Thursday, May 21, 2009

Pet Talk - Pet Influenza

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.

ABOUT PET TALK...

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine &
Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the
Web at http://tamunews.tamu.edu/.

Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.



Angela G. Clendenin '91, MASCL
Director of Communications and Public Relations
College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Texas A&M University
(979) 862-2675
aclendenin@cvm.tamu.edu

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

2009 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Aug. 3-5

2009 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Aug. 3-5

May 12, 2009

Contact(s):Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259,b-fannin@tamu.edu
Dr. Jason Cleere, 979-845-6931, jjcleere@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – The 55th Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is scheduled Aug. 3-5 at Texas A&M University in College Station.

“Planning committee members from around the state have met with us and helped us put together another outstanding program,” said Dr. Jason Cleere, Texas AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist and conference coordinator.

Drought, high production costs, emerging diseases and a weakened market have made this a challenging year for cattle producers, Cleere said. The short course, sponsored by Texas AgriLife Extension Service, will address these issues as well as other topics during the three-day event, providing information for both the novice and experienced rancher.

“The short course has become one of the most comprehensive beef cattle educational programs in the U.S. with 20 different educational sessions taught by more than 50 different speakers,” Cleere said.

The Cattleman’s College portion of the short course provides participants with an opportunity to choose workshops based on their level of production experience and the needs of their ranch, Cleere said.

“These concurrent workshops will feature information on ranch management, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, pastures, carcass evaluation, record keeping, brush busting, cattle handling, landowner issues and much more,” he said.

In addition to classroom instruction on Aug. 3-4, participants can attend one of the popular demonstrations on the morning of Aug. 5, said Dr. Larry Boleman, associate vice chancellor for agriculture and life sciences at Texas A&M and conference director.

“There will be demonstrations on chute-side calf working, cattle behavior, penning, selection and brush busting,” Boleman said. “These provide an opportunity for ranchers to see beef cattle production practices put to use.”

Along with the Cattleman’s College, a key general session will be offered on the afternoon of Aug. 3.

“The goal of the Beef Cattle Short Course each year is to provide the most cutting-edge information that is needed by beef cattle producers,” Cleere said. “This year’s program is titled “Ranching for the Future” and will address several hot issues affecting beef cattle producers.”

Participants can receive a pesticide applicator’s license during the short course, and can earn numerous pesticide continuing education units if already licensed.

An industry trade show will be held during the event featuring more than 100 agricultural businesses and service exhibits.

Registration is $140 per person, and includes educational materials, a copy of the 600-page Beef Cattle Short Course proceedings, trade show admittance, admission to the prime rib dinner, meals and daily refreshments.

Registration information and a tentative schedule will be mailed to previous participants in June. It can also be found on the short course Web site where producers can register online at http://beef.tamu.edu or contact Cleere’s office at 979-845-6931.