January 2010

FDA Issues Dog Treat Salmonella Warning

 According to a January 15 article in the online edition of USA Today, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The product was distributed nationwide through retail stores and Internet sales.

 To read the complete article, click here.

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2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Confirmed in New York Dog

According to an AVMA report, on Monday, December 21, IDEXX Laboratories confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a dog in Bedford Hills, New York.

 A 13-year old dog became ill after its owner was ill with confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza. The dog was lethargic, coughing, not eating, and had a fever. Radiographs (x-rays) showed evidence of pneumonia. The dog was treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, nebulization, and other supportive care, and was discharged from the hospital after 48 hours of care. It is currently recovering. Tests submitted to IDEXX Laboratories were negative for canine influenza (H3N8) but positive for 2009 H1N1 influenza. The results were confirmed by the Iowa State Laboratory. Read the press release and the case notes.

 AVMA continues to update its 2009 H1N1 resources at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp.

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12/14/09:

H1N1 update: Chinese dogs, Va. turkeys and Calif. cheetah

The USDA has confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a turkey breeder flock in Virginia.  This is the first detection of the virus H1N1 in U.S. turkeys.  Canada and Chile have already had cases in domestic turkeys.   A worker at the Virginia farm had been sent home with flu-like symptoms, and has been identified as the possible source of infection.  

 Also on the USDA’s updated list is a cheetah in California that has tested presumptive positive for 2009 H1N1.  We are currently communicating with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) to obtain more information and develop resources for veterinarians and the public. 

 On November 28, Xinhua (Chinese press) reported that two (2) dogs in Beijing tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 virus.  We have not been able to confirm this report. We have contacted sources in China, requesting additional information about the history, signalment, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of these cases, but have not yet received the information.

At this time, the messages to clients remain largely the same:

• This is not cause for panic, but underscores the importance of taking pets to a veterinarian if they are showing signs of illness.  This is especially important if someone in the household has recently been ill with flu-like symptoms. 
• Ferret and cat owners should remain vigilant. 
• There is no evidence to suggest that pets have or will spread the virus to humans or other animals.  To date, all of the sick pets became ill after a person in the household was ill with flu-like symptoms. 
• There have not been any confirmed cases of U.S. dogs infected with the virus, but because of the Chinese reports we know it may be possible for dogs to become infected. 
• Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus. 
• Turkey and pork are still safe to eat.  Nonetheless, proper food hygiene and preparation are very important when it comes to protecting your family from any foodborne illness. 
• It is safe to visit zoos. 

 As we receive and verify more information about these cases, we will update our 2009 H1N1 resources at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp. 

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AVMA on H1N1 cat: Don’t Panic

In light of the discovery of the H1N1 influenza virus in an Iowa cat last week and three more Oregon ferrets this week, veterinarians and technicians should familiarize themselves with some key facts regarding this disease in pets.

So far, H1N1 has been detected in humans, ferrets, pigs, birds and a cat. There is no evidence that the virus has spread to other animals, but is theoretically possible for that to happen, said AVMA spokeswoman Kimberly May, DVM, MS, DACVS. However, May pointed out that people are still more likely to be infected by other people than by animals.

May said that other important facts to keep in mind include:

• A cat with clinical signs of a respiratory infection is more likely to have a ‘typical’ respiratory infection than the 2009 H1N1 virus.
• Management of pets suspected or confirmed to be infected with H1N1 is similar to that of other respiratory infections, including isolation/quarantine, proper hygiene, and supportive care.
• The fact that people most likely infected the cat emphasizes the need for veterinary clinics to have a pandemic plan that is communicated to all staff and enforced.

Educating clients is just as important as educating the staff. May said that one key thing to remember to tell clients is: “Don’t panic.”

Other tips to tell pet owners, says May, are:

• You are more likely to get H1N1 from a person than from a pet.
• If your pet is ill, contact your veterinarian.
• If you or a family member is ill, follow good common sense to protect all members of your family (including pets)—use good hygiene and sanitation, and limit your physical contact with them until you or they are feeling better. This is especially important with ferrets, which are known to be more susceptible to influenza A viruses.
• Not all cats (or pets, for that matter) need to be tested for H1N1 if they get a runny nose. Don’t assume every sniffling pet has H1N1.

Judy Karnia, DVM, owner of the Scottsdale (Ariz.) Cat Clinic, said she has implemented preventive measures, but they are basically the usual precautions the clinic takes to prevent the spread of any contagious disease. These include urging clients to bring their cats to the clinic in a carrier and bringing the clients and patients into the exam rooms as soon as possible.

“If a cat is sneezing or having any discharge, we will try to do any needed procedures like blood drawing or subcutaneous fluids in the exam room,” Karnia said. “The exam room is always cleaned with disinfectant after any visit, all counters are cleaned with disinfectant frequently and the floors kept swept and mopped.”

More information on H1N1
Frequently Asked Questions by Veterinarians about 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus (AVMA)
AVMA updates on H1N1

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2009 H1N1 influenza virus confirmed in Iowa cat

November 4, 2009 – A 13-year old cat in Iowa developed signs of a respiratory infection after several people in the household were ill.  Preliminary testing was positive for 2009 H1N1 on October 29, and the results were confirmed on November 2.  This is the first report of a cat infected with H1N1.  The cat has recovered from its illness.

To date, this is the first cat confirmed infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus.  Two ferrets, one in Oregon and one in Nebraska, have also recently been confirmed infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus.  The Nebraska ferret died, but the Oregon ferret has recovered.  To date, there is no evidence that the ferrets or the cat passed the virus to people.

The American Veterinary Medical Association and American Association of Feline Practitioners are reminding pet owners that many viruses can pass between people and animals, so this was not an altogether unexpected event. We are advising pet owners to monitor their pets’ health very closely, no matter what type of animal, and visit a veterinarian if there are any signs of illness.

For more information, view the AVMA’s press release on the Iowa case or visit the AVMA’s H1N1 resources Web page.

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Rabies Cases among Cats on the Rise

 While reported cases of rabies in the United States dropped in 2008, veterinarians and public health officials warn that an increase in the number of reported cases in cats poses a health risk to both animals and people.

 There were 6,841 reported cases of animal rabies in the United States and Puerto Rico in 2008, according to a report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and published in the Sept. 15, 2009, edition of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The number represents a 3.1 percent decrease from the 7,060 rabies cases in animals reported to the CDC in 2007. There were two cases of rabies in humans in 2008, up from one case reported in 2007.

 According to the CDC report, rabies continues to affect wildlife much more than it does domestic animals. Wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, accounted for 93 percent of all rabies cases reported in 2008, the report states.

 More work needs to be done, however, when it comes to controlling rabies in pets, especially cats and dogs. Cats led the list of domestic animals with reported cases of rabies in 2008. According to the CDC report, there were 294 reported cases of rabies in cats last year, up about 12 percent from the 262 reported cases in 2007. Dog-related cases totaled 75 in 2008, down from 93 in 2007.

 Jesse Blanton, an epidemiologist at the CDC, said cats have more interaction with wildlife, where they are prone to being bitten by a rabid animal, and they aren’t getting the vaccinations they need. “The CDC’s general belief is that people are doing a good job vaccinating their dogs, but not their cats,” Blanton said. “We have controlled canine rabies through the vaccination of domestic dogs, so we know that vaccinating works.”

The belief that cats aren’t getting their necessary shots is supported by data from an AVMA report that indicates 36.3 percent of U.S. cat-owning households did not visit a veterinarian in 2006. In contrast, the report, “U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook,” indicates that 17.3 percent of dog-owning households did not visit a veterinarian in 2006.

 The simple act of vaccinating a pet, Blanton said, provides protection to the animal and the humans with whom it may come in contact. Veterinarians can vaccinate dogs and cats, and they will advise clients on the recommended or required frequency of vaccination needed.

 Rabies remains a threat worldwide, killing more than 55,000 people every year, according to the World Health Organization. The release of the CDC report comes at an opportune time for continued public education, as World Rabies Day is approaching on Sept. 28 (see below).

  World Rabies Day Serves as Reminder to Vaccinate Pets

 It’s tragic that a disease as preventable as rabies continues to do so much damage around the world.

Perhaps the oldest recognized infectious disease, and quite possibly the first known disease transmissible from animals to people, rabies in humans can be eliminated but still kills more than 55,000 people each year worldwide.

 That’s why veterinarians and public health officials are once again looking to World Rabies Day to help educate the public, and especially pet owners, about the dangers of the disease and the importance of vaccination.

 “Vaccinating dogs and cats is the best way to protect pets and the public from contracting what is almost always a fatal disease once symptoms occur,” said Dr. Larry R. Corry, president of the AVMA. “By taking this simple step, you help make for a safer, healthier pet, family and community.”

 Now in its third year, World Rabies Day will be held Sept. 28, 2009, when hundreds of groups from Phoenix to the Philippines host special events, vaccination clinics, and educational programs to raise awareness about the impact of human and animal rabies, how easy it is to prevent it, and how to eliminate the main global sources.

 While rabies is easy to prevent in domestic animals, more work needs to be done here at home to ensure that pet owners are doing all they can in the fight against the disease. Unfortunately, cats are less likely than dogs to be vaccinated against rabies, and as a result, Dr. Corry explains, cat owners are more likely to be exposed to the virus.

 “AVMA research shows that cats go to the veterinarian for exams and vaccinations far too infrequently compared to dogs,” Dr. Corry says. “A survey we conducted indicates that more than a third of cat-owning households didn’t visit the veterinarian, whereas less than a fifth of dog-owning households fell into the same category. Pet owners owe it to themselves and their pets to make sure that we do all we can to prevent the spread of rabies.”

 

In addition to unvaccinated pets, exposure to stray animals increases the risk of rabies transmission. Pets should not be allowed to roam free, and children should not approach and/or pet stray animals or wildlife.

 For more information, visit the AVMA’s World Rabies Day Web page, or go to the World Rabies Day Web site at www.worldrabiesday.org.

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REDUCING COYOTE INTERACTIONS

By David Specht, DVM
Originally published in the 2009 Issue #2 of DAVMS Pulse

By now you have likely heard the news reports regarding brazen coyote incidents in the Metro area.

In the Metro area, there are extensive green belts and open spaces that provide ideal conduits for indigenous wildlife to travel from their rural areas through suburbia and into the city limits. Of course, with these many corridors available for coyotes to travel, there are additional opportunities for human-wildlife interactions that can be both good and bad.

Late spring and early summer can be a dangerous time for our pets as the coyote pups begin venturing out into the world. The female coyote is especially alert and aggressive toward any animals that may get near her litter. Coyotes are nocturnal, opportunistic predators that are very habitual in their routines, which is why they can routinely be seen in the same places at the same time, night after night. If you encounter a coyote that appears to be challenged by your presence, don’t hesitate to clap, make loud aggressive sounds, and even throw rocks and sticks at the coyote to scare him from the area.

Here are just a few tips and techniques that can help reduce coyote interactions with people and pets. This is not a complete list; modify to apply to different situations:

• Keep all pet food and water sources inside.

• Clean up all ripened and fallen fruit from your trees.

• Avoid feeding wildlife, which causes the most problems. For example, over-filled bird feeders can attract insects, mice and squirrels, that in turn, attract predators.

• When off your property, keep all pets on a leash, and supervised in your backyard (especially early mornings and evenings). Realize that coyotes are watching your routine as well, so when you place your animals outside after turning the light on, you are establishing a simple signal to the predator.

• Spay your dog, as a dog in heat can attract coyotes.

• Keep all garbage in well-sealed containers and in the garage or shed until collection day.

• Close off all access holes and areas around your home, especially under decks and sheds where coyotes might establish a den.

• Keep cats from free-roaming in the neighborhood; they are simply part of the food chain and will encourage coyotes to remain in the area.

• Place motion light detectors around your home.

• Play loud music in the area to discourage a coyote’s presence.

•  Use a mechanical sound deterrent, such as the Phantom Wildlife System that replicates the sound of a mountain lion, to encourage coyotes to leave the area.

Scent marking is also a way to discourage coyotes. A few suggestions:

• Ammonia-soaked rags or mothballs around den openings

• Urine marking (especially intact male dog or human urine) spread around the perimeter of your property and generally at an elevation above where the coyote will scent mark themselves

• Commercial predator scent marking powders such as mountain lion or bobcat urea granules (available at most garden centers).

And for those that want to make their own solution to spray:

• Wildlife Repellent Spray
  8oz. of liquid dish soap, 8oz. castor oil, 1 gallon water:
  Mix the oil and soap together very well then add to water and spray.

• Hot Pepper Wildlife Repellents
  1 chopped yellow onion, 1 chopped jalapeno pepper, 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper:
  Boil together for 20 minutes in 2 quarts of water; once cooled, strain through a cheesecloth then spray around the area. (this solution will last about 2 to 5 days).