Day: February 10, 2010

As global interest in the H1N1 flu virus begin to recede, a recently published editorial looks at some of the key lessons learned from the outbreak. The editorial says one positive outcome of the flu pandemic is that it promoted the worldwide exchange of virus information. However, it also revealed a failure in early detection of the virus despite its presence in pigs for over a decade. “Public- and animal-health communities need to help increase surveillance for emerging diseases with pandemic potential,” the editorial says. Los Angeles Times

A woman in Wisconsin was ordered to pay a $574 fine after pleading no contest to charges of selling untested horses and forging the animals’ health records. “There are a couple of take-home lessons here … First, livestock buyers really need to know who they’re dealing with and make sure all the health papers are in order. Second, private practice veterinarians are one of our main lines of defense in enforcing animal health laws,” a state veterinarian said. Wisconsin Ag Connection