Bird Flu

Are your favorite pets at risk?

Dogs and bird flu would be a concern for people who have dogs and this concern is growing because the H5N1 could turn in to a flu pandemic.

The CDC reports dogs aren't highly at risk for contracting avian influenza viruses.

However, the H5N1 virus, which broke out in 2003 in Asia, has now been reported in cats, leopards, stone martens, tigers and other species of carnivores.

This has made people worried that H5N1 virus could infect dogs.

In 2005, Bangkok's The National Institute of Animal Health reported in an unpublished study that dogs can indeed get infected with this virus, but it had not been diagnosed.

Researchers studied 111 cats and 629 dogs from the Suphan Buri area of Thailand: 8 cats and 160 dogs showed the H5N1 antibodies, which proved they were now or had in the past been infected with this virus.

The news was reported about a stray dog having the bird flu in March in Azerbaiijan and dying from it. This is the first case ever reported of a dog dying from this virus. It does seem to be just this one case.

WHO (The World Health Organization) reports on its Internet site that a deeper understanding on how this virus affects animals is immediately needed.

Up to now, there has not been enough information about dogs and bird flu to understand how the infection could happen. Most of the cases in humans happen from them being in contact with infected feces or poultry. Cats that have come down with this in Europe probably got it from eating infected wild birds or poultry. The dogs, possibly, can also contract this way.

If the bird flu has been reported in your locale, (at this time the bird flu has not been reported in North America, but that could change by the time you read this), it would be wise to keep your dog restrained or indoors, this will prevent it from coming into contact with infected feces and birds.

If your dog is used for hunting, you need to rethink letting him retrieve the birds you shoot. Report any evidence of increased bird deaths, in either domestic or wild birds, to your local animal authorities. If your canine has a nasal discharge or experiences breathing issues, check with your veterinarian. Wash your dog's blankets with a laundry detergent or other soap.

The equine virus recently has shown up in the USA in dogs. It is thought that a mutation happened in this virus for the canine version to form.

Dogs could be at higher risk for this than of contracting the avian influenza. It is possible with "type A" flu viruses for them passed between species of animals. However, it is not known when the transition happened.

Symptoms related to the canine influenza are a moist, soft, persistent cough along with a thick discharge from the nose, similar to what the symptoms for kennel cough. Cases that are more serious can include pneumonia, trouble breathing and high fevers, which a secondary bacterial infection could also cause. If you notice these symptoms in your dog, consult with your veterinarian.

Up till now, no reports of a dog transmitting the virus to a human can be found. A vaccine for dogs is not available at present. Treatment typically consists of antibiotics for infection and IV fluid to hydrate your dog.

Do you need to be alarmed over your dogs and this flu?

There is no definite answer to this at this time. You should be cautious with your expensive hunting dog and keep it at home instead of letting it retrieve downed birds, which could lead him to contracting the bird flu.

However, the choice is yours. It is recommended that you closely watch the health of your dog. If the dog has signs of being ill, you need to contact your veterinarian. This way, you will safeguard the health of your dog, so he stays with you happily for years and years.

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