Are Dogs Secure From the Bird Flu?

Summary:

Discover the dangers of your dog catching the bird flu.

Article Body:

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu or H5N1, is actually a viral condition that most typically affects birds. It has appeared from time to time in regions across the planet. It can spread easily among wild birds, but may also infect domestic birds including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and may also influence humans as well as other mammals. There's a increasing concern that the H5N1 virus could lead to a flu pandememic.

The CDC says that dogs are not usually susceptible to avian influenza viruses. However, 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 An unpublished report from 2005 by The National Institute of Animal Wellness in Bangkok indicated that dogs might be infected together with the virus, but the associated illness 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 had been infected together with the virus or had been infected in the past.

There were 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 appears to be an isolated situation. The Globe Wellness Organization(WHO) states on it is internet site that a much better understanding of the circumstance in animals is, nevertheless, urgently required.

So far, there is certainly not enough details accessible about H5N1 in dogs to know how infection would happen. Most human instances have come from speak to with infected poultry or feces. Affected cats in Europe appear to have grow to be infected by eating infected poultry or wild birds. It can be feasible dogs could possibly be infected the same way.

If H5N1 is discovered inside your location, (at this time H5N1 has not been found in North America), it could be a fantastic concept to keep your dog indoors unless restrained, to stop get in touch with with infected birds and their feces. If you have a hunting dog, you could wish to reconsider employing it for retrieving downed birds. Report to the regional veterinary authority any evidence of considerable bird mortality, both wild and domestic. If your dog shows breathing issues or nasal discharge, consult a veterinarian. Wash animal blankets with soap or any other commercial detergent.

An equine virus has lately shown up in dogs inside the U.S. It can be believed that the equine influenza virus mutated to generate the canine influenza virus. This may possibly be a slightly higher risk for dogs than avian influenza. This inter-species re-assortment is just not uncommon for variety A influenza viruses. It's unclear when this transition occurred.

Signs and symptoms of canine influenza can be related to kennel cough and include: a persistant, soft, moist cough, plus a thick nasal discharge. Far more severe cases could contain high fevers, pneumonia, and difficulty breathing, which may also be caused by a secondary bacterial infection.

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

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

For more information concerning the Canine Influenza, and Avian Influenza examine out:

www.avma.org/

www.cdc.gov/

So, is your dog protected from the bird flu? No one appears to possess a solid answer one way or an additional at this time. A little caution might be warranted, but the choice is yours: Would you rather your prized hunting dog stay house underneath the bed instead of risk catching the bird flu, or be out leading the hunt, carrying out what he loves? The very best advise we have right now is usually pay close attention to your dogs wellness. If your dog shows signs of ill health, consult your veterinarian. This may guarantee you've got a wholesome, happy companion for years to come.


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