Vol. 11, No. 11, November 2015 |
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have launched a redesigned ‘Healthy Pets Healthy People’ website
Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched its redesigned Healthy Pets Healthy People website, with expanded information about diseases people can catch from pets, farm animals, and wildlife.
Users can now search alphabetically by animal and learn which zoonotic diseases they may carry. It is a unique “one-stop shop” where people can learn simple actions to protect themselves – and their pets. The redesigned website offers:
- An alphabetized list and description of diseases that can spread from animals to humans.
- A list of animal species with the description of diseases associated with the animal.
- Specific groups of people that may be more susceptible to diseases from animals.
- Tips for preventing illnesses acquired from pets and other animals.
- Detailed information about the health benefits of owning a pet.
Approximately 75 percent of recently emerging infectious diseases affecting people began as diseases in animals. In recent years, CDC has responded to many illness outbreaks associated with people’s contact with animals. These include Ebola, avian influenza, and salmonella.
CDC officially launched the redesigned website on October 4th to coincide with World Animal Day, a day that celebrates the importance of animals and the bonds that people share with them. “Pets play an important part in many of our lives. CDC recognizes the health benefits of keeping pets and the importance of the human-animal bond,” said Heather Bair-Brake, M.S., D.V.M., CDC veterinarian. “The Healthy Pets Healthy People website was created to educate pet owners about some of the risks associated with animals and to provide tips on how they can be safe with their pets.”
Through the “Animal Tales” section, visitors can read stories that explore the rich connections between animals and people. The Animal Tales offer a closer look at how animals are positively affecting human lives. As the stories unfold, they provide tips and valuable information on how to protect against diseases that can spread from pets and other animals. The redesigned website also includes specific precautions that people with weakened immune systems, children, and pregnant women should take when interacting with animals. The content, which is geared toward a broad audience, includes images, little-known facts, and videos.
Check out the redesigned site at: www.cdc.gov/healthypets.
Florida Forest Service Sends Crews to Battle Texas Wildfire
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The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, has sent 16 wildland firefighters to assist wildfire suppression efforts on the Hidden Pines Fire in Bastrop County, Texas. The fire has burned more than 4,300 acres, destroying nine homes and threatening hundreds more.
“Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters are an elite group of selfless public servants committed to the protection of life, property and natural resources. This commitment extends beyond Florida's borders as we work to provide support to our partners across the country,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
The 16 Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters from North Florida will join other firefighters in Texas, where they will use a range of firefighting equipment, including bulldozers, to contain the wildfire by creating a fire break or fire line around the fire perimeter. The Hidden Pines Fire is currently only 25-percent contained.
“Thanks to sustained low to moderate wildfire danger levels in Florida, we have been able to continue to assist our partners in other states,” said Jim Karels, Florida State Forester. “In doing so, our wildland firefighters build upon their skills and expertise in preparation for when Florida's wildfire activity hits its peak in the spring.”
So far this year, the Florida Forest Service has sent nearly 550 firefighters and personnel to assist wildfire suppression and management efforts in 11 other states.
The Florida Forest Service manages more than 1 million acres of public forest land while protecting 26 million acres of homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire.
Learn more about the Florida Forest Service programs at http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service.
USDA and Alvin and the Chipmunks Team Up to Reduce Foodborne Illness
In an effort to educate children and their families about the importance of food safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Ad Council are joining 20th Century FOX to launch a series of public service advertisements (PSAs) featuring Alvin and the Chipmunks. The PSAs use footage from the upcoming film Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip to introduce viewers to four steps to food safety: clean, separate, cook and chill.
An estimated 1 in 6 (48 million) Americans get sick from foodborne illness each year, resulting in roughly 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children are among the most vulnerable to food poisoning because their immune systems are still developing, so caregivers need to take extra precautions when preparing food for children under five.
The partnership includes TV, radio, out-of-home and web advertising. Parents and children can also find kid-friendly activities that further reinforce the food safety steps by visiting FoodSafety.gov.
“Young children are at a higher risk for foodborne illness, and keeping them safe is a top priority for FSIS,” said Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Alfred Almanza. “These familiar characters offer USDA a great opportunity to communicate this valuable public health message in a way to get the attention of children and parents.”
The new PSAs are an extension of USDA and Ad Council’s Food Safe Families campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the risk of foodborne illness and encourage families to learn and practice key steps that will help everyone stay safe from foodborne illness through the following safe food handling behaviors:
- Clean: Wash hands with soap and warm water before and after handling raw food. Clean all surfaces and utensils with soap and hot water. Wash all produce under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
- Separate: Use separate plates and utensils to avoid cross-contamination between raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs and foods that are ready to eat (like already cooked foods or raw vegetables).
- Cook: Cook foods to the safe temperature by using a food thermometer.
- Chill: Chill foods promptly if not consuming immediately after cooking. Don’t leave food at room temperature for longer than two hours, or 1 hour if temperature is above 90°F.
Consumers can see these new PSAs and learn more about key food safety practices at Foodsafety.gov.
