There has been lots of news lately about a newly discovered virus, called dog flu, that has killed dogs in at least seven states.  Many veterinarian and pet owners are worried because there is no vaccine available and dogs do not have immunity to this new virus.

Where did Dog Flu come from?

This canine flu was first discovered in racing greyhounds in Florida in 2004.  Now scientists are watching this virus spread across the east coast. 

In what scientists call a “very rare event” this virus has jumped from horses to dogs.  Equine influenza virus (horse flu) has been in horses for nearly 50 years.  Now it appears that due to the close contact between horses and greyhounds at racing tracks that this virus has jumped species.  At this point the CDC reports that there has never been a single documented case of human infection. 

Dr. Crawford at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, started investigating an outbreak of acute respiratory disease among racing greyhounds in the state in 2004.   Using genetic analysis she was able to determine it was similar to equine influenza virus.  It is believed that the new virus may have mutated from an equine influenza strain, she said

How deadly is Dog Flu?

Dr. Crawford, an immunologist at the University of Florida, said in an interview that the disease is only deadly in rare cases, about 10 percent in puppies and old dogs, but is of concern because it is spreading rapidly.

Between January and May 2005 there were respiratory disease outbreaks among about 20,000 greyhounds at 20 tracks in 11 states, from Arizona to Massachusetts. Samples from dogs at seven Florida tracks revealed they had been exposed to dog flu. It was also indicated in greyhounds in Arizona and one in Texas.

Dr. Crawford said that between April and May 2005, the deadly flu had also crossed over to domestic dogs. But she noted that in 80% of dogs the disease is mild – with the animal having only a cough and runny nose.

However, as with human flu, in a minority of cases there may be complications and the dogs can develop pneumonia. The mortality rate is currently between 5% and 8%.

What about testing and vaccines for Dog Flu?

There is no test currently that veterinarians can use to accurately detect the flu in dogs.  The team says work on a vaccine for the new dog flu has been under way for a few months.

The virus is too new for any dogs to have developed immunity to it, so pet owners should watch their dogs carefully for any symptoms.  "The concern is that the dog population on the North American continent is wholly 100 percent susceptible," Crawford said.

I want to stress that despite the rumors that are out on the Internet and other such sources, this disease is not as deadly as people want to make it," Crawford said. She says she receives more than 30 calls a day from concerned veterinarians.

Currently the flu is showing up in Florida animal shelters, boarding facilities, and veterinary clinics, mostly in Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach counties.

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson alerted the public last week to the canine respiratory disease.

The bordetella vaccine, which protects dogs against kennel cough, does not work against the flu, Crawford said. Development of a vaccine for canine flu is currently underway.

What can I do to protect my dogs?

Nina Morano of the CDC said owners should take common sense precautions to protect their dogs from the virus:

• If your dog exhibits any signs of respiratory illness, immediately see your veterinarian. Tell the doctor if your dog recently boarded at a kennel.

• Use a boarding kennel you are familiar with.

• Stay on the lookout for announcements of disease outbreaks in your area.

"It's a time to be very watchful and take a reasonable approach, but certainly not to panic," Morano said.

For example, says Crawford: "I am taking my two Pekinese to be groomed next week to a groomer that sees many dogs during the day."
Like most flu viruses, it can be spread by air, as well as by contact, and the populations of dogs most at risk are those in shelters, kennels, boarding operations or other situations where a lot of dogs are housed under one roof, she said.

The disease could also spread in parks where pet owners let their dogs off the leash to socialize, vets say. Dog parks are a perfect playground for contagious diseases because when animals share toys and water dishes, they also are sharing germs.

The symptoms of the disease include coughing and sneezing, and there is concern that it could be spread in vet waiting rooms, Crawford said.

"When you bring a bunch of dogs together under one roof, if a dog happens to be infected, then the virus will spread rapidly," she said. She compared the situation to what happens with young children in school.

Conclusion

Dog Flu is a new disease and currently scientist do not know everything about the disease yet.  So take a common sense approach to protecting your dog, especially if they are young or old.  Also ask your veterinarian if there has been any cases reported in your area.

Check out my website for the latest information on dog flu at http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com

These are four new articles I posted on my website.  Please check them out.

The first one is about Anipryl.  It is a medication used to treat dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction.

The second is about the benefits of having a well trained dog.  And where you should start.

The third is about pet vaccines.  I ask the question if all those vaccines are really necessary.

The last one is about getting a new cat.  I go over steps to properly introduce them into the house.

There are many different types of hens.The silky bantam hens are prolific layers - some even lay eggs with a pretty,pale green shell. They make quiet, quaint pets for the children.

Other hens are larger and more robust and come in a variety of colors; black,brown, white or speckled. They all eat bugs, snails and slugs - good news ifyou are trying to reduce the number of these pests!

Did you know that chooks (hens) are able to eat the Sydney funnel web spiderwithout any ill affects? How good is that? They make your yard a safer place tobe and double as a pet for the children...

Chickens can be bought as "day olds" (under a week old) or "weekolds" (over a week). You can buy them fully grown too, but they makebetter pets when bought young. Make sure you buy from a reputable breeder whocan tell what sex they are. The neighbors will not be pleased to be woken atdawn by a rooster crowing.

A young chicken will need to be kept inside where it will be warm, until it isolder. A newspaper lined cardboard carton with sawdust or straw in the bottomis fine. A day old chicken will benefit from the extra warmth of a pretendmother. To make this, push many strips of fabric through a strong piece ofcardboard and hang it so it dangles to the floor of the box. This is a good jobfor the children. Chicky will run straight into it and be perfectly content.Alternatively, you could use a new mop head.

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A small drum, box or even a dog kennel filled with straw will make an idealnest for your hen to lay eggs. If you use a larger dog kennel, it can double asa nest and a night shelter too, with the simple addition of the perch. Or ifyou have a garden shed, the hen will not mind sharing with a few rakes andspades. If you live in an area where the winters are snowy, it will be best tokeep your hen in the barn or shed.

As with any hobby, take your time, enjoy and learn along the way!