ASPCA: Swine Flu of Little Risk to Cats and Dogs

I was wondering about this, and I got this in my mailbox from the ASPCA. This is good news for our beloved cats and dogs at least.

Here's a press release from the ASPCA:

The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) announced that the recent human “Swine Flu” outbreak, thought to have originated in Mexico, appears to present little risk of infecting cats and dogs.

To date, only humans have been affected by the new A/H1N1 virus, and it is unknown whether the virus will impact other animals. Although the virus is being termed “swine flu,” researchers have not confirmed that this new strain evolved in pigs and are working to determine more about its origins.

“At this time there is no data demonstrating any risk of dogs and cats contracting this strain of the virus,” says Dr. Louise Murray, the Director of Medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Hospital in New York City. “However, owners of pet pigs, as well as farmers, should monitor their animals’ health more closely during this outbreak. Steps to limit possible transmission from humans to pigs and vice versa are recommended.”

Owners of Vietnamese potbellies, African pygmies and other pet pigs should be aware that there are Influenza type A vaccines available and recommended for healthy swine.

The ASPCA also recommends keeping pet pigs and swine farms isolated from any public exposure that might put them at risk for illness. The American Association of Swine Veterinarians suggests that visitors should not be allowed into swine production units, and for humans to avoid unnecessary contact with pigs. Because there are many causes of illness in pigs, if your pet pig is unwell, it is recommended to consult with your veterinarian.

Dr. Miranda Spindel, Director of ASPCA Veterinary Outreach adds, "Swine influenza or swine flu is caused by infection with Influenza A viruses and is one of the leading causes of respiratory disease in swine throughout the world. Like most Influenza A viruses, swine flu generally causes high levels of illness in pigs, but fatalities are uncommon. Although people do not normally contract swine influenza, humans have become infected when in contact with infected pigs or contaminated environments. Normally, human-to-human transmission of swine flu is temporary. However, as outbreaks have occurred in the past, swine flu is recognized for its potential to cause public health concern."

The ability of any virus to cross species barriers and sustain transmission is dependent on many factors and occurs infrequently. Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Swine are unique in that they are able to host both avian and mammalian influenza viruses. It has been suggested that pigs can act as a reservoir, allowing avian influenza to adapt to mammalian species, and for influenza viruses to undergo genetic changes, emerging as entirely new and different viruses. When these new, mixed/mutated viruses appear, there is potential for humans to become infected and transmit the new virus among other people. The form of influenza that appears to have originated recently in Mexico is a never-before-seen genetic mixture of type A Influenza viruses originating in pigs, birds and people.

For more information about swine flu and updated information on prevention, the ASPCA recommends the following organizations the Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu), the American Veterinary Medical Association (http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/swine/swine_flu_faq.asp) and the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/), among other agencies, are coordinating guidance and updates on the evolving situation with swine flu.

NYCHA to impose only small dogs allowed rule

ACTIVISM

If you live in New York City Public Housing or know someone who does, please read and pass along this important (message) regarding upcoming changes to the housing administration's pet policy.

WHO: Residents of New York City Public Housing governed by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and their dogs.

WHAT: NYCHA has decided to allow only small dogs in public housing. The maximum allowable weight of pet dogs is being lowered from 40 to 25 pounds.

NYCHA also plans to ban certain breeds outright--NYCHA tenants will not be allowed to own or register purebred or mixed-breed Rottweilers, pit bulls or Doberman pinschers.

WHEN: The new policy is scheduled to go into effect this Friday, May 1, 2009.

EXEMPTIONS: Service animals are exempt from weight and breed restrictions.

FOR CURRENT DOG OWNERS: Dogs already living in NYCHA buildings who are 40 pounds or under can be grandfathered in under the existing pet policy--regardless of breed--as long as residents submit a dog registration form to their NYCHA housing office by this Thursday, April 30. Residents who submit this form will have an additional 90 days to license their dogs with the City (which may be done online) and submit the required veterinary certificate indicating that their dogs are licensed, spayed/neutered and vaccinated against rabies.

NYCHA residents who submit a dog registration form by Thursday will have an additional 90 days to license their dogs with the City (which may be done online) and submit the required veterinary certificate.

Visit ASPCA.org for more information and to locate the forms needed to register pets with NYCHA.

The ASPCA is opposed to the revised NYCHA pet policy, and we are working to prevent it from going into effect. In the meantime, it is important that dogs who have already found good homes do not lose them.

Thank you for your support.

source: ASPCA letter

Kitty & Doggie News supports the work of the ASPCA.

Support PRSUN for the ASPCA

Puerto Rico Sun, another community media project I run, has gone orange in support of the ASPCA's Go Orange for Animals month or Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.

This is a friendly reminder to contribute to the PRSUN for the ASPCA drive at www.change.org. PRSUN's goal is to raise $500 for the ASPCA's general fund. Donations have been slow, but PRSUN hopes to reach its goal with your generous contribution for a good cause.

Thanks so much for your support - and please don't forget to forward this page to any friends you think might be interested.

My kitty Sol is the mascot of Puerto Rico Sun.

Here's the link: http://change.org/profiles/prsun -- Clarisel

Going orange for animals this month

My Browny and Sol are going orange for animals this month.

Go Orange is the ASPCA'S month long celebration to raise awareness on prevention to the cruelty of animals.

Check out more of my Go Orange photos at www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel. Click on my Go Orange set.

on the Obama dog

The Obamas may finally have their doggie in the White House, MSNBC is reporting. A doggie has been spotted.

Browny and her orange doggie

Remember to go orange this month and let everyone know you are against against animal cruelty.

The ASPCA kicks off its month long Go Orange campaign today with a host of events, including a party at Union Square Park today in New York City. You’ll be treated to live music, refreshments, free advice at ASPCA expert booths and a host of pet-related activities. For more information on ways to celebrate and support, www.aspca.org.

Go orange!

(photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)

Support our friends help shelter animals

In the mailbox

Dear Friend,
Please support my charity walk for the SPCA of Westchester Wags and Whiskers Walkathon and help save the life of a shelter animal that needs you by donating today. Just go to this link at http://www.gifttool.com/athon/MyFundraisingPage?ID=1446&AID=579&PID=67330 or log onto www.spca914.org. Wags & kisses to everyone who helps the deserving shelter animals that will benefit from this great event!

-- Rai Badillo and her beautiful doggie Heidi

Editor's Note: Consider supporting Rai Badillo and Heidi. Both Badillo and Heidi are members of our Kitty & Doggie News social network at www.kittyanddoggienews.ning.com.

The Mean Kitty Song

A kitty named Sparta