The confirmed case of "mad cow" disease (BSE) in June 2005 illustrates the economic impact of disease outbreaks, as additional countries closed their markets to U.S. beef and beef products. Emerging diseases also threaten public health-11 out of 12 of the major global disease outbreaks over the last decade were from zoonotic agents (that spread from animals to humans). Animal Health at the Crossroads: Preventing, Detecting, and Diagnosing Animal Diseases finds that, in general, the U.S. animal health framework has been slow to take advantage of state-of-the-art technologies being used now to protect public health; better diagnostic tests for identifying all animal diseases should be made a priority. The report also recommends that the nation establish a high-level, authoritative, and accountable coordinating mechanism to engage and enhance partnerships among local, state, and federal agencies, and the private sector.

Overview of the situation in the Americas. The livestock sector. Animal diseases. Animal quarantine stations in the Americas. Directory of animal facilities. Veterinary diagnostics laboratories in the Americas.Animal health legislation. Veterinary human resources. Schools of veterinary medicine in the Americas. Profissional veterinary associations. Livestock farmers associations.

Research in veterinary science is critical for the health and well-being of animals, including humans. Food safety, emerging infectious diseases, the development of new therapies, and the possibility of bioterrorism are examples of issues addressed by veterinary science that have an impact on both human and animal health. However, there is a lack of scientists engaged in veterinary research. Too few veterinarians pursue research careers, and there is a shortage of facilities and funding for conducting research. This report identifies questions and issues that veterinary research can help to address, and discusses the scientific expertise and infrastructure needed to meet the most critical research needs. The report finds that there is an urgent need to provide adequate resources for investigators, training programs, and facilities involved in veterinary research.

Johne's Disease is a chronic, progressive intestinal disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) that affects primarily ruminant animals. In recent decades there has been growing concern over the lack of effective control of this disease and questions have arisen regarding the possibility that Map infection could be a cause of some cases of Crohn's disease in humans. This report presents a broad outline of the steps that should be taken to control Johne's disease, reduce the spread of Map, and minimize effects of the disease in animals. The report also describes the weaknesses of our current research agenda and provides recommendations for a new research strategy to resolve the question of whether there is a link between Johne's and Crohn's diseases.

Advances in Animal Disease Diagnosis: Infectious animal diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses threaten the health and well-being of wildlife, livestock and human populations, limit productivity and significantly increase economic losses to each sector. Pathogen de-tection is an important step for the diagnosis and successful treatment of animal diseases as well as control management in farm and field conditions. The conventional techniques employed to diagnose pathogens in livestock species are time-consuming and sometimes give inconclusive results. On the contrary, molecular techniques have the potential to diag-nose known pathogens/conditions quickly, reliably, and unequivocally as well as for novel pathogen detection. New advances in diagnostics and vaccine design using genomics have developed powerful new methods that have also set the stage for the enhanced diagnosis, surveillance, and control of infectious diseases. High-throughput sequencing (HTS), for ex-ample, uses the latest DNA sequencing platforms in the detection, identification, and detailed analysis of both pathogen and host genomes. This book will explore some key opportunities in the context of animal health, such as the detection of new microorganisms and the development of improved diagnosis of emerging or re-emerging diseases and other clinical conditions, viz. biosensors, nanotools, and omics technologies. Features • Details comprehensive knowledge on the latest molecular techniques for animal disease diagnosis and management • Examines how DNA-based diagnostic techniques will assist international efforts to control the introduction of exotic diseases into new geographic areas • Describes the latest molecular assays for the rapid and accurate detection of pathogens • Helps in working towards meeting the global challenge for sustainable food production and the eradication of poverty • With new biotechnological developments, this fully updated book is a treasure trove of the latest information in animal and medical science

This fourth edition of the anthrax guidelines encompasses a systematic review of the extensive new scientific literature and relevant publications up to end 2007 including all the new information that emerged in the 3-4 years after the anthrax letter events. This updated edition provides information on the disease and its importance, its etiology and ecology, and offers guidance on the detection, diagnostic, epidemiology, disinfection and decontamination, treatment and prophylaxis procedures, as well as control and surveillance processes for anthrax in humans and animals. With two rounds of a rigorous peer-review process, it is a relevant source of information for the management of anthrax in humans and animals.

Large Animal Internal Medicine, 4th Edition features a problem-based approach with discussions of over 150 clinical signs. This is the first internal medicine reference that enables you to efficiently diagnose horses, cattle, sheep, and goats based on clinical observation and laboratory and diagnostic testing. With this user-friendly format, you can find essential information about specific diseases and reach a diagnosis by simply identifying the signs. A unique problem-based approach with discussions of over 150 clinical signs and manifestations helps you quickly reach a diagnosis based on observations and laboratory tests. Causes of Presenting Signs boxes provide easy access to complete lists of common, less common, and uncommon diseases associated with manifestations or signs of disease. Complete lists of diseases associated with a given lab abnormality in Causes of Abnormal Laboratory Values boxes help you easily interpret abnormalities in clinical chemistry, hematology, blood proteins, and clotting tests. An expert team of over 180 authors contributing information in their areas of expertise ensures you are using the most accurate and up-to-date information available. Color plates accompanying Diseases of the Eye and Diseases of the Alimentary Tract enable you to visually recognize the clinical appearance of ophthalmologic conditions and alimentary tract disorders for quick and easy diagnosis and treatment. Six all-new chapters provide in-depth coverage of diagnostic testing, critical care and fluid therapy, biosecurity and infection control, and genetic disorders.

Laboratory Animal Welfare provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look into the new science of animal welfare within laboratory research. Animals specifically considered include rodents, cats and dogs, nonhuman primates, agricultural animals, avian animals and aquatic animals. The book examines the impact of experiment design and environment on animal welfare, as well as emergency situations and euthanasia practices. Readers will benefit from a review of regulations and policy guidelines concerning lab animal use, as well as information on assessing animal welfare. With discussions of the history and ethics of animals in research, and a debate on contemporary and international issues, this book is a go-to resource for laboratory animal welfare.

Scientific experiments using animals have contributed significantly to the improvement of human health. Animal experiments were crucial to the conquest of polio, for example, and they will undoubtedly be one of the keystones in AIDS research. However, some persons believe that the cost to the animals is often high. Authored by a committee of experts from various fields, this book discusses the benefits that have resulted from animal research, the scope of animal research today, the concerns of advocates of animal welfare, and the prospects for finding alternatives to animal use. The authors conclude with specific recommendations for more consistent government action.