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Summary:

Learn the dangers of your dog catching the bird flu.

Article Body:

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

The CDC says that dogs are not normally susceptible to avian influenza viruses. Even so, 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 might be capable of infecting dogs. An unpublished report from 2005 by The National Institute of Animal Wellness in Bangkok indicated that dogs could possibly be infected with the virus, but the linked disease was not detected. Researchers tested 629 village dogs and 111 cats inside the Suphan Buri district of central Thailand. Out of those, 160 dogs and eight cats had antibodies to H5N1, indicating that they were infected using 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 very first reported death of a dog from the virus. So far, this appears to become an isolated case. The World Well being Organization(WHO) states on it's website that a much better understanding from the scenario in animals is, even so, urgently essential.

So far, there is not adequate information available about H5N1 in dogs to understand how infection would happen. Most human circumstances have come from contact with infected poultry or feces. Affected cats in Europe seem to have turn out to be infected by eating infected poultry or wild birds. It really is possible dogs might be infected the same way.

If H5N1 is discovered in your place, (at this time H5N1 has not been identified in North America), it might be an excellent idea to help keep your dog indoors unless restrained, to avoid get in touch with with infected birds and their feces. For those who have a hunting dog, you could possibly want to reconsider using it for retrieving downed birds. Report for the local veterinary authority any evidence of substantial bird mortality, each 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 in the U.S. It can be believed that the equine influenza virus mutated to produce the canine influenza virus. This might be a slightly increased threat for dogs than avian influenza. This inter-species re-assortment just isn't uncommon for kind A influenza viruses. It's unclear when this transition occurred.

Signs of canine influenza could be equivalent to kennel cough and include: a persistant, soft, moist cough, along with a thick nasal discharge. A lot more severe circumstances could contain high fevers, pneumonia, and difficulty breathing, which can also be brought on 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 certainly no vaccine accessible at this time. Treatment is generally limited to IV fluids to assist keep your dog hydrated or antibiotics to help manage the infection.

For a lot more information regarding the Canine Influenza, and Avian Influenza examine out:

www.avma.org/

www.cdc.gov/

So, is your dog secure from the bird flu? No one seems to have a solid answer a single way or yet another at this time. A little caution may be warranted, but the option is yours: Would you rather your prized hunting dog stay house underneath the bed as opposed to threat catching the bird flu, or be out top the hunt, undertaking what he loves? The best advise we've at the moment is often pay close attention to your dogs wellness. If your dog shows signs of ill wellness, consult your veterinarian. This can make sure you've a healthy, pleased companion for years to come.