Monthly Newsletter
September 2019 - Vol. 14, No. 9
Top Stories
AAVPT presents awards to professor and pupil
By Piper Brandt
Dr. Butch KuKanich, professor of veterinary clinical pharmacology and assistant head of the Department of Anatomy and Physiology, along with his graduate student Ally Fitzgerald, a third-year veterinary student from Lakewood Ranch, Florida, were chosen as recipients of prestigious awards from the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics at its Biennial Symposium on Aug. 24.
CVM students participate in unique summer opportunities
By Piper Brandt
This summer, CVM students traveled near and far to participate in unique classes, tours and internships. Three second-year students, Tyler Blackwood, Cassandra Kroncke and Tori Matta were among many who experienced a wide array of opportunities available to veterinary students.
Video Feature
2019 US-China Joint DVM Program Homecoming
Kansas State University’s U.S.-China Joint DVM Program recently celebrated its largest graduating class during the annual homecoming event held May 29 and 30.
Study confirms possible danger of imported feed contaminated with African swine fever virus
By Piper Brandt
A new study conducted by veterinary researchers at Kansas State University sheds new light on a threatening swine disease: African swine fever or ASF. The research team, headed by Dr. Megan Niederwerder, assistant professor in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, looks at the degradation of African swine fever virus in animal feed ingredients to understand the potential for disease spread through contaminated feed.
Up to now, data has been limited. Dr. Niederwerder’s latest study titled, “Half-Life of African Swine Fever Virus in Shipped Feed,” examines the possible risk of African swine fever virus spreading to the United States through imported feed.
The article, which has just been published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, provides more accurate half-life measurements that confirm the virus can survive a simulated 30-day transoceanic voyage in contaminated plant-based feed and ingredients.
(stock photo by Florian Rieder - unsplash.com)
“This study provides additional evidence supporting the potential risk that feed may play in the transboundary movement of African swine fever,” Dr. Niederwerder said. “Our latest work provides robust half-life estimates, which include standard errors and confidence intervals, and characterizes the stages of viral decay over time for ASFV in animal feed ingredients.”
Detailed analysis shows that the half-life of African swine fever virus in feed ranges from 9.6 to 14.2 days after exposure to varying temperature and humidity conditions simulating transoceanic shipment. This means it would take approximately two weeks for the total viable virus concentration to decay by half its original count under the conditions of a transatlantic voyage. Dr. Niederwerder states that all feed matrices provided a more supportive environment for viral stability when compared to media, where the shortest half-life was calculated.
The new study expands on Dr. Niederwerder’s previous work confirming the likelihood of African swine fever transmission through feed and can be used to implement science-based management practices such as storage time to reduce this risk.
“Transmission of swine viruses through feed has been recognized as a risk since around 2013, but the probability of ASFV infection through plant-based feed was unknown until our publication earlier this year,” Dr. Niederwerder said. “Our research reports novel data and important quantitative information that can be incorporated into risk models for introduction and mitigation of ASFV through imported feed ingredients.”
Over the last year, ASFV has emerged on new continents and spread to historically negative countries. If the virus can survive shipments overseas, this provides an opportunity to infect swine in the United States and other countries through imported feed, which would be devastating to U.S. pork production.
“African swine fever virus is a rapidly spreading and emerging transboundary animal disease that threatens pork production and human food security worldwide,” Dr, Niederwerder said. “The emerging threat of ASFV being introduced into the United States is staggering and significant efforts are focused on preventing entry.”
African swine fever is now considered endemic in China, where the world’s largest population of pigs live. Chinese production of pork is estimated to be cut by 25% by the end of the year. The disease has also spread to several other Asian countries and recently to Western Europe.
Funding for the study was provided by the Swine Health Information Center and the State of Kansas National Bio and Agro-defense Facility Fund. Co-authors on the publication include Ana Stoian, Jeff Zimmerman, Ju Ji, Trevor Hefley, Scott Dee, Diego Diel, and Dr. Bob Rowland.
More Headlines
Timely Health Alerts from Dr. Susan Nelson
Bats pose potential problems for pets, humans this time of year
With fall approaching, Dr. Susan Nelson, clinical professor and veterinarian at the Veterinary Health Center, says homeowners and pet owners need to be cautious of bats, which are a leading transmitter of rabies. Case in point, she said a bat just found in a Manhattan residence has tested positive for rabies.
"Bats are more active this time of year, which means there is an increased chance of exposure to them," Dr. Nelson said. "While bats are essential for our ecosystem and most bats are harmless, we need to remember that in some situations, bats can be a threat to our health. Any possible contact with bats by people or pets needs to be taken seriously."
According to the Centers for Disease Control, bats are responsible for roughly 7 in 10 rabies deaths among people who are infected with the rabies virus in the U.S. The CDCsays that many people do not realize that bats can transmit rabies and don't seek treatment when exposed to one. People also often don’t know that they have been bitten or scratched by a bat because of the small wounds that they leave.
(stock photo by Todd Craven - unsplash.com)
Bats also are a problem for animals, accounting for one-third of the 5,000 rabid animals that are reported in the U.S. each year.
If a bat is found in your residence, Nelson recommends having the mammal tested for rabies in the following situations:
• When you are scratched or bitten by a bat.
• When you handled a bat with your bare hands.
• When you woke up and found a bat in your room.
• When unattended young children are found in the same room with a bat.
• When mentally impaired or intoxicated people are found in a room with a bat.
It is important to take these situations seriously as rabies is almost always fatal after symptoms appear, despite treatment efforts, Dr, Nelson said.
"The bottom line is if an individual who cannot communicate that they had contact with a bat or doesn't remember or know if they could have had contact and are found in a room with a bat, they are considered exposed," Dr. Nelson said. "And because pets can’t communicate this to their owners either, they are also considered exposed if found in a room with a bat."
If you find a bat in your residence, Nelson said the best thing is to carefully catch the bat without touching it and take it to your local veterinarian for rabies testing submission. “We are fortunate enough to have the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory in our own back yard, as they are only one of a handful of labs that do this type of testing”.
"Possible exposure to rabies is an urgent situation, but not an emergency in most situations," Dr. Nelson said. "What this means is that one can typically wait to receive post-exposure treatment until after the testing results are in, but there are some situations where it will be started right away."
Typically, it takes only a few days or less to receive test results. But if the bat is unavailable or unsuitable for testing, post-exposure treatment will likely be recommended in the above situations, Dr. Nelson said, adding that ultimately, your personal physician and/or local health authorities will determine if and when post-exposure treatment is needed.
To protect pets safe from bat exposure, Dr. Nelson said it's important to keep their rabies vaccinations current — even indoor-only pets as bats are often found in the house and cats and dogs love to chase a live flying object.
If there is possible exposure to rabies, the pet should be taken to your veterinarian within 96 hours and have a rabies booster if the bat is unavailable for testing, Nelson said.
"If the bat is available for testing, there's time to wait and see if a booster is needed," Dr. Nelson said. "But if your pet is not vaccinated against rabies or not current on its rabies vaccine, your veterinarian will discuss options for vaccination and/or quarantine based on its current vaccination status."
Dr. Nelson added that some quarantine situations can last up to six months.
"Respect bats and what they do for our environment, but do take any possible exposure seriously," Dr. Nelson said. "And if you happen to overhear someone talking about any situations that could be considered as a possible exposure to a rabid bat for them or their pet, do them a favor and recommend they submit the bat for testing or seek the advice of their physician or veterinarian if it is not available for testing. Who knows, you may just save a life."
"Bats are more active this time of year, which means there is an increased chance of exposure to them," Dr. Nelson said. "While bats are essential for our ecosystem and most bats are harmless, we need to remember that in some situations, bats can be a threat to our health. Any possible contact with bats by people or pets needs to be taken seriously."
According to the Centers for Disease Control, bats are responsible for roughly 7 in 10 rabies deaths among people who are infected with the rabies virus in the U.S. The CDCsays that many people do not realize that bats can transmit rabies and don't seek treatment when exposed to one. People also often don’t know that they have been bitten or scratched by a bat because of the small wounds that they leave.
(stock photo by Todd Craven - unsplash.com)
Bats also are a problem for animals, accounting for one-third of the 5,000 rabid animals that are reported in the U.S. each year.
If a bat is found in your residence, Nelson recommends having the mammal tested for rabies in the following situations:
• When you are scratched or bitten by a bat.
• When you handled a bat with your bare hands.
• When you woke up and found a bat in your room.
• When unattended young children are found in the same room with a bat.
• When mentally impaired or intoxicated people are found in a room with a bat.
It is important to take these situations seriously as rabies is almost always fatal after symptoms appear, despite treatment efforts, Dr, Nelson said.
"The bottom line is if an individual who cannot communicate that they had contact with a bat or doesn't remember or know if they could have had contact and are found in a room with a bat, they are considered exposed," Dr. Nelson said. "And because pets can’t communicate this to their owners either, they are also considered exposed if found in a room with a bat."
If you find a bat in your residence, Nelson said the best thing is to carefully catch the bat without touching it and take it to your local veterinarian for rabies testing submission. “We are fortunate enough to have the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory in our own back yard, as they are only one of a handful of labs that do this type of testing”.
"Possible exposure to rabies is an urgent situation, but not an emergency in most situations," Dr. Nelson said. "What this means is that one can typically wait to receive post-exposure treatment until after the testing results are in, but there are some situations where it will be started right away."
Typically, it takes only a few days or less to receive test results. But if the bat is unavailable or unsuitable for testing, post-exposure treatment will likely be recommended in the above situations, Dr. Nelson said, adding that ultimately, your personal physician and/or local health authorities will determine if and when post-exposure treatment is needed.
To protect pets safe from bat exposure, Dr. Nelson said it's important to keep their rabies vaccinations current — even indoor-only pets as bats are often found in the house and cats and dogs love to chase a live flying object.
If there is possible exposure to rabies, the pet should be taken to your veterinarian within 96 hours and have a rabies booster if the bat is unavailable for testing, Nelson said.
"If the bat is available for testing, there's time to wait and see if a booster is needed," Dr. Nelson said. "But if your pet is not vaccinated against rabies or not current on its rabies vaccine, your veterinarian will discuss options for vaccination and/or quarantine based on its current vaccination status."
Dr. Nelson added that some quarantine situations can last up to six months.
"Respect bats and what they do for our environment, but do take any possible exposure seriously," Dr. Nelson said. "And if you happen to overhear someone talking about any situations that could be considered as a possible exposure to a rabid bat for them or their pet, do them a favor and recommend they submit the bat for testing or seek the advice of their physician or veterinarian if it is not available for testing. Who knows, you may just save a life."
Aw, shucks: Corn on the cob no treat for dogs
Corn on the cob is a treat that many people enjoy each summer. But Dr. Susan Nelson says don't share that cob with your dog. While eating kernels of corn generally does not pose a health risk for most dogs, the corn cob can be a problem if the dog ingests it.
"Dogs are attracted to corn cobs due to the good-tasting corn kernels and the cob itself," Dr. Nelson said. "The cob is something they love to chew on, and while some dogs may chew it up into tiny pieces, others attempt to swallow it whole or swallow large pieces of the cob."
Swallowing the cob or pieces of the cob often causes a life-threatening obstruction of a dog's gastrointestinal tract, Dr. Nelson said, adding that the smaller the dog, the smaller the piece of cob that can cause this to happen. Corn cobs also are not digestible, so if there is an obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, abdominal surgery is usually needed to remove it.
Radiograph reveals corn cobs in GI tract (composite illustration by Dr. David Biller, professor and section head of radiology).
"If smaller pieces of cob are in the stomach, they can sometimes be endoscopically removed," Dr. Nelson said. "But if dogs do not have the cob or pieces of cob causing the obstruction removed, it is usually fatal. Dogs that are brought to a veterinarian after they have been showing symptoms will also sometimes not survive, even with surgery."
Signs that your dog may have an obstruction caused by a piece of corn cob or is experiencing other problems due to ingesting corn or corn on the cob include vomiting and/or dry heaves; diarrhea; straining to have a bowel movement; decreased or no appetite; a painful abdomen — or belly; lethargy or reluctance to play; or seeking seclusion. If you see any of these signs in your dog, Dr. Nelson said have it seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Dr. Nelson recommends keeping all corn cobs safely away from dogs.
"Make sure the container in which you keep corn cobs is in an area where dogs do not have access to or the cobs are in a secured container or locked cabinet," Dr. Nelson said. "Remember, dogs can be very good at opening doors, lids, etc."
If your dog does sneak a cob, take it away immediately, Dr. Nelson said. If the dog will not give up the cob or will try to bite you if you attempt to take it away, offer the dog an even more desirable treat or toy and then get the cob when the dog drops it to take the other offering.
While corn cobs can be dangerous for dogs, corn itself is used as a protein source in many dog foods. Nelson said that contrary to popular belief, dogs can utilize nutrient sources that come from corn as their digestive tracts have evolved over the years to allow it because of their close association with humans and what we eat.
Theses pieces of corn cob were removed from a dog's gastrointestinal tract during surgery recently at the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas State University. Photo courtesy of Dr. Emily Klocke, small animal surgeon at the Veterinary Health Center.
However, there are certain situations where corn can be problematic.
"If dogs have a corn allergy, which is not very common, then corn should be avoided," she said "Corn that has added butter on it can put some dogs at risk for developing pancreatitis, which can be fatal in some circumstances. Corn with added salt can also be a problem for dogs with medical conditions such as congestive heart failure."
Dr. Nelson suggests not feeding your dog corn.
"If they learn to like corn, they will be more persistent at trying to get to it," she said. "But if you do decide to feed them corn, make sure to cut the kernels off the cob first, and only feed a small amount."
'Hidden' road connects K-State's past with the future
A new sign on the K-State campus helps commemorate a piece of veterinary medical history that dates back more than 100 years. A standard green and white street sign has been installed east of Coles Hall and denotes a small and obscure stretch of road that gracefully winds north from Jardine Road and up the hill behind the Equine Performance Testing Center.
The road originally led to a facility that was part of the College of Veterinary Medicine known as the Serum Plant.
Historical photo of the Serum Palnt, which ceased operations in 1948.
“The Serum Plant was established more than 100 years ago and used to produce anti-hog cholera, or classical swine fever serum until 1948," explained Dr. Jishu Shi, professor of immunology and director of the U.S.-China Center for Animal Health. "It was an important part of the early days of veterinary medicine in Kansas and our veterinary school."
The street name is eponymous with the Serum Plant.
"Serum Plant Road crossed the K-State campus site for the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility," said Ron Trewyn, Kansas State University's full-time liaison to the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility. "The fact that production of hog cholera antisera began on that road in 1908 is serendipitous, since the disease is now known as classical swine fever, which is on the NBAF research list. Thus, K-State has been doing NBAF research on the NBAF site for over 110 years and it continues today in the BRI."
Ron Trewyn, Kansas State University's full-time liaison to the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility, uses a slide that highlights the location of NBAF in connection to the historical site of the Serum Plant.
Dr. Shi felt it was important to remind people about this part of the university's history, so he submitted a request and received quick help thanks to Jack Carlson, project manager in planning and larger projects, and others in facilities maintenance at the Division of Facilities.
"In my interactions with research funding agencies and other stakeholders of NBAF and the university, many people have a strong interest in knowing where the serum plant was," Dr. Shi said. "However, there was no street sign for the Serum Plant Road on campus. I would love to show our guests where the old serum plant was — the heart of CSF research at K-State 100 years ago — so the new street sign will be very helpful for us to show K-State pride in CSF research history."
Trewyn has included imagery of the sign as part of a Powerpoint slide on NBAF. Dr. Shi has also shared pictures of the new sign.
"Although the serum plant is no longer here anymore, the symbol — Serum Plant Road — has a new life and more meaning to K-State now," Dr. Shi said. "The NBAF campus is very close to or on where the old serum plant was. More importantly, researchers like me have begun to work on CSF in the last few years at K-State's Biosecurity Research Institute and are preparing for future CSF research in the NBAF building."
Dr. Shi said the Serum Plant's history has significance beyond K-State.
"This street sign will undoubtedly strengthen our reputation as an outstanding research institution for high consequence animal diseases such as CSF," Dr. Shi said. "It will ultimately help researchers like me to secure more research funding from federal and state agencies and animal health industry partners."
The current-day corner of Jardine Drive and Serum Plant Road, where the new street sign is located.
K-State Rabies Laboratory to host international conference in Kansas City
A special 30th anniversary will be celebrated with purple presence this year in Kansas City. A group of scientists from the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory are serving as lead planners for Rabies in the Americas, or RITA.
“We’re ‘jazzed’ to host this year’s RITA conference in Kansas City!” said Dr. Susan Moore director of the Rabies Laboratory. “Last year, we attended the conference in Argentina. This year the conference is being held from Oct. 27 through Nov. 1 in the heart of the U.S. at the ‘Show Me’ state, where people can experience Kansas City’s world famous barbeque, fountains, jazz and Arrowhead Stadium!”
RITA is an international scientific meeting that has been held annually since 1990, the focus of which is the presentation and discussion of developments in rabies research, surveillance, control and prevention. Conference participants include researchers, academics, regulators, students, and medical, public health, and veterinary professionals, among others.
“The RITA conference provides unparalleled opportunities for learning of the latest developments in the field of rabies, for networking with colleagues from around the world, and for raising the profile of sponsoring agencies on the world stage,” Dr. Moore said. “As rabies is a zoonotic disease, this conference is an excellent forum for the productive interactions between veterinary and public health professionals promoted by the One World, One Health philosophy.”
Joining Dr. Moore on the planning committee are Dr. Ram Raghavan, Chandra Gordon, Rolan Davis and Beth McQuade who work in the Rabies Laboratory and Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
“Our committee, which includes several international experts, is currently planning a very informative program to include innovative technology, intriguing research, and updated protocols and procedures, along with several activities to highlight what Kansas City has to offer.”
The first conference was held in Atlanta, Georgia, after which RITA has grown from a small meeting of like-minded colleagues to a well- recognized, international event of value to scientists and technicians who work in the rabies field. Historically, hosting of the RITA conference has been shared amongst Mexico, the United States, Canada, Brazil and Caribbean countries.
“It is now the longest running and largest conference specific to rabies in the world,” Dr. Moore said.” RITA attracts between 250-400 delegates from across the globe, not just from the Americas. Other meetings of importance are often held in tandem with RITA, including the North American Rabies Management Plan annual meeting and REDIPRA (Reuniones de Directores de los Programas Nacionales de Control de Rabia en América Latina).”
Regular features
Alumni Events, Development and Continuing Education
The Veterinary Medical Alumni Association organizes alumni receptions at several of the national annual conferences plus continuing education events and more. This month's section includes photos from our alumni recognition award at Fetch dvm360 in Kansas City, plus the Cat Town season schedule, and updates on recently departed alumni.
Fetch dvm360 Conference alumni reception is a real 'howl'
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Cat Town U.S.A.
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In Memoriam - Recently Departed AlumniDr. M. Vern Shires, DVM 1955 |
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Questions about Alumni or CE events?Contact:
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Tony Ballard
Sarah Keatley
News Ticker
More activities and accomplishments in the College of Veterinary Medicine:
Dr. Ryane Englar’s third textbook, “Common Clinical Presentations in Dogs and Cats,” was released by Wiley-Blackwell. “Common Clinical Presentations in Dogs and Cats” is a quick reference to essential information for diagnosing canine and feline patients, based on presenting complaints.
Dr. Mike Apley spoke at the Bovine Respiratory Disease Conference Aug. 7-9 where he presented “Responsible Use of Antimicrobials for Bovine Respiratory Disease.” He also spoke at the Boehringer-Ingelheim Meeting from Aug. 27-29 on the topic of antimicrobial stewardship.
Dr. Brad White presented “BRD Impact – Beef Cattle” at the Bovine Respiratory Disease Conference on Aug. 7.
Dr. Brian Lubbers also spoke at the Bovine Respiratory Disease Conference and presented “BRD Treatment Failure: Pharmacologic Considerations.”
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The research team of Ramesh Marasini, Tuyen Nguyen and Santosh Aryal with the CVM’s Nanotechnology Innovation Center of Kansas State (NICKS) released their study about strategically designed nanoscale gadolinium‐based contrast agents as a method for avoiding potential side effects and improving contrast on MRI readings. The study was featured in an Advanced Science News article. You can read it here: www.advancedsciencenews.com/making-mris-safer Marasini is also a fellow of Communicating Science Conference (ComSciCon)-a national flagship conference for Ph.D. student and postdocs from USA and Canada. This event is held on Sep 23-25 at College Park, Maryland, and jointly organized by ComSciCon and American Institute of Physics. He is representing Kansas State as a fellow. https://comscicon.com/comscicon-aip-2019 |
Gift in Kind |
Clear the SheltersDrs. Alyssa Comroe and Jason Banning, along with other CVM volunteers, helped lead efforts to a successful day for T. Russel Reitz in Manhattan and the Topeka Helping Hands for the annual Clear the Shelters event. A total of 99 pets were adopted from the Helping Hands Humane Society and 61 pets adopted from TRR. Below are a few pictures from the two sites. |
No. 20,000 - CVM completes 20,000th spay/neuter surgery
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State Fair time in Kansas ... and NebraskaThe Kansas State Fair was held from Sept. 6-15. Several fourth-year students and CVM faculty spent time at the Birthing Center educating the public about animal agricultural and proper veterinary medical practices. This year, several individuals posted "live" video reports on the KSUCVM Facebook page from the State Fair to highlight the activities. The Birthing Center celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. On a Facebook comment, Dr. Ted Mika wrote, "Dr. Bruce Pedersen and I were involved in the first birthing center in 1991 as senior veterinary students. We set up four panel gate pens in the one of the barns and went around to local producers to find patients. I think we had one sow give birth that year? It's great to see how far they have come!" A small group of third-year veterinary students attended the Nebraska State Fair held Aug. 23-Sept. 2, where they worked with K-State alumnus Dr. Randy Pedersen. Below are several pictures from the two events.
Sydni said, "Some of the things that we were involved in were checking in livestock and equine trailers, looking for any fungal lesions or lesions suggesting vesicular stomatitis. We also did a lot of individual small ruminant evaluation before ring entry to ensure there were no orf or ringworm lesions. The remaining time, we had multiple calls regarding sick show stock, ranging from cattle to rabbits. In regards to the birthing barn, we assisted with a euthanasia of a sow responding poorly to a Cesarean. Overall, I would say this experience really drove home the One Health initiative as people and animals came together on the fairgrounds and in the barns, interacting with one another. This experience also made me realize how essential strict rule enforcement is to ensure a reasonable and effective level of biosecurity in a fair setting."
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New Arrivals/Recent Departures
Welcome to:Xiaoyan Cheng, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Research Assistant Dr. Linda Clarizio, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Medicial Resident Year 1 Dr. Brandon Plattner, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Clincial Associate Professor Jennifer Klingele, Veterinary Health Center, Veterinary Nurse III Yuzhen Li, Anatomy & Physiology, Research Assistant Dr. Yaqing Cheng, Anatomy & Physiology, Fellow (Post Doc) Sarah Keatley, Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Event Coordinator Farewell to:Cynthia Mott, Veterinary Health Center, Office Specialist III Ashley McCowan, Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Events Coordinator Suman Chaudhary, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Research Associate Emily Nicholson, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Research Aide Dr. Tammy Beckham, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Professor Ashley Wagers, Veterinary Health Center, Pharmacy Technician Kaitlyn Gebhardt, Veterinary Health Center, Animal Technician I Jerusha Matthews, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Research Assistant |
Lifelines is published each month by the Marketing and Communications Office at the College of Veterinary Medicine. The editors are Joe Montgomery, jmontgom@vet.k-state.edu, and Piper Brandt, pnbrandt@vet.k-state.edu.
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