BioSecurity: Human Health Issues

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Human Health Issues

Anthrax

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium called as Bacillus anthracis. ANTHRAX IS A ZOONOTIC DISEASE (a disease shared between animals and humans). In humans, anthrax is rarely reported. Untreated anthrax is often fatal, especially the respiratory type of anthrax infection.

Asian Bird Infuenza (AI)

Avian influenza usually does not make wild birds sick, but can make domesticated birds very sick and kill them. Avian influenza A viruses do not usually infect humans; however, several instances of human infections and outbreaks have been reported since 1997. When such infections occur, public health authorities monitor the situation closely because of concerns about the potential for more widespread infection in the human population.
(from CDC)

Infuenza

Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs). Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu causes severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people.

Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is an infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a member of the family of corkscrew-shaped bacteria known as spirochetes and is transmitted by ticks.

Traveler's Health

Travel and Health from the Hershey Medical Center

CDC Traveler's Health Page

CDC: An Ounce of Prevention

WHO International Travel and Health Page

Related Information:

USDA Food Security and Emergency Preparedness

USDA Cook Temperatures Fact Sheet

Animal Health and Food Safety Issues from University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

Division of Parasitic Diseases--dedicated to preventing and controlling parasitic diseases both home and abroad. CDC

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services--The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a Federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Recent Medicare News and Fact Sheets

Diseases That Can Be Transmitted to Humans from Animals--from CDC

NACCHO--National Association of County and City Health Officials--A National voice of local public health

Government Info:
APHIS CDC EDEN FDA FSIS USDA WHO
CAS Links:
Ag Economics & Rural Sociology Food Science Dairy & Animal Science
For more information, please contact:
Dave Filson
Email:

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Tuesday, November 29, 2005