Forum-West Nile Virus Update
By Matthew 'Uncle Matty' Margolis
Q: Front page headlines in the Scottsdale Republic this past week say that the West Nile Virus has been found in two area neighborhoods, one of them close to my home. It must be serious, because the county fogged the area that same night. I remember a year or so ago you talked about this virus in your column, and I'm wondering about my dog, Billy, and my cat, Andy. Are they in danger? Is there a vaccine that will protect them? --
A: The Centers for Disease Control in the United States, www.cdc.gov, does have information about the West Nile Virus and animals. The disease is transmitted by bites from infected mosquitoes. The latest year of statistics is 2003, and during that year, fewer than 40 infected dogs were reported and only one cat. Should a dog or cat become infected, dogs apparently, show little if any symptoms. Cats may develop a slight fever and become lethargic. There is no specific treatment and no vaccine for canines or felines. These pets are unlikely to die from the infection. There is no specific treatment other than standard veterinary practices regarding viruses.
If you suspect your pet has been infected, your pet should see the veterinarian. Full recovery from the infection is expected, and there is no reason to euthanize a dog or cat that has the infection. Although there is no evidence of cat or dog transmission of the virus to humans, the presence of the infection suggests there are infected mosquitoes in your area, and humans should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by using repellents and protective clothing. DEET-based repellents suitable for humans are not safe for animals. It is also prudent to keep your cats and dogs indoors.
Apparently, horses, donkeys and miniature donkeys are more susceptible to West Nile Virus infection that can cause death, though most of these animals will recover. Infected mosquitoes feeding on a horse inject the virus into the bloodstream where the virus multiplies and can infect the brain and interfere with the functions of the central nervous system. A vaccine for horses was recently approved, although the total effectiveness is not yet known. A lot of you know that I have a little herd of miniature donkeys, and they have been vaccinated for this virus.
Recently, we have had several inquiries about bringing family cats and dogs back into the United States, or bringing in a pet from a foreign country. The questions are all about health requirements. The CDC does not require general certificates of health for either species, but some airlines or states may require them. Both cats and dogs are inspected at ports of entry into the United States, and if they appear ill or have evidence of an infectious disease, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense will probably be required.
All dogs, service and otherwise, must have been vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days prior to entry or re-entry into the United States. Dogs without proof of rabies vaccinations, including puppies too young to be vaccinated, will be confined until adequately vaccinated and held until 30 days after the vaccination. You should check with local and state agencies regarding their requirements. There are rabies-free countries. Check the CDC website for additional information.
The U.S. government does not require proof of rabies vaccinations for cats, however, check your local and state governments for their requirements. If you bring a cat into the state of Hawaii or the territory of Guam, even if the pet is coming from the U.S. mainland, they are subject to local quarantines.
So do your homework and avoid the unexpected.
Q: Front page headlines in the Scottsdale Republic this past week say that the West Nile Virus has been found in two area neighborhoods, one of them close to my home. It must be serious, because the county fogged the area that same night. I remember a year or so ago you talked about this virus in your column, and I'm wondering about my dog, Billy, and my cat, Andy. Are they in danger? Is there a vaccine that will protect them? --
A: The Centers for Disease Control in the United States, www.cdc.gov, does have information about the West Nile Virus and animals. The disease is transmitted by bites from infected mosquitoes. The latest year of statistics is 2003, and during that year, fewer than 40 infected dogs were reported and only one cat. Should a dog or cat become infected, dogs apparently, show little if any symptoms. Cats may develop a slight fever and become lethargic. There is no specific treatment and no vaccine for canines or felines. These pets are unlikely to die from the infection. There is no specific treatment other than standard veterinary practices regarding viruses.
If you suspect your pet has been infected, your pet should see the veterinarian. Full recovery from the infection is expected, and there is no reason to euthanize a dog or cat that has the infection. Although there is no evidence of cat or dog transmission of the virus to humans, the presence of the infection suggests there are infected mosquitoes in your area, and humans should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by using repellents and protective clothing. DEET-based repellents suitable for humans are not safe for animals. It is also prudent to keep your cats and dogs indoors.
Apparently, horses, donkeys and miniature donkeys are more susceptible to West Nile Virus infection that can cause death, though most of these animals will recover. Infected mosquitoes feeding on a horse inject the virus into the bloodstream where the virus multiplies and can infect the brain and interfere with the functions of the central nervous system. A vaccine for horses was recently approved, although the total effectiveness is not yet known. A lot of you know that I have a little herd of miniature donkeys, and they have been vaccinated for this virus.
Recently, we have had several inquiries about bringing family cats and dogs back into the United States, or bringing in a pet from a foreign country. The questions are all about health requirements. The CDC does not require general certificates of health for either species, but some airlines or states may require them. Both cats and dogs are inspected at ports of entry into the United States, and if they appear ill or have evidence of an infectious disease, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense will probably be required.
All dogs, service and otherwise, must have been vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days prior to entry or re-entry into the United States. Dogs without proof of rabies vaccinations, including puppies too young to be vaccinated, will be confined until adequately vaccinated and held until 30 days after the vaccination. You should check with local and state agencies regarding their requirements. There are rabies-free countries. Check the CDC website for additional information.
The U.S. government does not require proof of rabies vaccinations for cats, however, check your local and state governments for their requirements. If you bring a cat into the state of Hawaii or the territory of Guam, even if the pet is coming from the U.S. mainland, they are subject to local quarantines.
So do your homework and avoid the unexpected.


