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To: MikeEdwards

I don't have any bulls, but;
West Nile Virus Found
In Florida Alligators

By Jane Sutton
11-14-2

MIAMI (Reuters) - Epidemiologists found the West Nile virus in three farm-raised Florida alligators, marking the first time the potentially deadly virus has been found in a U.S. reptile species, health officials said on Wednesday.

They also said there was little chance of contracting West Nile disease by eating the meat of an infected alligator because cooking destroys the heat-sensitive virus.

But state officials were still trying to gauge the potential impact on Florida's 21 commercial alligator farms, which produced 25,200 hides and 190,600 pounds (85,770 kg) of meat in 2001.

Researchers from the University of Florida confirmed the virus was present in three alligators sent from a commercial farm in central Florida's Orange County, said Lisa Conti, the state's public health veterinarian. The tests were conducted after an unusual spate of deaths at the farm.

"We would encourage alligator farmers that have animals that may act like they have neurologic signs to have them tested for West Nile," Conti said. "We don't know to what extent this would cause large outbreaks of illness or death in these animals."


http://www.rense.com/general31/glori.htm


5 posted on 03/17/2005 8:50:22 AM PST by SWAMPSNIPER (Let Me Die on My Feet in the Swamp)
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To: SWAMPSNIPER
"They also said there was little chance of contracting West Nile disease by eating the meat of an infected alligator because cooking destroys the heat-sensitive virus."

But what about the unfortunate Alligator who eats a Human infected with the virus? Calling PETA.

6 posted on 03/17/2005 2:44:03 PM PST by drt1
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