As if another reason was needed, a recent study from Australia (Martinez-Anton et al. 2018 J Vet Internal Med) found a strong association between dogs that consume raw chicken meat and a serious neurological condition known as acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN). APN is comparable to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in humans. The main objective of
A perfect storm for canine flu
There were several more reports over the weekend in follow up to the canine influenza outbreak at dog shows in Florida early last week. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, associated cases were then found in North Carolina, and have now been reported in 11 states, no doubt from dogs that were at the shows
Raccoon Rabies – 1 Year Later
It has been just over 1 year since the discovery of the first rabid raccoon in Ontario in over a decade, and the first rabid wildlife in the Hamilton area in over two decades. Since then well over 4500 abnormal or “found dead” wildlife have been tested, and 253 animals carrying raccoon-variant rabies have
Rabies Posters & Latest Update
Raccoon-variant rabies cases around the Hamilton area continue to trickle in slowly but steadily each week. The total number of cases is now up to 187 since December 2015, with 132 cases in raccoons and 53 in skunks. The remaining two cases were in less common – but not altogether unexpected – species: a fox
Canine flu strikes again – Illinois
Canine influenza has once again reared its ugly head in fairly spectacular fashion, this time in Bloomington, IL. Apparently there have been numerous laboratory-confirmed cases, and also many suspected cases, and likely still more cases that have gone completely unreported. It’s estimated that “hundreds” of dogs may have been affected already – it’s very difficult
10 More Rabid Raccoons in Hamilton
It seems to be a bit of a slow month for zoonoses. Finally getting some cold weather here in Ontario certainly helps keep many bugs at bay (and people indoors). Nonetheless, rabies continues to keep us hopping. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is continuing with its surveillance efforts around the cluster of
Rabies baits and feral cats
The incursion of raccoon rabies in the Hamilton ON area reached a total of 10 confirmed cases as of last week. A map of the current MNRF control zone is available on the OMAFRA website. This is the area where the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has spread oral rabies vaccine (ORV)
3 More Rabid Raccoons in Hamilton
As they say, when you look you find.
After a sick raccoon in Hamilton had an altercation with two dogs last week and subsequently tested positive for rabies, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) tested an additional 14 raccoons and three skunks that were picked up by Hamilton Animal Services since then. These
Rabid Raccoon in Hamilton ON
Last week, a sick raccoon in Hamilton, Ontario got into an altercation with two bull mastiffs in the back of an animal services van. The story quickly hit the media (and social media). Because the raccoon was not acting normally (and was actually reportedly very aggressive), it was euthanized. Because it also had direct contact
Get Smart About Antibiotics Week
Since their discovery in the mid-1900s (which really wasn’t that long ago in the grand scheme of things), antibiotics have revolutionized human medicine, veterinary medicine and even food production. They save lives and prevent illness, helping to make both people and animals healthier, happier and more efficient at what they do. But if we want