Latest news with #Waldner
Calgary Herald
25-05-2025
- Health
- Calgary Herald
Northern Alberta epicenter for rare coyote-borne tapeworm: U of A doctor
Article content A forty-fold increase in a Canadian strain of coyote-borne tapeworm that can cross to the human population is causing concerns for doctors in northern Alberta. Article content Article content Echinococcus multilocularis is a zoonotic parasite that resides quite harmlessly in coyotes, foxes, wolves— even domestic dogs and cats, but the symptoms in humans are enough to make you wash your hands, rinse, and repeat if you shake a paw. Article content Article content Dr. Dave Waldner is an infectious diseases physician affiliated with the University of Alberta. Article content Article content 'We haven't had it as an issue in Alberta and Canada for too long, but over the last several years, it's certainly been emerging and concerning,' Waldner said. Article content Current diagnosed cases put the risk as low — one in 100,000 Albertans. Article content The first was identified in 2013 in Edmonton, and the majority of Alberta cases are in the northern half of the province. Article content Mice and voles perpetuate the disease by eating eggs shed in canid dung and then being consumed by a predator. Article content The disease was probably inadvertently imported from Europe in a dog or fox, which aren't required to be dewormed, and does not cause obvious symptoms in the host coyote, fox, dog, or cat. Article content 'We've now identified over 40 cases in Alberta, and there's several more throughout other parts of Canada, but Alberta seems to be a bit of a hot spot,' Waldner said. Article content Article content 'We have the majority of the cases in Canada.' Article content Article content The spread Article content According to a May 2022 bulletin from Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, posted on Alberta Health's MyHealth website, the disease caused by the tapeworm, alveolar echinococcosis (AE) spreads animal-to-person but not person-to-person. Article content 'People can be infected by E. multi by accidentally swallowing tapeworm eggs from contaminated food or water, or from handling infected animals,' it reads. Article content Alberta Health said the common ways of getting AE include eating foods (usually wild berries and herbs) or drinking water that has been contaminated with the stool of an infected coyote, fox, dog, or cat.
Vancouver Sun
25-05-2025
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
Northern Alberta epicenter for rare coyote-borne tapeworm: U of A doctor
A forty-fold increase in a Canadian strain of coyote-borne tapeworm that can cross to the human population is causing concerns for doctors in northern Alberta. Echinococcus multilocularis is a zoonotic parasite that resides quite harmlessly in coyotes , foxes, wolves— even domestic dogs and cats, but the symptoms in humans are enough to make you wash your hands, rinse, and repeat if you shake a paw. Dr. Dave Waldner is an infectious diseases physician affiliated with the University of Alberta. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'We haven't had it as an issue in Alberta and Canada for too long, but over the last several years, it's certainly been emerging and concerning,' Waldner said. Current diagnosed cases put the risk as low — one in 100,000 Albertans. The first was identified in 2013 in Edmonton, and the majority of Alberta cases are in the northern half of the province. Mice and voles perpetuate the disease by eating eggs shed in canid dung and then being consumed by a predator. The disease was probably inadvertently imported from Europe in a dog or fox, which aren't required to be dewormed, and does not cause obvious symptoms in the host coyote, fox, dog, or cat. 'We've now identified over 40 cases in Alberta, and there's several more throughout other parts of Canada, but Alberta seems to be a bit of a hot spot,' Waldner said. 'We have the majority of the cases in Canada.' According to a May 2022 bulletin from Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, posted on Alberta Health's MyHealth website, the disease caused by the tapeworm, alveolar echinococcosis (AE) spreads animal-to-person but not person-to-person. 'People can be infected by E. multi by accidentally swallowing tapeworm eggs from contaminated food or water, or from handling infected animals,' it reads. Alberta Health said the common ways of getting AE include eating foods (usually wild berries and herbs) or drinking water that has been contaminated with the stool of an infected coyote, fox, dog, or cat. 'Touching, petting, or handling a household pet infected with the tapeworm, then accidentally swallowing the tapeworm eggs by touching your mouth. Infected pets can have tapeworm eggs in their stool and their fur may be contaminated. 'Handling animals like coyotes, foxes, or dogs as part of your job or hobby (e.g., trappers, veterinarians, veterinary technicians),' the site said. Waldner said typically voles or mice eat the eggs, which turn into larva, at which point the mammals prey on the rodents, and the larva hatch into tapeworms. 'We as humans become infected by inadvertently taking the place of the rodents, so somehow, coming into contact and consuming those eggs that are passed in the feces,' Waldner said. Likely sources are vegetables or fruits in the garden, or trappers who are coming in close contact with animals, he said. The coyotes are the likeliest transmitters in northern Alberta, he said, adding there are around 2,000 in Edmonton's river valley. Alas, the eggs are 'super robust.' 'They can resist extremely cold temperatures, so our winter won't kill them off,' he said. For a human, the tiny larvae cause lesions in the liver — more like an expanding tumor with necrotic centres — but it doesn't stop there. 'It kind of behaves like a cancer and can metastasize to all over the body. And it can also spread locally and then basically throughout the liver and into adjacent organs and structures,' Waldner said. AE can metastasize to the brain. It's a medical problem that needs to be treated, Waldner said, although he's not aware of any fatalities from the parasite among his patients. While symptoms may include pain or discomfort in the upper belly, weakness, weight loss, symptoms mimicking liver cancer or liver disease, it can be hard to diagnose. Blood serology tests can be inconclusive, showing previous exposure and not necessarily current infection. Ultrasounds are expensive and not always conclusive. In many cases, the masses formed by the lesions might not exhibit symptoms unless they block a bile duct, and may go unnoticed until the host gets a liver scan, which gets biopsied. Then it's the good news-bad news scenario: 'Well, it's not cancer.' Waldner said with treatment, people do well and can survive for very long periods of time. Ideally, they'd have it surgically removed. Otherwise, they're on lifelong medication to control the infection. The preferred medication isn't Health Canada approved, so requires special authorization for use and importation, he said. 'But we know that in the absence of treatment, like if someone was not treated for whatever reason, it can be very severe and fatal,' he said. The Alberta Health site recommends good hand hygiene like washing hands with soap and water after touching pets, and before touching food. Wash or cook wild picked foods such as berries and herbs carefully before eating them. Talk to your veterinarian about ways to prevent E. multi tapeworm infection in your pets. Do not allow your pets to eat rodents or other wild animals. Keep your pet clean. Some dogs will roll in wild animal stool and can then spread tapeworm eggs from their fur to the home environment. For those dealing with wild animals in their profession, wear disposable gloves if you are handling a coyote, fox, or other wild animal (dead or alive). Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here . You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun .
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Deputy in critical condition: Parked squad with lights activated struck on interstate
A Nobles County Sheriff's deputy is in critical condition after his stopped squad vehicle was struck on Interstate 90 on Sunday. The Minnesota State Patrol says the crash happened just after 4:30 p.m. on I-90 near milepost 34 in Dewald Township. That's where Deputy Arnold Waldner was stopped and in his Nobles County Dodge Durango squad when it was struck by a Chevy Equinox driven by a 63-year-old Sioux Falls woman. According to the crash report, Waldner's patrol vehicle "was parked with lights activated" while assisting at the scene of a separate crash investigation. The 30-year-old deputy from Worthington was taken to Sanford Hospital in Worthington with life-threatening injuries. The crash report states Waldner was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. "Please continue to hold Deputy Waldner in your thoughts and prayers," Nobles County Sheriff Ryan Kruger said, noting that Waldner has been with the sheriff's office for two years. Waldner was in critical condition as of Monday afternoon. A fund account has been established at 1st State Bank Southwest in Worthington for anyone interested in contributing to Waldner's medical costs. Those interested can call 507-376-9747 or visit the bank in person. The Sioux Falls driver was taken to the Sanford Luverne Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement's latest version of events, and may be subject to change.
CBS News
15-04-2025
- CBS News
Deputy critically injured in southwestern Minnesota crash
A deputy in southwestern Minnesota is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries after a crash over the weekend. According to the Nobles County Sheriff's Office , the crash occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. Sunday on Interstate 90 in Dewald Township. Officials say a 63-year-old Sioux Falls, South Dakota woman driving a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox was traveling westbound on the interstate when she collided with a 2023 Dodge Durango squad car operated by deputy Arnold Waldner, 30, of Worthington. Waldner was taken to an area hospital where he, as of Monday, remains in critical condition. The other driver, who suffered injuries not considered life-threatening, was also taken to an area hospital. Details on the circumstances surrounding the crash are limited. The Minnesota State Patrol says alcohol was not involved. Waldner has been with the sheriff's office for two years. A fund account has been set up for Waldner and his family at 1st State Bank Southwest in Worthington. Nobles County is located east of Sioux Falls along the Minnesota-Iowa border.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Lifeline Children's Services expands its impact across South Dakota, providing hope to families in crisis
Feb. 10—SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Lifeline Children's Services, a faith-based organization dedicated to adoption, foster care and family restoration, is working to expand its impact across South Dakota. Since its founding in 2021, Lifeline has provided a range of services designed to support vulnerable children and families in crisis. On Sunday, Feb.9, 2024, the organization hosted an informational meeting in Sioux Falls to raise awareness about its Harbor Families program and recruit more families to open their homes to children in need. The event provided attendees with an opportunity to learn how they can make a lasting difference in their local communities. Lifeline Children's Services is committed to helping children and families thrive by offering services that prevent children from entering foster care, support families in crisis and offer adoption services. Through programs like Harbor Families, Lifeline connects local families with children in need of temporary care while offering a safety net for parents facing medical emergencies or other challenges. Harbor Families serves a crucial role by providing short-term, loving placements for children in crisis. The program's goal is to offer a stable environment for children while parents work through their challenges, whether they are related to health, housing or other issues. The stay typically ranges from 24 hours to 90 days, based on the family's needs. In this way, the program helps keep children out of unsafe environments and provides peace of mind for families during difficult times. At the event, Savannah Waldner, Harbor Families Specialist at Lifeline, emphasized the importance of local churches partnering with Lifeline to offer support. Waldner pointed out the biblical calling for the faith community to serve those in need. "We believe that it is very important for the church to be involved," Waldner said. "James 1:27 talks about being there for orphans and widows. It's a mandate from the Bible to not just profess our faith, but to act on it and help those who are struggling." Lifeline's partnership with churches has allowed it to expand its reach, connecting families in crisis with the support they need. Currently, the organization collaborates with eight churches in the Sioux Falls area. Lifeline is now focused on growing the Harbor Families program beyond Sioux Falls and Rapid City, with hopes to expand into communities like Mitchell, where Lifeline has already had success placing children in temporary care. In addition to its Harbor Families program, Lifeline also provides adoption services for families interested in expanding their families through domestic, international, or foster care adoption. Heather Buys, an adoption specialist for Lifeline in South Dakota, highlighted the need for more South Dakota-based families to consider adopting domestically. Many birth mothers express a preference for placing their children with local families, but Buys explained that there are currently fewer families available for domestic adoption in South Dakota. "I want to have profiles of wonderful South Dakota families that these mothers can choose for their babies," Buys said. "It's important for birth mothers to have the option to place their children with local families, and I would love to offer more South Dakota-based options to meet those needs." Buys also pointed out that financial concerns should not deter families from pursuing adoption, as Lifeline offers grants and assistance programs, including South Dakota's home study reimbursement program, which provides up to $3,000 to offset adoption-related costs. The impact of Lifeline's services is best seen through the stories of families who have been involved in the programs. The Bendorf family, of De Smet, has had a long history with Lifeline. Pastor Nate and Sara Bendorf began their adoption journey 15 years ago, and in February 2024, they brought home two daughters from Bulgaria. "Our longing to adopt stemmed from a desire to live out the Gospel in our family and home (James 1:27)," Pastor Bendorf said. "We truly believe it is a gift from God that we connected with Lifeline Children's Services. Lifeline's team is so insightful, compassionate, and supportive. They've been by our side throughout our entire adoption process." Max and Leslie Masters, a family from Sioux Falls, also spoke at the meeting about their experience with Lifeline's adoption services. After adopting two children through another agency, they turned to Lifeline to adopt their son Jacoby. They explained that Lifeline's faith-centered approach was a significant factor in their decision. "Our adoption counselor with Lifeline prayed with us, checked in on us, and really took the time to get to know us as a family," Max said. "That personal touch made all the difference." Kayla Plooster, a Sioux Falls resident, shared her own journey of becoming a host family with the Harbor Families program in an interview with the Mitchell Republic. As a child, Plooster always dreamed of becoming a foster parent, but it wasn't until she discovered Lifeline's Harbor Families program that her dream truly began to take shape. "It's something I've always wanted to do," Plooster said. "As a kid, I begged my parents to be foster parents. Now as an adult, when I learned about Harbor Families, it felt like the perfect fit for our family." Plooster and her family have been part of the Harbor Families program for almost three years, providing temporary care for seven children in need during times of crisis. One experience that particularly stands out for Plooster was when they cared for a 2-year-old girl from Mitchell whose mother was seeking treatment. The child's grandmother had stepped in to care for both the 2-year-old and her 6-week-old sibling, but managing both young children proved to be too much. So, the Ploosters opened their home to the 2-year-old, allowing the grandmother to focus on caring for the infant while the mother received help. "The mom was able to get the treatment she needed, and we provided a stable environment for her child during that time," Plooster shared. "It was comforting to know we made a difference for both the child and the family." The rewards of being part of the Harbor Families program are immeasurable, Plooster said. She recalls a particularly emotional unexpected meeting with the adoptive mother of a child they had once hosted. "It was so neat to see how much the child had grown and to know we had a hand in giving them a better start," Plooster said. Her experience has also deeply impacted her own family. "My boys are so compassionate about the children we host. We pray for them, and sometimes we reminisce over a toy or a moment that reminds us of a child who stayed with us. It's such a blessing to see how they've grown in their hearts for others." As Lifeline Children's Services continues to expand its programs, it is actively recruiting families to get involved in the Harbor Families program and adoption services. By partnering with local churches and engaging with families, Lifeline hopes to provide more opportunities for vulnerable children and families to thrive. For more information, visit "We're always looking for families who are ready to open their hearts and homes," Waldner said. "This is an opportunity to put faith into action and make a real difference."
