Giuseppe
Emeritus
Wrexham vet's warning over lethal dog flu
Published Date: 18 June 2008
By Matt Sims
A VET is warning pet owners to be vigilant against a lethal form of "dog flu" which he believes could soon be on the way to the UK.
Dennis Callanan, of Gate House Vets, in Borras, near Wrexham, said the dog flu is currently sweeping the USA and ? because there are no symptoms in some dogs ? he fears it is only a matter of time before it reaches Britain.
He is now warning dog owners to be vigilant as in many cases it may appear as if a pet has kennel cough ? when the reality could be much more serious.
"We were actually told about it last week at a vets' seminar into new and emerging diseases," said Mr Callanan.
The highly contagious equine influenza virus H3N8 was found to have been the cause of greyhound race dog fatalities from a respiratory illness at a Florida racetrack in January, 2004.
The exposure and transfer apparently occurred at horse racing tracks, where dog racing also occurs.
The illness starts by mimicking the common kennel cough. Many animals develop pneumonia, with sometimes deadly complications.
There are other general symptoms such as runny eyes and nose. The dog may seem lethargic or "depressed" as it will be feeling uncomfortable.
The fatality rate in infected animals is roughly 10 per cent, but, crucially, 20 per cent of dogs do not develop any symptoms ? which Mr Callanan believes will mean the disease will enter the UK at some point in the near future.
"It's now been found in 27 states in America," he said.
"Basically people are always talking about bird flu but nobody seems to be aware of how this dog flu spreads. I think it's important to let people know that it does spread from dog to dog and is lethal.
"It's important, I think, to be aware of imported dogs particularly from America. We just want to heighten people's awareness that it is out there. It has spread across the states and it has killed thousands of dogs.
They have a cough, an irritable cough, then two or three days later a significant proportion of the dogs will die."
Dog flu does not affect cats or humans.
+
http://www.flintshirestandard.co.uk/eveningleadernews/Wrexham-vet39s-warning-over-lethal.4193562.jp
+++++
Published Date: 18 June 2008
By Matt Sims
A VET is warning pet owners to be vigilant against a lethal form of "dog flu" which he believes could soon be on the way to the UK.
Dennis Callanan, of Gate House Vets, in Borras, near Wrexham, said the dog flu is currently sweeping the USA and ? because there are no symptoms in some dogs ? he fears it is only a matter of time before it reaches Britain.
He is now warning dog owners to be vigilant as in many cases it may appear as if a pet has kennel cough ? when the reality could be much more serious.
"We were actually told about it last week at a vets' seminar into new and emerging diseases," said Mr Callanan.
The highly contagious equine influenza virus H3N8 was found to have been the cause of greyhound race dog fatalities from a respiratory illness at a Florida racetrack in January, 2004.
The exposure and transfer apparently occurred at horse racing tracks, where dog racing also occurs.
The illness starts by mimicking the common kennel cough. Many animals develop pneumonia, with sometimes deadly complications.
There are other general symptoms such as runny eyes and nose. The dog may seem lethargic or "depressed" as it will be feeling uncomfortable.
The fatality rate in infected animals is roughly 10 per cent, but, crucially, 20 per cent of dogs do not develop any symptoms ? which Mr Callanan believes will mean the disease will enter the UK at some point in the near future.
"It's now been found in 27 states in America," he said.
"Basically people are always talking about bird flu but nobody seems to be aware of how this dog flu spreads. I think it's important to let people know that it does spread from dog to dog and is lethal.
"It's important, I think, to be aware of imported dogs particularly from America. We just want to heighten people's awareness that it is out there. It has spread across the states and it has killed thousands of dogs.
They have a cough, an irritable cough, then two or three days later a significant proportion of the dogs will die."
Dog flu does not affect cats or humans.
+
http://www.flintshirestandard.co.uk/eveningleadernews/Wrexham-vet39s-warning-over-lethal.4193562.jp
+++++