AVIAN FLU
As fears over the spread of avian flu to the United Kingdom continue, many pet owners are naturally concerned about their own pets and the need to get the best quality local advice they can until the threat of an epidemic coming to this country recedes.

The practice offers the following advice: “The risk to domestic animals in the U.K. is very low. Even if the H5N1 strain of avian flu was to make its way to Britain, the risks to humans and domestic animals are still considered by DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Administration) to be minimal. We advise pet owners to continue with their normal pet care routine.”

Some commonly asked questions include: Question- My dog found some dead birds. Does this mean it will get ‘flu? Answer -There is no evidence that any type of avian influenza (AI) has passed from avian species to dogs. So even in the unlikely event that the reported dead birds had died from AI, the risk to your dog would be extremely low. Cases of dog ‘flu have been recorded in the USA, but in this case the virus is believed to have originated from horse ‘flu. Q - Am I at risk from touching dead birds? A- Wild birds can carry several diseases that are infectious to people. If dead birds are handled, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible. Avoid touching your face and certainly do not eat until you have washed your hands. Clean any soiling on clothing with soap and water. Q- What am I at risk from? A-Although the risk of AI may be low, birds carry other respiratory infections. Birds can also carry infections which can cause gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. Q -What should I do if I find a number of dead birds? A-If you find one or more dead swans/wild fowl (ducks and geese), more than 3 dead birds of the same species or more than 5 dead birds of different species, in the same place, you should contact the Defra Helpline (08459 33 55 77). Currently the Helpline is available between the following hours Monday - Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday - Sunday 9am to 6pm. You will be asked for details of your finding and its location. Q -Can cats bring avian flu into a household? We have two indoor-outdoor cats which occasionally catch rats or birds and, of course, bring them into the house. It doesn't take much to imagine one's cat catching and bringing into the house an infected, ill migratory bird. How concerned should pet owners be? And what is a reasonable course of action under such circumstances? Answer: The advice from an eminent virologist and supported by DEFRA, the British government department for the environment, food and rural affairs is: The facts are that cats are susceptible to the current H5N1 strains of avian flu virus, as are garden birds. Consequently, there is a theoretical risk that cats could introduce the virus into a household through predation, and that people could be infected from the bird, or the cat. The risk must be considered remote. The virus would have to be introduced into domestic poultry in this country through imported poultry, cagebirds or migrating wildfowl; then the virus would have to spread to native garden birds. At each stage warning would be given by the authorities. Currently there is no risk. As to dealing with dead wild birds brought in by the cat, these are best disposed of by sealing inside a plastic bag and placing in the household rubbish bin. However, not only for reasons of avian flu but also because of salmonella, e coli and other infections birds can carry, direct contact with the carcase should be avoided, so either wear disposable gloves or use the plastic bag to scoop up the carcase. Then wash hands thoroughly afterwards. If however the cat owner is aware of an unusual die-off of waterfowl or waders, they should not touch them, but inform the DEFRA Helpline who will make arrangements to collect. The Helpline can be contacted on 08459 335577 or on email: helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk or through local Divisional Veterinary Managers of the State Veterinary Service. Useful websites for up to the minute information are: www.defra.gov.uk and www.rspb.org.uk

CHOCOLATE TOXICITY
As Easter approaches, we are keen to warn dog owners about the danger chocolate can pose to man’s best friend. Once dogs have tasted chocolate they develop an instant craving for more. However chocolate is harmful because it contains theobromine, a xanthine compound from the same family as caffeine. Theobromine can lead to a toxic reaction which, at worst, could result in death.

The reaction will vary according to the size and general health of the dog and the cocoa solid content of the chocolate eaten. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. White chocolate is the safest with only 1mg of theobromine per ounce whereas baking chocolate has a whopping 450mg of theobromine per ounce. Research from the The Dogs Trust has estimated that 50g of plain chocolate would be enough to kill a small dog, such as a Yorkshire Terrier, while an average sized dog, such as a labrador could be killed by about 400g.

Look out for any of the following symptoms: vomit that contains blood, tummy upset or diarrhoea, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling, slow heart rate and in the later stages, epileptic-type fits. If your dog is displaying any of these signs bring him down to us immediately. The good news is that if caught early the symptoms of theobromine poisoning can be treated.

Myxomatosis outbreak
A case of myxomatosis was confirmed on 19-09-07 in a wild rabbit from Hounslow Heath, by partner Matthew Wilson.

Myxomatosis has been more prevalent than usual in the uk this year, but this is the first case seen locally this year at Young Veterinary Partnership.

Myxomatosis is spread by biting insects including fleas, and mosquitoes. This means all rabbits in the Hounslow area are at risk whether kept outdoor or indoor. Mxomatosis causes swelling of the eyelids, and genital regions, a high temperature, followed by pneumonia and in nearly all cases death. Myxomatosis can be prevented by vaccinating your pet rabbit, every 6 months in this time of high risk.