The American Veterinary Medical Association has issued a guide for hunters and game processors explaining the disease risks of handling wildlife.
Suggestions for keeping hunting dogs safe are also offered. The AVMA stresses that the information isn’t meant to discourage people from hunting but to educate them on the risks involved.
First on the list of precautions is to consult a physician if a hunter shows symptoms of a disease or has been exposed to influenza. A weakened immune system leaves the body prone to diseases encountered in the environment such as avian influenza, Lyme disease and rabies (a virus that has currently jumped from brown bats to mammals).
“Quick Tip” sheets and “Backgrounders” are also available on other zoonotic diseases — diseases that can be transmitted from animals to man. Backgrounders include one on swine influenza (HlN1, which notes that influenza viruses from different species can mix and reassort (swap DNA) and a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza can emerge — H2N3 has been found in mallard ducks.) While called “swine flu”, this 2009 H1N1 flu virus appears to be a hybrid of swine, avian and human influenza viruses with H1N1 recently found in a pig in Minnesota and a ferret in Oregon. The AVMA also has a Canine Influenza virus (CIV) Backgrounder.
The AVMA website is www.avma.org — look in the Public Health section under “Hunters and zoonotic risks.” The AVMA reports that the site has already had hundreds of visitors.
Life
Don’t let a bug ruin season
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Valley experts differ on ideas for job creation
SUNBURY — When President Barack Obama gives his jobs speech Thursday night before Congress and a nation facing a 9.1 unemployment rate, he should act to lower the minimum wage and taxes, target government investments wisely, spend on long-lasting projects, or cut spending, reduce regulations and trim the size of Washington, Valley experts suggested.
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Carbs under control
Parents with a child who has Type 1 diabetes sometimes find it difficult to let go of the important responsibility to constantly check insulin levels. Just ask Doreen Giordani, of Sunbury.
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After the pounds come off
Bariatric surgery offers those who are 100-plus-pounds overweight a viable option for reclaiming their lives, a physician at Geisinger Medical Center noted.
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Accreditation awarded to hospital
Sunbury Community Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care and safety in hospitals.
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16 years old and still growing
The more things change the more they stay the same. That's what Dr. Michael Ryan, director of pediatrics at Janet Weis Children's Hospital, in Danville, said, as he discussed the 16 year anniversary of the facility.
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Americans turn to technology to control impulses
NEW YORK — Dan Nainan can't trust himself to work at his computer without clicking on distractions, so he uses an Internet-blocking program to shut down his Web access twice a day. "I'm sorry, but try as I might, I could never, ever do this on my own," said the New York City comedian who's struggling to finish a book. "I wish I could, but I just don't have the discipline."
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Some babyproofing basics for the new year
Babies and toddlers are curious creatures. Something captures their attention — a stuffed animal, a shiny object or a noisy rattle — and they're going after it. Just make sure they aren't chasing a teddy bear on top of a dresser, the blade of a knife or a pill bottle.
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Texts, Web really do allow Santa to be everywhere
PHILADELPHIA — He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, and he knows how many followers you have on Twitter.
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In tough economy, Santas are suffering
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Craig McTavish — a.k.a. Santa — has the beard. He has the belly. He even has a few tricks up his sleeve, like pulling up to parties on his Harley-Davidson in full Kris Kringle garb. But there's one thing he doesn't have: work.
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Soften the impact
The cold weather and snow are here, which means winter recreation enthusiasts should be armed with ways to protect themselves from traumatic head and brain injuries that are typical for the season.
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