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Animal Influenza
The recent emergence and spread of the Swine Flu virus, also known as H1N1, has
affected people throughout the world. From school closings to cancelled
vacations, the Swine Flu has caused a lot of concern. These concerns have led
many to take extended precautions for themselves, their spouses and their
children. But what, if any, precautions should be taken for the furry members of
our families? The H1N1 strain may not affect our animals in the way that it does
humans, but similar type A flu viruses can affect our pets.
In 2005, the first cases of the canine influenza virus were reported in Florida
and have since spread throughout the country. The virus is a mutant of the H3N8
equine influenza virus and is a contagious
respiratory disease that may mirror signs of kennel cough, including sneezing,
coughing and fever. “Nearly one-hundred percent of dogs that come in contact
with the virus become infected, regardless of age or vaccination history because
the virus is new to them,” says Dr. Deb Zoran, an associate professor and Chief
of Small Animal Internal Medicine at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary
Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). “Of those infected, an estimated twenty
percent of dogs will show no signs of the disease.”
“Of the eighty percent of dogs that exhibit clinical signs, the majority will
have only mild signs of respiratory illness,” explains Zoran. “In most dogs, the
clinical signs include a low-grade fever, nasal discharge and a persistent cough
that could last up to three weeks. In dogs that develop severe signs of illness,
the clinical signs include a high fever, increased respiratory rates with
difficulty
breathing and other indications of viral pneumonia.” The testing results for the
virus cannot be obtained quickly, as the diagnosis of canine influenza is made
by sending samples for testing to a laboratory at Cornell University for PCR of
the virus. As a result, your veterinarian may suggest that your dog be
quarantined away from other dogs to prevent the possible spread of this
respiratory virus to
other canines.
Fortunately, most cases can be treated with symptomatic or supportive care,
including fluid support, antiviral therapy, bronchodilators and, if needed,
oxygen. If you believe your pet has contracted the virus, it is important to
contact your veterinarian. “As is the case in any viral infection, antibiotics
are not helpful unless the infection is so severe that secondary bacterial
pneumonia is suspected,” notes Zoran. “Fortunately, treatment even in the most
severely affected dogs has been successful in about ninety-five percent of
cases. The key is early diagnosis and treatment, so if your canine is showing
signs of illness, such as a decreased appetite, lethargy, fever or a cough, it
is important to contact your veterinarian for further evaluation. Your
veterinarian is best qualified to make a diagnosis and to provide advice for
caring for any dogs affected with the virus.” There is currently no vaccine for
this virus and the disease continues to affect dogs throughout the country. The
best method of protection is to keep your animal companion away from infected
dogs.
Cat owners have fewer flu concerns, as felines appear not to be susceptible to
the class Type A flu viruses and do not develop classic flu symptoms. Cats have
their own versions of respiratory viruses, but these viruses are not influenza
viruses. However, the same cannot be said for birds, which can be just as
susceptible to contracting influenza as our canine friends. “Avian influenza is
a contagious bird disease,” says Dr. Sharman Hoppes, an avian specialist at
Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “It
is usually only infectious to birds, but can occasionally infect pigs and
people. The disease is most common in waterfowl and is often an asymptomatic
infection in ducks.”
Similar to the canine influenza virus, there are two levels of severity observed
in the avian flu. “There are two main forms of disease: a low virulence form and
a high virulence form,” explains Hoppes. “The low pathogenic form may manifest
as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production. The high pathogenic form can
cause respiratory and gastrointestinal signs and sometimes lead to death.”
While uncommon, it is possible for avian influenza to spread to people. However,
this usually occurs only if the individual is in very close contact with an
infected bird. “If an individual is infected with avian influenza, he or she can
actually become quite sick and the disease can often progress to pneumonia or
death,” cautions Hoppes. “Avian influenza is much more serious when it crosses
over to humans because most people do not have immunity to the disease.
Fortunately, avian flu has not been transmitted from person to person like the
swine flu. However, one of the concerns of avian influenza is that it will
mutate and develop into a disease that could transmit from person to person.” At
this time, it is highly unlikely that your pet bird will contract avian
influenza, but in the event that your feathered-friend becomes sick, care is
available.
“While unlikely that your pet parrot will develop avian influenza, it could be
possible if you have pet poultry or waterfowl, as they are more likely to
contract the disease,” says Hoppes. “If your pet bird
does get sick, it is more likely to be the low pathogenic form and supportive
care is available. The best way to prevent your bird from contracting avian
influenza is to minimize their contact with waterfowl
and poultry.”
Both the canine influenza virus and the avian influenza disease can cause
detrimental health problems in your pet, but knowing the warning signs and
taking proper precautions could save both you and your companion the worries of
influenza.
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