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Newsletter Volume 5 Issue 13 1 July 2025 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
From the President From the Editor Public Health In the News Food Safety In The News Resources
Announcements Continuing Education |
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AAFSPHV President Pamela Abney, DVM |
| Hello,
I hope everyone is okay and coping with all the changes going on in the world, in our country and, for many, in your personal and professional lives. The impact of the interruptions in the careers of many of our colleagues, particularly in public practice, has been profound. The long-term consequences of the disruptions in multiple scientific areas are yet to be determined but could be unfathomable over time. I will leave the glass half full/empty thoughts to myself for now; but my heart aches for many of you and what you may be going through personally and professionally during this tumultuous time.
Despite all that is happening in our world today, there are opportunities available for a rewarding career in public practice. If you are attending AVMA or otherwise in Washington DC, please join us on Saturday, July 19, for a special public practice networking event hosted by the District of Columbia Veterinary Medical Association (DCVMA), National Association of Federal Veterinarians (NAFV), and the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV). Sponsors of the event include FEDS Protector and, on behalf of the DCVMA via Dr. Janine Calabro, IDEXX. Thank you.
Many of the members of the AAFSPHV, DCVMA, and NAFV are already in public practice. There are others who are interested in enriching their private clinical practice experience or considering joining public practice altogether. This event will be a chance for you to network, visit with your colleagues and make valuable connections; to exchange information and share experiences; and to provide an occasion to explore job/career options.
Information for the event is listed below. The room location is subject to change, but check the event roster with the hotel concierge, if needed. AVMA Conference registration is not required to attend this particular event.There will be refreshments and possibly door prizes. Hope to see you there.
What: Public Practice Networking Event Who: Hosted by DCVMA, NAFV, and AAFSPHV When: Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 5:00-6:30pm Where: Independence Ballroom A, Meeting Level 4 (M4), Marriott Marquis Hotel,
901 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC |
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Communications Specialist Mandy Sorensen, DVM, MPH |
| From the Editor Hello members, I hope you all are continuing to weather this difficult period in public health and food safety. Thank you all for your continued efforts and for being here. Below are some items that might be of particular interest:
Join Us at AVMA! - The AVMA convention is coming right up, and we are proud to have several members speaking at the convention. In addition to great continuing education, there will be networking opportunities available, and we hope to see you there! This year’s convention will be in conjunction with the World Veterinary Association Congress. This will be a great opportunity to get CE credit while learning about a broad array of topics ranging from food safety and one health to practice management and the latest in clinical medicine. You can check out the full lineup and learn more here.
Virulent Newcastle Disease in Canada - The USDA has placed import restrictions on Canada after Virulent Newcastle Disease was found in Canada for the first time in 50 years. The virus was found on a commercial squab farm in British Columbia. There have also been restrictions on avian commodities from Canada due to HPAI. See the import restriction alerts from USDA APHIS here.The first two pages outline HPAI related restrictions, and the final two pages detail restrictions related to Newcastle disease.
A Minimum Data Standard For Wildlife Disease Research and Surveillance - A study published in Scientific Data authored by a global coalition of experts proposes a new minimum standard for recording, formatting, and sharing wildlife disease data and metadata. The authors outline best practices to support rapid and transparent data sharing, while keeping minimum standards flexible, simple, and accessible for a variety of practitioners. Read the full report here.
AMR Genes Persist in Livestock Manure - A new study published last week in Science Advances reveals persistence of antimicrobial resistance genes in manure from chickens, cows, and pigs. Testing animals from 26 countries over 14 years, the study authors propose a risk-assessment framework and produce a predictive global map to aid in policy making. Read the study here.
APHIS Funds Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management and Research - From the USDA - "The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will provide approximately $12 million for States and Tribal governments, research institutions, and universities to control and prevent chronic wasting disease (CWD) in wild and farmed cervids (e.g., deer, elk). To more efficiently and quickly move this work forward this year, APHIS will noncompetitively fund the most promising projects to develop new tools or methods, support interested States/Tribes with CWD control programs at the local level and directly indemnify cervid owners with pending indemnity requests." You can read the full press release here.
Job Board - The job board is updated weekly, and several interesting roles such as the Assistant Veterinarian for Vermont were posted recently and close in the next few days. Likewise, there are a number of positions available in federal and state government, academia, and industry, so if you're looking for new employment, I encourage you to check it out. Likewise, if you're hiring, feel free to send postings to editor@aafsphv.org so I can make sure to share them with fellow members. You can view job postings here.
One Health Heroes - We have been partnering with Dr. Brittany Lancellotti of Your Vet Wants You To Know to bring public health information to pet owners and veterinary professionals twice monthly. You can listen to episodes here. This week's episode features AAFSPHV Board Member and State Public Health Veterinarian for Arkansas Laura Rothfeldt, DVM, DACVPM for a discussion on mosquito-borne disease. It's a great experience and platform, and If you'd be interested in sharing your expertise on a One Health topic on the podcast, please email me at editor@aafsphv.org
To continue to support our members, and provide access to high quality continuing education, we're updating the CE calendar regularly, so take a look. As always, if you have news, ideas, CE or job opportunities, or concerns you'd like to share, please send them my way at editor@aafsphv.org. I'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for all the incredibly valuable work you do! |
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PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE NEWS |
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A One Health Approach to Investigating Cache Valley Virus, Arkansas, USA, July 2023
Carpenter, A., Kojima, N., Dulski, T. M., Calvert, A. E., Burkhalter, K. L., Ballard, J. R....Burke, J. (2025). A One Health Approach to Investigating Cache Valley Virus, Arkansas, USA, July 2023. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 31(6), 1231-1234. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3106.250052
Abstract
Cache Valley virus (CVV), a mosquitoborne virus, can cause neuroinvasive disease in humans and adverse reproductive outcomes in sheep and goats. In 2023, CVV RNA was detected in an aborted lamb from a flock in Arkansas, USA. We conducted a One Health investigation to explore the potential effects of CVV in Arkansas.
Read more |
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Promising Effects of Duck Vaccination against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, France, 2023–2024
Guinat, C., Fourtune, L., Lambert, S., Martin, E., Gerbier, G., Pellicer, A....Vergne, T. (2025). Promising Effects of Duck Vaccination against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, France, 2023–2024. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 31(7), 1468-1471. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3107.241445
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza causes substantial poultry losses and zoonotic concerns globally. Duck vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza began in France in October 2023. Our assessment predicted that 314–756 outbreaks were averted in 2023–2024, representing a 96%–99% reduction in epizootic size, likely attributable to vaccination.
Read More |
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Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in ready-to-eat salad mixes: multi-country survey using a validated and harmonised standard operating procedure, Europe, 2021 to 2022
Calero-Bernal, R., Betson, M., Slana, I., Bartosova, B., Marucci, G., Possenti, A., Álvarez-García, G., Bier, N., Mayer-Scholl, A., Berg, R. P., Chaudhry, U., López-Ureña, N. M., Piotrowska, W., Sroka, J., Johannessen, G. S., Davidson, R., Dámek, F., Blaga, R., Thoumire, S., Zalewská, B., … Lalle, M. (2025). Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in ready-to-eat salad mixes: multi-country survey using a validated and harmonised standard operating procedure, Europe, 2021 to 2022. Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin, 30(22), 2400594. https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.22.2400594
Background Most Toxoplasma gondii infections in humans are considered foodborne, but the relative importance of the various routes of infection is largely unknown. Consumption of green produce contaminated with T. gondii oocysts has been identified as a possible source. Aim
We aimed to estimate the occurrence and prevalence of T. gondii oocysts in commercially available ready-to-eat (RTE) salad mixes in 10 European countries.MethodsA real-time PCR-based method for oocyst detection was developed and optimised by two laboratories and validated in an interlaboratory test. This detection method and a harmonised sampling strategy were applied in a multi-country study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate risk factors for oocyst contamination of RTE salad...
Read More |
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New World Screwworm Current Situation and Resources |
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USDA Announces the Phased Reopening of Southern Ports for Livestock Trade:
From the USDA website, "(Washington, D.C., June 30, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced risk-based port re-openings for cattle, bison, and equines from Mexico beginning as early as July 7, 2025..."
Read the full press release here.
USDA Announces Five-Pronged Strategy to Combat New World Screwworm:
From the USDA website, "U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins this morning launched an $8.5 million sterile New World screwworm (NWS) fly dispersal facility in South Texas and announced a sweeping five-pronged plan to enhance USDA’s already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate this pest. These urgent actions are necessary to finish the fight against NWS and protect the United States."
Read the full policy brief here.
Screwworm Resources: New World Screwworm remains a threat, and all veterinarians should be sure to know the signs and how to report potential infestations. Below are some resources on identifying, treating, and reporting cases that may be helpful. A great, concise article from the AVMA on NWS diagnosis, treatment, and how to report cases can be found here. The USDA-APHIS page on New World Screwworm can be found here. The Texas A&M Agrilife Extension New World Screwworm Fact Sheet can be found here.
USDA-APHIS Training Module 41 on New World Screwworm can be found here. This is highly recommended viewing for all veterinarians. |
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What to know
H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.
While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures. CDC is using its flu surveillance systems to monitor for H5 bird flu activity in people
More info |
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Executive Vice President, Katherine Waters, DVM, MPH, DACVPM |
| LaFontaine Memorial Scholarship Period Open -
Applications Due 15 July 2025 Background
Daniel E. Lafontaine Sr. grew up in Alvada, Ohio and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at The Ohio State University (1967). Following graduation, he served in the Army Veterinary Corps for 26 years, retiring as a Colonel in 1993. During his service, he earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Lafontaine subsequently served as Director of the South Carolina Meat Poultry Inspection Department and was the Assistant State Veterinarian of South Carolina. He finished his career as a Vice President and associate of the HACCP Consulting Group, LLC.
Dr. Lafontaine was a member of many professional organizations to include a diplomate of The American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine; past president of the former American Association of Food Hygiene Veterinarians (now American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians); past chair of the AVMA House Advisory Committee, past member of the AVMA Legislative Advisory Committee, and chaired the AVMA Antimicrobial Use Task Force. In 1996, Dr. Lafontaine was named AAFHV Food Hygiene Veterinarian of the Year. He received the AVMA Public Service Award in 2008.
He traveled worldwide to teach food safety practices to colleagues and soldiers. Dr. Lafontaine took great pride in the Army's Veterinary Corps, his second career with the State of South Carolina, and consulting on food safety and hygiene. Dr. Lafontaine, 78, Bel Air, Maryland, died Feb. 24, 2021.
Purpose
To honor Dr. Lafontaine’s legacy and efforts in food safety and public health practices.
Qualifications
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Be a veterinarian working on an advanced degree or be a student working on a veterinary degree with an emphasis on food safety and public health.
- Enrolled in an advanced university program (DVM, Master's, PhD, DrPH, etc.) focused on food safety and public health.
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Demonstrate intent to continue in a career focused on food safety and/or public health.
TO APPLY: -
Visit our website
- Log into the Member Center
- Click the Scholarship Button
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Select Lafontaine Memorial and fill out the form
- Attach a CV
- Click submit
Applications will be reviewed during August 2025 and $1000 scholarship awarded by Sept 1, 2025 |
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President-Elect Jane Lewis, DVM, MS, DACVPM |
| Membership Committee Seeking Volunteers
This committee shall be responsible for actively recruiting members and determining eligibility for membership. Time commitment: this will need to meet via Zoom 1-2 times a month for 3 months to develop a member recruitment and retention strategy. After 3 months, meetings will be as needed. If interested, contact Jane Lewis at jmlvet94@gmail.com |
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Experiencing hardship?
The AVMA offers reduced dues or dues exemption for qualified applicants.
To learn more and apply click here |
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Not One More Vet offers a variety of resources to support veterinary professionals including micro-grants for those experiencing hardship. To learn more about the resources NOMV features, visit them here.
To learn more about micro-grants, click here. |
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WOAH One Health in Action: Zoonotic Disease Control in the Americas World Zoonoses Day is celebrated every 6 July in commemoration of the milestone in 1885 when scientist Louis Pasteur administered the first rabies vaccine in France to a 9-year-old boy who had been bitten by an infected dog, saving his life. To mark this date, the regional office of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is organising a webinar to highlight the importance of tackling zoonotic diseases through a collaborative approach, given their impact on the health of all. Date: 8 July 2025 Time: 9am Pacific Time Mode: Virtual Language: English/Spanish Agenda: Available here (English-Spanish)
Cost: Free CE Hours: This event is not RACE approved
To Register for the Webinar: Click HERE
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Looking for more CE or have a CE event you'd like to share?
View our full calendar here
To share an upcoming event, please email me at editor@aafsphv.org |
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Please follow AAFSPHV on Social Media. We just joined bluesky |
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AAFSPHV News Brief Vol 5 Iss 13 www.aafsphv.org |
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