Sunday, April 24, 2011

Are Dogs Secure From the Bird Flu?

By Brett Benship


Summary:

Find out the risks of one's dog catching the bird flu.

Article Body:

Avian influenza, also identified as bird flu or H5N1, can be a viral illness that most commonly impacts birds. It has appeared from time to time in regions across the world. It may spread easily amongst wild birds, but may also infect domestic birds including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and may also impact humans and other mammals. There exists a increasing concern that the H5N1 virus could result in a flu pandememic.

The CDC says that dogs aren't usually susceptible to avian influenza viruses. Nonetheless, the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus that emerged in Asia in 2003 has been documented to infect other carnivore species (e.g. cats, tigers, leopards, stone martens). This has raised concern that this strain of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus could be capable of infecting dogs. An unpublished report from 2005 by The National Institute of Animal Well being in Bangkok indicated that dogs may be infected together with the virus, but the related condition was not detected. Researchers tested 629 village dogs and 111 cats within the Suphan Buri district of central Thailand. Out of those, 160 dogs and 8 cats had antibodies to H5N1, indicating that they were infected with all the virus or had been infected previously.

There had been news reports of a stray dog dying from bird flu (H5N1)in Azerbaiijan in March. This was the initial reported death of a dog from the virus. So far, this seems to be an isolated situation. The Globe Wellness Organization(WHO) states on it is website that a much better understanding of the scenario in animals is, nonetheless, urgently needed.

So far, there is not enough details obtainable about H5N1 in dogs to understand how infection would occur. Most human cases have come from make contact with with infected poultry or feces. Affected cats in Europe appear to have become infected by eating infected poultry or wild birds. It can be probable dogs could possibly be infected the same way.

If H5N1 is discovered inside your place, (at this time H5N1 has not been found in North America), it may be a good notion to help keep your dog indoors unless restrained, to stop get in touch with with infected birds and their feces. For those who have a hunting dog, you could possibly desire to reconsider using it for retrieving downed birds. Report towards the neighborhood veterinary authority any evidence of significant bird mortality, each wild and domestic. If your dog shows breathing problems or nasal discharge, consult a veterinarian. Wash animal blankets with soap or any other commercial detergent.

An equine virus has not too long ago shown up in dogs within the U.S. It really is believed that the equine influenza virus mutated to generate the canine influenza virus. This may be a slightly larger danger for dogs than avian influenza. This inter-species re-assortment just isn't uncommon for sort A influenza viruses. It really is unclear when this transition occurred.

Symptoms of canine influenza may be equivalent to kennel cough and contain: a persistant, soft, moist cough, along with a thick nasal discharge. Far more severe situations might contain high fevers, pneumonia, and difficulty breathing, which may also be induced by a secondary bacterial infection.

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian.

So far, there has been no indication of transmission from dog to human. There is no vaccine offered at this time. Remedy is usually limited to IV fluids to assist maintain your dog hydrated or antibiotics to help manage the infection.

For far more data concerning the Canine Influenza, and Avian Influenza verify out:

www.avma.org/

www.cdc.gov/

So, is your dog protected from the bird flu? Nobody seems to possess a solid answer one particular way or one more at this time. A bit caution might be warranted, but the alternative is yours: Would you rather your prized hunting dog stay residence below the bed rather than risk catching the bird flu, or be out leading the hunt, carrying out what he loves? The best advise we've at the moment is constantly pay close interest to your dogs well being. If your dog shows signs of ill well being, consult your veterinarian. This will make certain you've got a healthful, pleased companion for years to come.




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