Connections EXTRA! Extension Spotlight

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CCE Schoharie Otsego icon

Cornell Cooperative Extension
Schoharie and Otsego Counties

Alert: Echinococcus multilocularis Detected in New York State

This year, the Fish and Wildlife Disease Lab at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) identified adult Echinococcus multilocularis parasites within the gastrointestinal tracts of two hunter killed coyotes from Dutchess County and one coyote from Montgomery County, NY.

Echinococcus multilocularis is a small tapeworm that typically infects wildlife but can be transmitted to humans where it causes the disease echinococcosis, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Spillover of Echinococcus from wildlife to humans is a concern as domestic dogs can act as a definitive host. Infected dogs appear healthy and may not exhibit symptoms of disease as the worms are very small (1-3mm). Domestic dogs that hunt their own prey and interact with wildlife are at higher risk for parasite exposure. Dogs also act as an intermediate host, similarly through the ingestion of the parasite’s eggs, and nonspecific symptoms are reported associated with growth of the cysts.

Precautionary measures should be taken by anyone who interacts with wild canids following the detection of Echinococcus across the state. Hunters and trappers should wear gloves while handling wild canid carcasses. Disposal of carcasses where domestic or wild scavengers cannot access them also helps to decrease transmission. Wildlife rehabilitators and veterinary workers should be especially careful handling fecal matter from wild or feral canids. Dog owners can reduce their dog’s exposure to the parasite through restricting interactions with wildlife, preventing them from consuming animal carcasses, and starting regular deworming schedules. Veterinarians who suspect E. multilocularis should call the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Division of Animal Industry at (518) 457-3502.

Preventative measures can be taken to avoid ingestion of E. multilocularis eggs. The NYS Department of Health and Center for Disease Control recommends the following precautions:

Prevent infection in domestic animals by limiting their ability to have contact with infected animal carcasses, hunting their own prey, or eating viscera from wild animals
Regularly deworm dogs and have them checked for tapeworms
Hunters can dispose of animal viscera and carcasses so that domestic or wild animals cannot have access to it
Wearing gloves and washing hands after handling feral dogs or wild canids (and their carcasses)
Prevent wild and domestic canids access to gardens where produce and herbs are grown
Wash all fruits, vegetables, herbs thoroughly before eating them to remove any potential fecal contamination
Avoid eating undercooked meats
Treat infected animals as instructed by your veterinarian
Wear protective equipment (gloves) when handling fecal samples at a veterinary clinic

Further information can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/echinococcosis/index.html

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Free "Talk Saves Lives" Training for Agricultural Community of New York State

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and NY FarmNet is hosting a free Talk Saves Lives introduction to suicide prevention webinar on September 29th from 9am - 10:30am. The training will be held via Zoom, and farmers, agribusiness workers, and anyone who interacts with the agricultural community in New York State is encouraged to attend. Talk Saves Lives provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their communities to save lives.

Register

Cornell Small Farms Program Online Course Offerings

The Cornell Small Farms Program announces their upcoming online course season, which will begin with live webinars this fall, and will feature new courses to offer additional learning opportunities. One new addition to our online course suite is "Goat Production" which will guide beginning farmers through the production and marketing of goats for dairy, meat and fiber.

Other offerings include:

“Access to Capital” for anyone seeking funding for a farm enterprise
“Cut Flower Production” on the business of flower farming
“Beef Cattle Management;”
“Social Media & Online Marketing” for your farm business
“Reading the Land” can help you monitor its health.

Online courses are offered on a user-friendly platform, and include permanent access to course content. Courses have tiered pricing based on household size and income, making access more affordable and equitable for everyone.

Registration is now open for all courses.

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Monkeypox: CDC Guidance for Farm Worker Housing

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted guidance about Monkeypox to their website. CDC indicates the disease is spread through close contact, including: direct contact with a rash, respiratory secretions, and through contact with shared fabrics like clothing, bedding, or towels.