Bird Flu Infection Jumps to dogs - Page 1

Avian Influenza, not previously known to infect canines has now been found in a dog. Bird flu case in Thai dog raises questions about infection: 11.oct.06 Globe and Mail Canadian Press http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061011.wbirddog1011/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home Thai scientists have reported a case of H5N1 influenza infection in a dog, a finding that lengthens the unusually long list of mammals this avian flu virus can infect. Michael Perdue, an avian flu expert with the WHO's global influenza program, was cited as saying the report, which suggests the dog became infected by eating ducks killed by the virus, underscores a need to figure out whether the virus can be transmitted through consumption of infected animals, adding, "This is the third species or fourth species that has been infected by eating carcasses. So I think we really have to think about the risk of oral ingestion. I mean, these guys are getting infected somehow and we don't know how." The story explains that since H5N1 flared up in Asia in late 2003, tigers, leopards, domestic cats and now dogs have become infected with the virus by eating infected chicken or duck carcasses. Other mammals — a stone marten, and a small number of pigs — have also been shown to be susceptible to infection, though in those cases the mode of transmission isn't yet documented.

I would not get too excited about the article mentioned above. I monitor several emerging infectious disease journals and listserves and so far, there is little evidence to suggest that any canine has been infected with the H5N1 virus. It has appeared rarely in felines. The mode of transmission has also been documented and generally involves exposure to urine and feces, as well as respiratory droplets. There is absolutely NO evidence that eating cooked meat, even from an infected bird, transmits the disease. This virus, like most, is easily killed by normal cooking temperatures. Could the virus mutate to be more easily transmissible? It certainly could. But the first species to really concern us will be when it mutates and infects pigs and pigs are often the window to another mutation that affects humans.

I merely thought it was interesting. The entire post is a quote from AnimalNet, a list serve out of Guelph, Ontario, that monitors animal disease and food producing animal issues around the world.

It is interesting though. We've discussed it with our veterinarian since we also raise various types birds. He studied infectious diseases jumping species and still follows what's going on.