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Canine influenza case in San Diego county

Dog Flu Reported in San Diego County
Canine influenza was first reported in Florida in 2004 and has spread across the United States

Source: Dog Flu Reported in San Diego County | NBC 7 San Diego
A dog has tested positive for canine influenza in what’s believed to be the first documented case in San Diego County.

Dawn Danielson, director of the San Diego County Department of Animal Services, confirmed the positive test result Friday from a dog at the county’s shelter in Bonita.

While this isn’t the first case in California, it is the first reported case in the county according to the department.

Dogs that are infected will show symptoms including a cough, runny nose and fever. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say a small proportion of dogs can develop severe disease.

The virus does not spread to humans however it can spread from dog to dog through a human’s touch. Continue reading Canine influenza case in San Diego county

Temperature in closed car

HEAT EXPOSURE IN AN ENCLOSED AUTOMOBILE

LYNN I. GIBBS, MPH; DAVID W. LAWRENCE, MPH, RN,CS; MEL A. KOHN, MD

ABSTRACT

During July 1995, an infant in southeast Louisiana died as a result of heat exposure in an enclosed automobile. To evaluate degree of heat exposure in a vehicle, we compared the temperature rise inside an enclosed, dark-colored vehicle with the temperature rise in a light-colored vehicle with the windows partly open. Within 20 minutes, readings in both cars exceeded 125°F and reached approximately 140°F in 40 minutes–a temperature rise of over 45°F. A person who is unable to remove himself from an enclosed vehicle is at risk for a life-threatening crisis if left alone in a sun-exposed car for even a relatively short period of time. In light of such risks, it becomes imperative for individuals to be not only cautious about leaving anyone in a parked car but also to consider protective measures, both for the occupants and the vehicle itself. Installing durable seat covers, designed to withstand varying temperatures and protect the seats from prolonged exposure, can be a practical step towards minimizing the impact of extreme heat on the interior of the vehicle.Also, pairing the use of durable seat covers with the choice of zero tax cars can amplify the financial benefits for car owners. By selecting vehicles that are exempt from road tax, individuals can significantly reduce their annual ownership expenses, allowing for more budget allocation towards essential maintenance and protective measures like seat covers. So, if you are seeking a unique blend of affordability and adventure, consider exploring the world of used camper vans. One such option, Swanswaygarages which offers volkswagen california camper van for sale, a combination of functionality and leisure. Potential buyers can leverage online resources to locate dealerships specializing in used Volkswagen California camper vans. By carefully evaluating both the vehicle and the dealership’s reputation, individuals can embark on road trips and outdoor adventures with peace of mind.

INTRODUCTION

When the body is exposed to extreme temperatures serious harm can occur. Although heat-related illness and death occur primarily among the elderly, infants are also at risk (1, 2) Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur rapidly in enclosed vehicles. During July 1995, a two-year-old child in southeast Louisiana died as a result of heat exposure in an enclosed automobile. In addition, two children under the age of five died in Louisiana during 1993 from heat exposure.

This study compares the temperature rise inside two vehicles exposed to sunlight.

Continue reading Temperature in closed car

Pedigree Wet Dog Food Recall

Mars Petcare US Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Range of Pedigree® Brand Wet Dog Food

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -June 30, 2012 – Today, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of a limited range of three varieties of PEDIGREE® weight management canned dog food products due to a potential choking risk.

Affected product may contain small pieces of blue plastic, which entered the food during the production process. The source of the plastic has been identified and the issue resolved. We encourage consumers who have purchased affected product to discard the food or return it to the retailer for a full refund or exchange. While a small number of consumers have reported finding the plastic pieces, we have not received any reports of injury or illness associated with the affected product. The lot codes indicated below should not be sold or consumed.

Affected product was distributed to retail customers throughout the United States. Mars Petcare US is working with all of our distributors and retail customers to ensure that the recalled products are no longer sold and are removed from inventory.

Recalled Pet Food

Only cans of PEDIGREE® weight management canned dog food varieties with the production codes shown below are included in this voluntary recall.  Each product will have a lot code printed on the end of the can that begins with 209, 210, 211 or 212 and a Best Before date that falls between 2/24/2014 and 3/23/2014. Continue reading Pedigree Wet Dog Food Recall

Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Infantis Infections Linked to Dry Dog Food

http://www.cdc.gov
A total of 22 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis have been reported. Twenty ill persons have been reported from 13 states and two ill persons have been reported from Canada.

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (2), California (1), Connecticut (1), Illinois (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (3), North Carolina (3), New Jersey (1), New York (1), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (1) and Virginia (1).
Among the 17 patients with available information, 6 (35%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Multiple brands of dry dog food produced by Diamond Pet Foods at a single manufacturing facility in South Carolina have been linked to some of the human Salmonella infections.

Consumers should check their homes for recalled pet food products and discard them promptly. People who think they might have become ill after contact with dry pet food or with an animal that has eaten dry pet food should consult their health care providers.

More information can be found at:
http://www.diamondpetrecall.com/

June 13, 2012 Case Count Update

A total of 22 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis have been reported. Twenty ill persons have been reported from 13 states. The five new cases are from: Alabama (1), California (1), Illinois (1), New York (1), and South Carolina (1).  Additionally, two ill persons have been reported from CanadaExternal Web Site Icon.

Among persons for whom information is available, illnesses began between October 2011 and May 11, 2012. Ill persons range in age from less than one year old to 82 years old and the median age is 46.5 years. Sixty-eight percent of patients are female. Among the 17 patients with available information, 6 (35%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Illnesses that occurred after May 11, 2012 might not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

2011 Top 10 Pet poisons

Keep these out of reach of dogs !
Pet Poison Helpline reported their Top 10 list of poisons for dogs:

  1. Foods: chocolate, xylitol, and grapes/raisins.
  2. Insecticides.
  3. Mouse and rat poison.
  4. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for human (ibuprofen, naproxen etc).
  5. Household cleaners.
  6. Antidepressant drugs for humans (Prozac etc).
  7. Fertilizers.
  8. Cough & cold human drugs.
  9. Amphetamines for humans (ADD/ADHD meds etc).
  10. NSAIDs for dogs (Rimadyl, Deramaxx & Previcox).

Canine Lymphoma

A new immunotherapy for companion dogs with advanced-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has been shown to improve survival while maintaining quality of life, according to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports. The study resulted from a collaboration between The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital in Houston and Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine in College Station.

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