excuse for not introducing a comprehensive UK testing program in pigs, poultry, cattle and horses, based on the tried and tested use of nasal swabs,' said Soil Association Policy Adviser Richard Young.
A spokesperson for Defra said:
'Evidence does not suggest that the presence of MRSA in pig herds is a public health risk.'
--
Regards
Pat Gardiner
Release and independently audit the results of testing British pigs
for MRSA and C.Diff now!
http://www.go-self-sufficient.com/ and http://animal-epidemics.blogspot.com/
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Circovirus reaches British, Dutch and German cattle
.
It seems that a further disaster has been visited upon us.
The circovirus epidemics ravaging pig herds for the past decade seem to have spread to cattle.
Circovirus - thoroughly underestimated and covered up by Britain's
corrupt government veterinarians.
http://www.vetsweb.com/news/germany-cause-of-blood-sweating-in-calves-still-obscure-610.html
Germany: cause of blood sweating in calves still obscure
//05 Nov 2009
German researchers investigated 52 calves from 42 farms in Germany, which suffered from a haemorrhagic disease with unknown cause. Similar cases appeared recently in the Netherlands, Scotland, England, and Wales where is spoken of fatal bleeding calf syndrome ...
...Using a broad-spectrum PCR, a circovirus with high similarities to porcine circovirus type 2b (PCV2b), was detected in several of the affected calves.
Conclusion
The distinct cause of the disease still remains unknown. Potentially, the pathogenesis is complex and includes components such as infection, hereditary disposition, and immune- mediated destruction of blood cell precursors.
Further investigations are necessary to clarify the role of PCV2.
Source
Proceedings of the 27th meeting of the European Society of Veterinary Pathology, Krakow, Poland, 9-12 Sep 2009 (pdf)
Abstract title: Fatal aplastic anaemia with haemorrhagic disease in calves in Germany. EC Kappe et. al.
It seems that a further disaster has been visited upon us.
The circovirus epidemics ravaging pig herds for the past decade seem to have spread to cattle.
Circovirus - thoroughly underestimated and covered up by Britain's
corrupt government veterinarians.
http://www.vetsweb.com/news/germany-cause-of-blood-sweating-in-calves-still-obscure-610.html
Germany: cause of blood sweating in calves still obscure
//05 Nov 2009
German researchers investigated 52 calves from 42 farms in Germany, which suffered from a haemorrhagic disease with unknown cause. Similar cases appeared recently in the Netherlands, Scotland, England, and Wales where is spoken of fatal bleeding calf syndrome ...
...Using a broad-spectrum PCR, a circovirus with high similarities to porcine circovirus type 2b (PCV2b), was detected in several of the affected calves.
Conclusion
The distinct cause of the disease still remains unknown. Potentially, the pathogenesis is complex and includes components such as infection, hereditary disposition, and immune- mediated destruction of blood cell precursors.
Further investigations are necessary to clarify the role of PCV2.
Source
Proceedings of the 27th meeting of the European Society of Veterinary Pathology, Krakow, Poland, 9-12 Sep 2009 (pdf)
Abstract title: Fatal aplastic anaemia with haemorrhagic disease in calves in Germany. EC Kappe et. al.
Thursday, 24 September 2009
MRSA spread less in Denmark than the Netherlands
.
Pat's Note: Speaks for itself really.
This is a Dutch veterinary site reporting on the Dutch Parliament. Their breathtaking honesty and integrity will help them weather the coming storm.
They will have plenty to say when Britain's bent government vets are finally forced to admit that Britain's pigs have MRSA and that MRSA in Britain has been covered up for more then 5 years.
http://www.vetsweb.com/news/denmark-less-mrsa-spread-than-the-netherlands-481.html
Denmark: Less MRSA spread than the Netherlands//24 Sep 2009
Denmark has so far experienced considerably less spread of theMethylicin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria (MRSA) than theNetherlands. This could be related to the different situations in both country's livestock industries.
This became clear in Dutch Parliament this week when Dutch agricultural minister Gerda Verburg answered questions related toMRSA.
Hospital bacteria
The MRSA bacteria usually strikes in weaker people in hospitals, hence its nickname 'the hospital bacteria'. The same bacteria has been found to exist in pig and other livestock farms around the globe, but the exact relationship with farms and the bacteria in humans is still researched.
Verburg stated that Danish farms use less antibiotics in animal production. In addition, there are more farms having a SpecificPathogen Free (SPF) status. She claimed that it is difficult to quantify the role of these factors as specific data are missing.
Hygiene status
Verburg said that "it isn't possible to say that in general, the Danish pig industry has a higher hygiene status," as she claims there is no benchmark to prove that. Especially in the Netherlands, authorities and the private sector have implemented a wide range of hygiene measures due to an outbreak of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) inthe 1990s.
Denmark, however, does have a larger amount of closed farms and farms with an SPF status. In addition, the amount of animal transports between farms may be less than in the Netherlands.
Daily doses
Antibiotic use in animal production is lower in Denmark than in the Netherlands. Reports from Wageningen University and Research Centre(2009-2015) showed that the average daily doses of anitbiotics per animal in 2006 and before had been lower in Denmark than in theNetherlands. These figures were based on all animal production sectors. Detailed data per sector have not been available so far.
Pat's Note: Speaks for itself really.
This is a Dutch veterinary site reporting on the Dutch Parliament. Their breathtaking honesty and integrity will help them weather the coming storm.
They will have plenty to say when Britain's bent government vets are finally forced to admit that Britain's pigs have MRSA and that MRSA in Britain has been covered up for more then 5 years.
http://www.vetsweb.com/news/denmark-less-mrsa-spread-than-the-netherlands-481.html
Denmark: Less MRSA spread than the Netherlands//24 Sep 2009
Denmark has so far experienced considerably less spread of theMethylicin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria (MRSA) than theNetherlands. This could be related to the different situations in both country's livestock industries.
This became clear in Dutch Parliament this week when Dutch agricultural minister Gerda Verburg answered questions related toMRSA.
Hospital bacteria
The MRSA bacteria usually strikes in weaker people in hospitals, hence its nickname 'the hospital bacteria'. The same bacteria has been found to exist in pig and other livestock farms around the globe, but the exact relationship with farms and the bacteria in humans is still researched.
Verburg stated that Danish farms use less antibiotics in animal production. In addition, there are more farms having a SpecificPathogen Free (SPF) status. She claimed that it is difficult to quantify the role of these factors as specific data are missing.
Hygiene status
Verburg said that "it isn't possible to say that in general, the Danish pig industry has a higher hygiene status," as she claims there is no benchmark to prove that. Especially in the Netherlands, authorities and the private sector have implemented a wide range of hygiene measures due to an outbreak of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) inthe 1990s.
Denmark, however, does have a larger amount of closed farms and farms with an SPF status. In addition, the amount of animal transports between farms may be less than in the Netherlands.
Daily doses
Antibiotic use in animal production is lower in Denmark than in the Netherlands. Reports from Wageningen University and Research Centre(2009-2015) showed that the average daily doses of anitbiotics per animal in 2006 and before had been lower in Denmark than in theNetherlands. These figures were based on all animal production sectors. Detailed data per sector have not been available so far.
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
MRSA in pigs risk to hospitals
.
"Our results indicate that livestock represents a relevant reservoir for the import of MRSA into regional German hospitals."
That seems to settle that.
MRSA in pigs and other livestock is a risk to our hospitals.
Britain now has to admit that British pigs do have MRSA and that they have been holding back the bad news.
The NHS has to introduce proper targeted screening and vets have to be banned from prescribing antibiotics, as the Dutch are suggesting.
Then there will be time for a full public enquiry with evidence to be given under oath of exactly has been going on in Defra, Britain's agriculture ministry, for the past ten years and to establish the true origins of the PMWS-MRSA1999, CSF2000 and FMD2000 epidemics.
New Zealand and Australia need to start investigating their situation
In Canada and the USA, things are easier. You already know your pigs have MRSA and this is carried in pork. You now have to protect your hospitals by following the sucessful Dutch screening techniques.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19701815?dopt=Abstract
Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2009 Aug 25. [Epub ahead of print]Related Articles, Links Prevalence and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among pigs on German farms and import oflivestock-related MRSA into hospitals.
Köck R, Harlizius J, Bressan N, Laerberg R, Wieler LH, Witte W,Deurenberg RH, Voss A, Becker K, Friedrich AW.
Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Str.41, 48149, Münster, Germany.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)among pigs and estimate the impact of this animal reservoir on human healthcare.
Nasal swabs were derived from 1,600 pigs at 40 German farms. The MRSA were characterized using S. aureus protein A (spa)typing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and detection of toxin genes.
In a retrospective case control study, we compared risk factors for the carriage of MRSA between patients carrying spa types found among regional pigs and patients with other MRSA molecular types. Pigs carrying MRSA were identified on 70% of the farms (spa types t011,t034, t108, t1451 and t2510, all associated with MLST sequence type ST398). Contact to pigs and cattle were independent risk factors for the carriage of these spa types in patients at hospital admission.
Our results indicate that livestock represents a relevant reservoir for the import of MRSA into regional German hospitals.
PMID: 19701815 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
"Our results indicate that livestock represents a relevant reservoir for the import of MRSA into regional German hospitals."
That seems to settle that.
MRSA in pigs and other livestock is a risk to our hospitals.
Britain now has to admit that British pigs do have MRSA and that they have been holding back the bad news.
The NHS has to introduce proper targeted screening and vets have to be banned from prescribing antibiotics, as the Dutch are suggesting.
Then there will be time for a full public enquiry with evidence to be given under oath of exactly has been going on in Defra, Britain's agriculture ministry, for the past ten years and to establish the true origins of the PMWS-MRSA1999, CSF2000 and FMD2000 epidemics.
New Zealand and Australia need to start investigating their situation
In Canada and the USA, things are easier. You already know your pigs have MRSA and this is carried in pork. You now have to protect your hospitals by following the sucessful Dutch screening techniques.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19701815?dopt=Abstract
Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2009 Aug 25. [Epub ahead of print]Related Articles, Links Prevalence and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among pigs on German farms and import oflivestock-related MRSA into hospitals.
Köck R, Harlizius J, Bressan N, Laerberg R, Wieler LH, Witte W,Deurenberg RH, Voss A, Becker K, Friedrich AW.
Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Str.41, 48149, Münster, Germany.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)among pigs and estimate the impact of this animal reservoir on human healthcare.
Nasal swabs were derived from 1,600 pigs at 40 German farms. The MRSA were characterized using S. aureus protein A (spa)typing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and detection of toxin genes.
In a retrospective case control study, we compared risk factors for the carriage of MRSA between patients carrying spa types found among regional pigs and patients with other MRSA molecular types. Pigs carrying MRSA were identified on 70% of the farms (spa types t011,t034, t108, t1451 and t2510, all associated with MLST sequence type ST398). Contact to pigs and cattle were independent risk factors for the carriage of these spa types in patients at hospital admission.
Our results indicate that livestock represents a relevant reservoir for the import of MRSA into regional German hospitals.
PMID: 19701815 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Saturday, 15 August 2009
Superbugs - more than 30,000 British die in five years
.
It's real, it's happening and it does not seem to be so bad on the Continent of Europe
What on earth is Britain doing wrong?
This is no time for a discredited Agriculture Mininstry - Defra to hold back information on MRSA tests on British pigs.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6034988/Death-toll-from-hospital-bugs-hits-new-high.html
Death toll from hospital bugs hits new high
More than 30,000 people have died after contracting the hospital infections MRSA and Clostridium difficile in just five years, officialfigures will show this week. By Laura Donnelly, Health Correspondent Published: 9:00PM BST 15 Aug 2009
Data from the Office for National Statistics covering 2004 to 2008 is expected to show record numbers of deaths linked to the superbugs in England and Wales.
Opposition politicians said the Government had allowed "a horrifying death toll" because of its "slow and sloppy" response to spiralling levels of infection in NHS hospitals.
Official data shows a doubling in the death toll linked to MRSA during the period 2004 to 2007, compared with the previous four years, and a quadrupling in deaths linked to C. diff, when two sets of three-year figures are compared.
Between 2004 and 2007 there were more than 20,000 deaths linked to C.diff and more than 6,000 associated with MRSA.... more
It's real, it's happening and it does not seem to be so bad on the Continent of Europe
What on earth is Britain doing wrong?
This is no time for a discredited Agriculture Mininstry - Defra to hold back information on MRSA tests on British pigs.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6034988/Death-toll-from-hospital-bugs-hits-new-high.html
Death toll from hospital bugs hits new high
More than 30,000 people have died after contracting the hospital infections MRSA and Clostridium difficile in just five years, officialfigures will show this week. By Laura Donnelly, Health Correspondent Published: 9:00PM BST 15 Aug 2009
Data from the Office for National Statistics covering 2004 to 2008 is expected to show record numbers of deaths linked to the superbugs in England and Wales.
Opposition politicians said the Government had allowed "a horrifying death toll" because of its "slow and sloppy" response to spiralling levels of infection in NHS hospitals.
Official data shows a doubling in the death toll linked to MRSA during the period 2004 to 2007, compared with the previous four years, and a quadrupling in deaths linked to C. diff, when two sets of three-year figures are compared.
Between 2004 and 2007 there were more than 20,000 deaths linked to C.diff and more than 6,000 associated with MRSA.... more
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