A veterinary nurse and her dog in the U.K. have contracted bovine tuberculosis.
While the investigation is ongoing, there is a belief that infected badgers have spread the TB to beef and dairy cattle herds, which have served as a conduit transmission to pets and humans.
It is unusual for people to contract Bovine TB, but farmers and vets who work with infected animals can run the risk.
For more reading: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4649216.ece
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
FILL-IN-THE-BLANK : Disease management
Help us fill in the blank:
"The best strategy for managing disease outbreaks on a local level is _____________"
"The best strategy for managing disease outbreaks on a local level is _____________"
1918 Flu Pandemic deaths not just due to influenza
The 1918 Influenza Pandemic is often spotlighted as an example of the rapidity with which outbreaks, even those occuring under past conditions very different from today, can move from one place to another.
New research published by NIH proposes that many who died during the epidemic, were sickened not just by the influenza virus but also succumbed bacterial pneumonia. A conclusion is that a similar type of scenario could unfold during a future influenza pandemic.
More: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/aug2008/niaid-19.htm
New research published by NIH proposes that many who died during the epidemic, were sickened not just by the influenza virus but also succumbed bacterial pneumonia. A conclusion is that a similar type of scenario could unfold during a future influenza pandemic.
More: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/aug2008/niaid-19.htm
WHO and World Bank team up to better health
As delegates gather at the International AIDS Conference (3-8 August), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank today address the pressing global debate around health systems and initiatives in specific aspects of health, nutrition and population. Critics claim that disease-specific initiatives are eroding already weak health systems, while others assert that weak health systems are holding back progress in disease-specific initiatives. In an effort to gather evidence and provide technical guidance in this area, WHO and the World Bank have agreed to join forces in collaboration with a wide range of interested stakeholders including country officials, academic and research institutions, Global Health Initiatives and civil society organizations.
Read more: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr26/en/index.html
Read more: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr26/en/index.html
Natural disasters and disease risk
Natural disasters and an increased risk of disease go hand-in-hand, say those at the World Health Organization. Of particular note, are areas in West Africa beset with flooding and impacted through health risks as well as food insecurity.
Full story, from WHO:http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr28/en/index.html
Full story, from WHO:http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr28/en/index.html
Villages in Ghana being washed away
A report from Ghana on the eastern coast of Africa of beach front being reduced by several yards every year. The consequence is the disappearance of villages, animal species, and potential impact upon disease vectors.
"...unless global warming is reined in, millions of seaside dwellers will experience flooding, up to one-third of coastal wetlands will be lost, and increasingly ferocious storms will batter the shores."
What role should other countries / governments / agencies / the public be expected to play?
Full story: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-ghana-village-under-sea,1,7438106.story
"...unless global warming is reined in, millions of seaside dwellers will experience flooding, up to one-third of coastal wetlands will be lost, and increasingly ferocious storms will batter the shores."
What role should other countries / governments / agencies / the public be expected to play?
Full story: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-ghana-village-under-sea,1,7438106.story
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Bed bugs on the move - The invasion is underway!
Appears that new freshman aren't the only thing invading college campuses!
Aided by our typical convergence vectors (transportation, humans, etc.), bed bugs are on the move.
What to do? Any strategies?
Read more:
MSNBC: Bedbugs biting their way across country: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10987651/
USA Today: Bed bugs move into dorms: http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-08-20-bedbugs-dorms_N.htm
Aided by our typical convergence vectors (transportation, humans, etc.), bed bugs are on the move.
What to do? Any strategies?
Read more:
MSNBC: Bedbugs biting their way across country: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10987651/
USA Today: Bed bugs move into dorms: http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-08-20-bedbugs-dorms_N.htm
Friday, August 15, 2008
What's your USP?...What's a USP?
A USP is your “unique selling proposition.” It is what separates you from all the rest. Know yours - and be able to give yours in 8 seconds or less.
A “I do a really cool show about everything” is not a USP. Here are some USPs to model from:
I develop and disemminate strategies for managing global disease dilemmas.
I help people leverage New Media to get their message out to more people with less effort and for greater profits.
We enable Podcast personalization, secure delivery, tracking and the sales of RSS delivered media. Everyone doesn’t have to get the same Podcast.
ABC company is a free service that provides a single point for detecting and diagnosing pathogens, uploading that data to global databases, and powerful analytics on who, what, and how that information is being used.
ABC company is an accelerator for training and education, using Podcasting, and social networks to deliver the next generation large animal management experience to veterinarians.
Post your USP below!
(Source for content above from www.paulcolligan.com)
A “I do a really cool show about everything” is not a USP. Here are some USPs to model from:
I develop and disemminate strategies for managing global disease dilemmas.
I help people leverage New Media to get their message out to more people with less effort and for greater profits.
We enable Podcast personalization, secure delivery, tracking and the sales of RSS delivered media. Everyone doesn’t have to get the same Podcast.
ABC company is a free service that provides a single point for detecting and diagnosing pathogens, uploading that data to global databases, and powerful analytics on who, what, and how that information is being used.
ABC company is an accelerator for training and education, using Podcasting, and social networks to deliver the next generation large animal management experience to veterinarians.
Post your USP below!
(Source for content above from www.paulcolligan.com)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
New strain of bird flu in Nigeria
The migration of birds are suspected in the appearance of a strain of bird flu new to Nigeria.
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90855/6474122.html
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90855/6474122.html
What are your local strategies?
Local Action Global Health has been in action for a little more than 1 1/2 years now.
A lot of effort has been put toward developing strategies for local action to manage disease dilemmas.
Some of our lessons learned are:
- Science and society are increasingly bedfellows -- We must recognize how these two can fit together to overcome disease-promoting conditions
- Individual action & collective action – We need to reframe key issues as collective challenges requiring shared action by many
- Creativity at the edges – We have to recognize that not all of the answers will come from people in positions of leadership...How can the rest of us work collectively and upstream to provoke change
What are your lessons learned?
What would you add to this list?
A lot of effort has been put toward developing strategies for local action to manage disease dilemmas.
Some of our lessons learned are:
- Science and society are increasingly bedfellows -- We must recognize how these two can fit together to overcome disease-promoting conditions
- Individual action & collective action – We need to reframe key issues as collective challenges requiring shared action by many
- Creativity at the edges – We have to recognize that not all of the answers will come from people in positions of leadership...How can the rest of us work collectively and upstream to provoke change
What are your lessons learned?
What would you add to this list?
Caught in the grasp of food production superpowers
Anticipating the increasing need globally for more food for more mouths, private industry is snapping up farmland, production systems, fertilizer and shipping companies at a higher rate than ever before.
In his book, "The End of Food," Paul Roberts ("The End of Oil") recognizes the growing potential for the domination of a world food trade axis. Imagine Brazil and Argentina and one end and India and China at the other. The U.S.'s best efforts are maintained through Cargill, Monsanto, Tyson, and Mosaic.
As we start to look at food as the new oil and the geo-political power that is at the disposal of those in power, what will happen to the less powerful -- the poor, hungry, the 1 percent upon whom the rest of rely for food, and those striving to be 'localvores.'
The consequences aren't pretty, says Roberts.
In his book, "The End of Food," Paul Roberts ("The End of Oil") recognizes the growing potential for the domination of a world food trade axis. Imagine Brazil and Argentina and one end and India and China at the other. The U.S.'s best efforts are maintained through Cargill, Monsanto, Tyson, and Mosaic.
As we start to look at food as the new oil and the geo-political power that is at the disposal of those in power, what will happen to the less powerful -- the poor, hungry, the 1 percent upon whom the rest of rely for food, and those striving to be 'localvores.'
The consequences aren't pretty, says Roberts.
Who are our heroes?
As the Beijing Olympic rolls on and we celebrate the human will and spirit of competition, much is being made of athletes as spokespersons.
For example:
- U.S. basketball star LeBron James is linked with Spongebob Squarepants to teach kids what they can do to protect the earth.
- Olympic swimmer and fashion model Amanda Beard is a spokesperson for WildAid, communicating the plight of sharks
- Cyclist Adam Craig and many other Olympians have signed on with Green Laces, pledging to use recyclable shopping bags and other things to protect the environment
It has me thinking...Who are the heroes for the convergence issue? And, what should they be saying?
Thoughts?
For example:
- U.S. basketball star LeBron James is linked with Spongebob Squarepants to teach kids what they can do to protect the earth.
- Olympic swimmer and fashion model Amanda Beard is a spokesperson for WildAid, communicating the plight of sharks
- Cyclist Adam Craig and many other Olympians have signed on with Green Laces, pledging to use recyclable shopping bags and other things to protect the environment
It has me thinking...Who are the heroes for the convergence issue? And, what should they be saying?
Thoughts?
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
What will happen when the food supply runs out?
A review of Raj Patel's book "Stuffed and Starved."
Patel predicted the current global food crisis - spiralling food prices, starvation and obesity.
Patel talks about agro-economics and what will happen when all the food finally runs out
Full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jul/29/food.climatechange
Patel predicted the current global food crisis - spiralling food prices, starvation and obesity.
Patel talks about agro-economics and what will happen when all the food finally runs out
Full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jul/29/food.climatechange
Thursday, July 31, 2008
HIV / AIDS in African American pop rivaling Africa
"U.S. leads global efforts against AIDS, but neglects epidemic in Black America."
Levels of African Americans with HIV / AIDS rivaling some African nations.
Read report: http://www.blackaids.org/ShowArticle.aspx?articletype=SITEFEATURE&articleid=576&pagenumber=1
Levels of African Americans with HIV / AIDS rivaling some African nations.
Read report: http://www.blackaids.org/ShowArticle.aspx?articletype=SITEFEATURE&articleid=576&pagenumber=1
Environmental movement a model for One Health movement?
An oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, in 1969 helped launch the environmental movement.
Could this serve as a model for a "One Health" / Convergence of human, animal and environmental movement?
And, will it take a "oil spill" in the convergence context to create such a movement?
Report on 1969 oil spill from National Public Radio: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91808345
Could this serve as a model for a "One Health" / Convergence of human, animal and environmental movement?
And, will it take a "oil spill" in the convergence context to create such a movement?
Report on 1969 oil spill from National Public Radio: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91808345
Sunblock for fruit? Farm producers using SPF on plant
Sunscreen for fruits and vegetables is being tested in Australia, Chile and California .
Just like people can get sunburns, produce can also get nasty burns. That's why farmers are applying sunscreen to their crops to prevent skin blistering, heat stress and blemishes.
Climate change and drought have meant challenging growing conditions affecting the quality, yields and price of produce. Farmers lose money with each fruit or vegetable that develops sun damage.
Full article:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25907647/
Just like people can get sunburns, produce can also get nasty burns. That's why farmers are applying sunscreen to their crops to prevent skin blistering, heat stress and blemishes.
Climate change and drought have meant challenging growing conditions affecting the quality, yields and price of produce. Farmers lose money with each fruit or vegetable that develops sun damage.
Full article:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25907647/
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
HIV - AIDS on rise among Latinos - The nexus of disease and migration
"So far, the toll of AIDS in the nation's largest and fastest-growing minority population has mostly been overshadowed by the epidemic among African Americans and gay white men. Yet in major U.S. cities, as many as 1 in 4 gay Hispanic men has HIV, a rate on par with sub-Saharan Africa."
"The nexus of AIDS and migration -- the reality that viruses know no borders -- will gain fresh prominence at the International AIDS Conference next month in Mexico City. It is a nexus that plays out in dramatic fashion in San Ysidro and other communities along the U.S.-Mexican border, where the tensions associated with immigration tend to exacerbate an already stigmatized illness."
Full article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25808098/
"The nexus of AIDS and migration -- the reality that viruses know no borders -- will gain fresh prominence at the International AIDS Conference next month in Mexico City. It is a nexus that plays out in dramatic fashion in San Ysidro and other communities along the U.S.-Mexican border, where the tensions associated with immigration tend to exacerbate an already stigmatized illness."
Full article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25808098/
Monday, July 14, 2008
Interview - Dr. Lonnie King - Zoonotic disease explained
Interview with CDC's Dr. Lonnie King from the American Public Health Association:
"...first major group of zoonotic diseases probably occurred between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago..."
"...approximately 75 percent of the new human diseases that have emerged are zoonotic..."
"...in the summer or warm months when there are mosquitoes, you need to worry about West Nile virus or other mosquito-transmitted diseases..."
Link:http://www.getreadyforflu.org/pg_advice_zoonoticdiseases.htm
"...first major group of zoonotic diseases probably occurred between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago..."
"...approximately 75 percent of the new human diseases that have emerged are zoonotic..."
"...in the summer or warm months when there are mosquitoes, you need to worry about West Nile virus or other mosquito-transmitted diseases..."
Link:http://www.getreadyforflu.org/pg_advice_zoonoticdiseases.htm
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Vaccine to limit E.Coli 0157:H7 spread
Today, Bioniche Life Sciences presented data on an E.coli 0157:H7 vaccine that is the world's first to be used on-farm to reduce the amount of E.coli O157:H7 in cattle. The vaccine efficacy test rate in calves was 98.3%.
E.coli O157:H7 is most recognized due to food contamination recalls and of concern in beef, produce and prepared food. A result of improved interventions could be a reduction in the potential for human illnesses and death.
In the U.S. alone, approximately 100,000 E.coli O157:H7 cases are reported each year.
More: http://www.pharmalive.com/News/Index.cfm?articleid=555114
E.coli O157:H7 is most recognized due to food contamination recalls and of concern in beef, produce and prepared food. A result of improved interventions could be a reduction in the potential for human illnesses and death.
In the U.S. alone, approximately 100,000 E.coli O157:H7 cases are reported each year.
More: http://www.pharmalive.com/News/Index.cfm?articleid=555114
Can Cell Phones Help End Poverty
Cell phones are everywhere and the hands of more than 3 billion users worldwide. With 1.6 million new cell phones added everyday, how can they go from a communication tool to contact mom or the spouse for that frequent stop at the store for more milk?
The article below describes Nokia's efforts to link phone design and technology to end user needs, and examines cell phones as a tool for managing poverty, among other global crises.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/magazine/13anthropology-t.html
The article below describes Nokia's efforts to link phone design and technology to end user needs, and examines cell phones as a tool for managing poverty, among other global crises.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/magazine/13anthropology-t.html
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