Protecting Animals and People - Understanding Zoonotic Disease

Nov 03, 2021

It is a well-known fact that most people do not know where their food comes from or how it is raised or grown. In fact, while there are over two million farms in the U.S., farmers and ranchers make up less than 2% of the U.S. population. This means that most people do not have experience with or a connection to a farm or an understanding of what it takes to produce food. This is where our county fairs, animal exhibitions, and agri-tourism operations help educate people on what farming really is and connect them to agriculture. However, providing people with access to animals does come with some risks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, zoonotic diseases are diseases caused by germs that spread between people and animals. These diseases are quite common but with proper prevention and hygiene, the risk of transmission is low. Michigan State University Extension has partnered with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to create multiple resources designed to help prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases. Anyone who works with events or locations that have a people (public) and animal interface will benefit from the developed resources and will be able to utilize them at their operations or exhibitions.

These resources will be highlighted on an informational Zoom webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 from 1 to 2 p.m. The Zoom platform does not require any additional software or equipment and while there is no cost to participate, attendees must register in order to receive access to the necessary connection link. This educational event will feature speakers from MSU Extension and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, it will include information on planning materials and signage that can be used to prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks, social media materials that promote healthy interaction with animals, and educational materials to educate youth in strategies that can be used to bring awareness around the issue of the spread of zoonotic diseases.

Source : msu.edu

Video: How Data Predicts Swine Outbreaks - Swaminathan Jayaraman

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Swaminathan Jayaraman, Research Assistant and PhD Candidate at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, explains how integrated data systems can improve disease surveillance in swine production. He discusses combining diagnostics, animal movement data, production records, and spatial analytics to identify risks earlier and support proactive decision-making for PRRS, PED, and swine influenza. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Disease surveillance remains largely reactive because outbreaks are often confirmed only after transmission has already occurred across multiple connected production sites."

Meet the guest: Swaminathan Jayaraman / swamjay is a Graduate Research Assistant at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. With academic training in management information systems and engineering, he focuses on integrating diagnostic, production, and movement data to improve disease surveillance and decision support in swine production systems. Listen to Swaminathan Jayaraman on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.