Local and World Animal News

April 2015

In Chicago there is an outbreak of Canine Influenza Virus that is affecting dogs causing mild to severe respiratory symptoms.  Diagnosis is by clinical signs and nasal swab testing for virus.  Because this is a virus, treatment involves symptomatic care and antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections.  AVMA, headquatered in Chicago, is working very hard keeping veterinarians well informed on the spread and treatment options to keep our canine pets healthy.  For more information see https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/CanineInfluenza.aspx?utm_campaign=gen&utm_medium=socmed

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An article published in the September edition of Foodborne Pathogens and Disease indicates that 65 of 196 samples of raw dog or cat foods were positive for the bacteria Listeria, including 32 that were positive for L monocytogenes.  Also, 15 of the 196 samples were positive for Salmonella and 2 were positive for E coli.  "This study showed that raw pet foods may harbor food safety pathogens" the article states.  "Consumers should handle these products carefully, being mindful of the potential risk to human and animal health."  Among 480 dry or semi-moist pet foods bought from local stores, only 2 dry cat foods were found to have contamination.  The full article is available at www.liebertpub.com/FPD.

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The FDA has told 3 companies to stop selling certain over-the-counter tear stain removal products for dogs and cats. The FDA wants production stopped until their safety and effectiveness can be reviewed.  The antibiotic used in these products has not been approved for use in dogs and cats.  The products are Angels' Eyes, Angels' Glow, Pets' Spark, Glow Groom and Health Glow.

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Cat Bites

A recent article in the Journal of Hand Surgery reviewed records of 200 patients over the last 3 years who presented for a cat bite(s) to the hand. Since cat bites cause puncture wounds which allow for bacterial (Pasteurella multocida) inoculation of the deeper tissues. infection and abscessing of joint and tendon structures are very likely. In this study, 30% of the affected patients required hospitalization for IV antibiotic therapy, surgical irrigation and tissue debridement.  So, seeking medical attention for any cat bite is always prudent.

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The FDA has recently taken action to reduce the use of antimicrobials for growth promotion in food animals and to allow for greater oversight by veterinarians.  The action, Final Guidance 213, has led to 25 of the 26 companies, who hold 99.6% of drug applications affected by Guidance 213, to voluntarily change the status of these drugs from "over-the-counter" to "use by veterinary feed directive or prescription."  This action should benefit both the public and animal health.  UPDATE:  As of July 1,2014  the last company noted in this action (and therefore 100% of these antimicrobials) has agreed to comply with the aforementioned Guidance regulations.  Nice job FDA!

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According to a University of Wisconsin entomologist the deer tick population is continuing to increase its numbers and expand its territory in southern and southeast Wisconsin.  If that weren't bad enough the number of ticks infected with the Lyme Bacteria, Borrellia, has also increased to levels of 20% - 75% in the adult tick population!  We do need to protect all of our pets by using preventative measures (NexGard or Frontline) and vaccinations (for those pets with the most risk of exposure).  To hear the complete discussion go to www.wpr.org/despite-harsh-winter-no-downtick-state-tick-population 

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