Infectious Diseases & Epidemiology

Lexington, Ky.- In combating an infectious disease outbreak, communication is key.

Canine distemper is a debilitating, persistent infection of the nervous system, caused by an enveloped single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the family of Paramixovirid?, Morbillivirus genus.

This virus is transmitted directly dog-to-dog. In fact, it is the first time that influenza has demonstrated efficient horizontal dog-to-dog transmission.

Harrisburg, Pa. - Pennsylvania began its oral rabies baiting program in August.

DAVIS, CALIF. - 9/8/06 - Corvids, including American crows, Yellow-billed Magpies, Western scrub-jays and other members of the Corvidae family, serve as the primary reservoirs or incubators for the mosquito-borne virus, according to research entomologist William Reisen of the Center for Vectorborne Diseases (also known as CVEC), a unit of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

The loss of more than $60,000 and interruption of her veterinary practice wasn't what kept Dr. Marlene Pinera awake at night...

Duluth, Ga.- Merial announces the release of Recombitek? KC2, an intranasal vaccine that protects dogs from infectious tracheobronchitis.

Necropsy is one of a clinician's best teachers; are we staying sharp?

Historically, cats have been considered to be resistant to influenza virus infections.

Fort Collins, Colo. - A study led by Colorado State University (CSU) researcher Ken Olson shows that mosquitoes can be genetically engineered to be weapons against infectious diseases.

Madison, Wis.- A bill that would allow certified veterinary technicians to administer rabies vaccinations under the direct supervision of licensed veterinarians awaits the blessing from Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle.

In patients with clinical signs of one tick-borne disease, it is important to consider that they may be infected with multiple tick-borne pathogens. Coinfections may account for the diverse clinical signs some patients exhibit.

Gastrointestinal parasites are insidious causes of disease in cats. Protozoan parasitic infections in particular can be difficult to detect because there are often no signs of disease, or the signs, such as diarrhea, are nonspecific. But these infections must be uncovered and cured before they cause serious disease or spread to housemates or even owners.

A 3-year-old castrated male German shepherd was referred to the Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Tufts University for evaluation of polyuria, polydipsia, and decreasing appetite.

A routine physical examination of a 1.5-year-old spayed female German shepherd that had been presented for vaccinations revealed generalized lymph node adenopathy and a slight fever (102.8 F).

Gainesville, Fla. — Media exposure and Internet rumors surrounding canine influenza have scientists and practitioners scrambling to clarify a sea of misinformation.

ATHENS, GA.- 10/18/05 - University of Georgia (UGA) veterinary researchers say blocking a protein that helps transport viruses from a cell could prevent the infection from reproducing and contaminating other cells.

Common infectious causes of diarrhea in kittens include viruses, bacteria, protozoa, helminths, and fungi.

Dogs, like cats, have generally been resistant to influenza infections. However, equine influenza virus was implicated in an outbreak of respiratory disease in racing greyhounds from Jacksonville, Fla., in early 2004.

Many researchers and health officials are concerned about the potential for an influenza pandemic caused by avian influenza virus.

To reduce the potential for developing bacterial resistance, it is important to follow treatment guidelines that help ensure elimination of the microbial population.

Portland, Ore. — Banfield reports an increase in leptospirosis cases through its national network of hospitals.

TALLAHASSEE - 7/13/05 - Florida now requires its county governments to recognize a three-year rabies vaccine protocol.

The recommended treatment is doxycycline and some sort of penicillin.

The media buzz may have quieted considerably, but West Nile virus continues to cause illness and death nationwide and is here to stay. Within six years of the initial detection of this exotic mosquito-borne virus in New York, it has spread to all continental states, through Canada and Mexico, and into Central America.