The fourth one-day seminar, developed by Dr. Ravindra Sharma and hosted by the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), was held on March 27, 2007 at the Caribbean House.  Over 50 professionals involved in animal and human health, including restaurant managers and quarantine and animal control officers, attended the morning session. 

Welcoming remarks by St. George’s University Provost, Dr. Allen Pensick were followed by a presentation, by the SVM Dean, Dr. Raymond Sis, of the increasing role of the SVM in maintaining the health and well being of Grenada’s animal and human populations.  The impact of zoonotic diseases on the Grenada’s human and economic health was discussed by the Minister of Health, the Honorable Senator Ann David-Antoine. These presentations were followed by six presentations by SGU Faculty and Ministry of Agriculture’s, Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Bowen Louison. 

Dr. Calum Macpherson started off with an overview of zoonotic diseases world wide.  These can severely impact populations and economies, and appropriate interventions can significantly ameliorate these effects.  Major zoonotic disease agents world wide include Toxoplasma gondii, which affects 2,000 million people and species of Cryptosporidium which result in 0.01 million fatalities annually.  Dr. Louison discussed the challenges that CARICOM countries face in preparing for an outbreak of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza in the region.  Contributing risk factors are the high mobility of people and animals and weak disease response and emergency human health systems.  Dr. Louison made extensive recommendations for increasing Grenada’s preparedness for Avian Influenza.

Following this presentation, Dr. Louison updated the participants on the Rabies status in Granada.  While there have been no human cases in recent memory, the disease is endemic in Grenada, and always fatal once clinical signs appear.  Vaccination and stray dog control efforts have been increased, but public awareness needs to increase also. Dr. Macpherson also presented the results of a study on Toxoplasmosis in Grenada.  The study measured the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii by testing the blood of cats, chickens, rats, dogs and pregnant women.  Cats and chickens have a high exposure rate, but rats don’t play an important role in the epidemiology of Toxoplasmosis.  Blood of pregnant women tested positive for exposure in 57 percent of subjects.

Dr. Rhonda Pinckney talked about nematodes of public health significance in Grenada, including dog and cat ascarids, hookworms, the dog threadworm, and the rat lungworm.  A recent study of parasites found in Grenadian dogs from all parishes showed that 63% had intestinal parasites of some kind.  Hookworm was found in 53% of subjects, while the incidence of threadworm and dog ascarid infections were 12% and 7%, respectively. Dr. Diana Stone presented information about bacterial and viral zoonoses which have recently been evaluated in Grenada.  The study showed that exposure to Leptospira sp. in dogs averaged 63% across parishes, while rats averaged 27%.  Campylobacter sp. was found in over half of the broilers and layers tested, and 30% of rats tested positive for exposure to Hauntavirus. Common modes of infection with bacterial zoonoses included ingesting contaminated water and food, as well as skin exposure, while inhalation was the most common mode of infection in the case of Hauntavirus.

Presentations were recorded in digital video format, and will be available on DVD through the School of Veterinary Medicine.  In addition to t-shirts and pens, a complimentary syllabus containing the power point images used for each presentation was provided to all participants.  The afternoon session was hosted by Mr. Jerry Swensen, SVM Outreach Coordinator, and was devoted to small group discussions of zoonoses in the workplace, and the role of government agencies and St. George’s University in dealing with zoonoses.  Groups reported the results of their deliberations, expressing areas of concern, and making suggestions for improvement.  The results of these reports will be summarized and passed to relevant agencies.  Suggestions for improved seminars will help guide future efforts.

Submitted: April, 2007