Don't Panic
But I got three stories in a professional email today. Some of you may have seen the first in the major news feeds throughout the day today.
1. There has been a new H1N1 virus (more typical flu) variation found in pigs in China. It has been labeled as having pandemic potential. It is being monitored for mutation and potential spread to humans and birds. It is not now a threat, just has potential.
2. There is a viral epidemic spreading through the US rabbit population, both wild and domestic rabbits. It's called "Rabbit Ebola" but it is NOT an ebola virus and has no potential to spread to humans. It does cause hemorrhagic disease and death in rabbits.
3. Ferrets and mink appear to be very susceptible to this coronavirus. I guess there are some mink farms in Wisconsin and they are working with the state health department to monitor potential spread.
My main reason for posting this is for reliable information distribution. Also to reemphasize our need for a robust public health community, surveillance and international cooperation to protect us all.
Doug, DVM
1. There has been a new H1N1 virus (more typical flu) variation found in pigs in China. It has been labeled as having pandemic potential. It is being monitored for mutation and potential spread to humans and birds. It is not now a threat, just has potential.
2. There is a viral epidemic spreading through the US rabbit population, both wild and domestic rabbits. It's called "Rabbit Ebola" but it is NOT an ebola virus and has no potential to spread to humans. It does cause hemorrhagic disease and death in rabbits.
3. Ferrets and mink appear to be very susceptible to this coronavirus. I guess there are some mink farms in Wisconsin and they are working with the state health department to monitor potential spread.
My main reason for posting this is for reliable information distribution. Also to reemphasize our need for a robust public health community, surveillance and international cooperation to protect us all.
Doug, DVM
