The Truth about Rabies Why WRAH Chooses 1 year Rabies Vaccines for our Felines

What is Rabies?
Rabies is probably the oldest recognized infectious disease, and possibly the first recognized zoonotic disease (something that can be passed to humans). Rabies is a viral disease that causes infection of the peripheral and central and nervous systems. Rabies can be transmissible between many species including domesticated and wild mammals, including humans. According to the AVMA, “There are over 4,000 mammalian species which are susceptible to rabies, although only a few of these species are considered major reservoir hosts. In the United States, the most common reservoir species are raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes.”

How do felines get Rabies?
Cats are more likely to contract rabies than dogs because cats are more likely to roam outside unsupervised. Cats are also less likely to be vaccinated for Rabies because of the difficulty and stress of bringing them to the veterinarian. According to the AVMA, “In 2008, the number of rabies-infected cats was almost 4 times the number of rabies-infected dogs and 5 times the number of rabies-infected cattle.” Because West Ridge knows how stressful taking your cat to the veterinarian can be we have established a cat friendly room that eliminates some of the tension and promotes a more relaxing enjoyable visit for both you and your cat.

Vaccinating your Feline
Rabies is a disease the can be easily prevented through routine visits and vaccinations. It is recommended that all felines be vaccinated for this disease due to increased exposure and risk due to their curious nature. Even indoor cats can contract Rabies, and that is why WRAH would like all of our feline patient to be vaccinated. At West Ridge, we use a 1 year rabies vaccine as recommended by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, because it is the safest and most effective vaccine for felines.

1 year vs. 3 year Rabies vaccines for Felines
All vaccinations come with their own set of risks. For cats, one of the most serious is fibrosarcoma, a type of cancer that appears at the injection site and spreads rapidly. This usually occurs with vaccines that have an adjuvant added to a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to react to the vaccine and allow the immunity to last longer in the body. This product is usually found in 3 year vaccines. The adjuvant in feline vaccines is usually made up of Aluminum salts. Our hospital uses non-adjuvant Rabies vaccines. Due to the increased risk of Fibrosarcomas, we believe, along with the American Association of Feline Practitioner, that using a 1 year, non-adjuvant vaccines is the best option for our patients. Even though this risk of a fibroscarcoma to form is rare, it is a risk we are not willing to take. For more information on the risks of Rabies or Fibrosarcomas in Feline see the refrences listed below.

References:
The American Association of Feline Practitioners: Feline Rabies
      http://www.catvets.com/cat-owners/disease-and-conditions/rabies

The American Veterinary Medical Association Website: Rabies Background
      https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/LiteratureReviews/Pages/Rabies-Backgrounder.aspx

The Veterinary Partner Website: Vaccine Associated Fibrosarcoma
      http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=526

Monthly Heartworm Prevention: Why Does My Dog Need It and What Does It Cover?

It's that time of year again; spring is in the air!  Many people and animals love this time of year because they have the chance to get outside and enjoy the warm sunshine and beautiful weather.  But you and your furry friends aren't the only ones to enjoy the new season.  Predators lurk, waiting just outside your doors.  One of these sneaking creatures would love to slip inside a crack in your window and make a blood meal out of you or your unsuspecting pet.  Want to know what this nasty little guy is?  A mosquito!  These guys seem like a mere nuisance, biting and giving us annoying itchy bumps; yet what most people don't realize is that mosquitoes can carry heartworm larvae that can easily infect our unprotected pets.

Many people will say, "Fluffy doesn't go outside but to go potty a few times a day, so I don't think I need to worry." Or, "The area I live in doesn't have many mosquitoes, so Fluffy doesn't need protection."  Heartworm disease is prevalent in all fifty states, and all it takes is one bite from a mosquito to infect your pet.  Heartworms live in your pet's arteries; they multiply until there are so many of them that the blood cannot flow properly. Treatment for heartworms is costly and dangerous but also lifesaving. Heartworms are scary, but there are several preventive options on the market.

West Ridge Animal Hospital uses a product called Sentinel that protects your pet against not only heartworms, but other intestinal parasites that they might bring home to you and your family. Sentinel Flavor Tabs and Sentinel Spectrum are oral medications proven to help protect your dogs from heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and flea eggs.  Spectrum goes one step further and protects against tapeworms as well!  Both medications contain powerful, safe, and well tolerated drugs (Mibemycin Oxime, Lufenuron, and Proziquantel added to Spectrum) to kill heartworms and other parasites before they can cause serious health problems to your furry friends.  This monthly preventive product also has the ability to protect your dogs by killing flea eggs from hatching and developing into a full blow flea infestation.

As evidenced by the comparison chart below, Sentinel and Sentinel Spectrum both have the ability to thoroughly protect your pets with an easy to administer monthly dose. Sentinel is a proven product. It is safe and effective in preventing not only heartworm disease, but intestinal parasites that could possibly infect your family.  All you need to do to get your dogs started on this monthly parasite preventative is a yearly heartworm blood test that can be performed at your veterinarian's office.  This test ensures that your pet is not already infected with heartworms and can safely receive the preventive.  So get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather with the knowledge that you are protecting your dog and family all with a little flavored tab!

Heartworm Prevention: Dogs

(click image to enlarge)

Read about Treating Canine Heartworm Disease

Speaking from Experience:  One Pet Owner’s Story of how Heartworms Affected her Family 

Some Surprising Summer Safety Situations

Ah summer… days filled with sprinklers, beaches, yard work, and other adventures.  Many of us understand how to keep ourselves and our children safe, but there are some hidden dangers for your pets of which you may not be aware.

-    Hoses: just pieces of innocuous yard equipment, right?  Usually, yes.  However, some dogs are actually being scalded by hot water from hoses that bake in the sun.  If using an outside hose for fun or a bath let it run for a moment and check the water temperature before pointing it at your pet- or your child, for that matter!

-    Solid ground: the ground is a hazard?  Yes.  Animals, obviously, don’t wear shoes when they go outside.  On high-temp days, try out the concrete, asphalt, and even dirt with your own bare feet and your pet will thank you!

-    Cars: NEVER leave an animal in an unoccupied car, even with the windows open.  Temperatures in cars increases alarmingly fast and can be harmful- even fatal- in minutes.

-    Wildlife and pesky insects: not only can they be irritating, they can also inflict illness.  Leptospirosis, intestinal worms, heartworms, distemper, rabies, and tick-borne diseases can all be avoided with proactive measures.  Verify with your veterinarian that your pet is up to date on all vaccines and preventive medications.

-    Pools, beaches and lakes: we all know that these can be very dangerous if we’re not careful.  Here are some suggestions for keeping your four-footed family members free from harm.

• Never force an animal into water, not all dogs enjoy or are adept at swimming.
• There is a very rare risk of water intoxication caused by dogs gulping large amounts of water- be on the watch for strange behavior during or after playing in water.
• It’s a good idea to wear a life vest and not swim too close to your dog so that you don’t get scratched or pulled under accidentally.
• Be sure to provide fresh drinking water.
• Keep a close eye on your pet for signs of dehydration, ear infections or other water-related issues.

-    Landscaping: This category has sub-categories all its own…

• ASPCA’s website to discover what plants are toxic to animals so that they can be placed where your pets won’t have access to them.  
• One must also be careful when applying fertilizers and other chemicals to the yard to restrict exposure to any animals.  
• Metal garden edging may pose a hazard to dogs as it can possibly cut them between their tender paws.  We recommend using rubber, brick, or wood instead.
• It’s a good idea to do an inspection of the yard periodically to check for threats to your pets’ safety.  Oftentimes a piece of fence comes loose or a nail becomes exposed- both treacherous situations for sure!

With just a little extra effort and close observation, we can all enjoy a safe, happy summer!

Skunk rabies confirmed in Weld County

Skunk rabies has been confirmed in Weld County earlier this month. While bat rabies has been in our area for awhile, terrestrial wildlife with rabies is more of a concern due to increased potential for exposure to pets and other domestic animals. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment lists the following as ways to prevent exposure to rabies:

• Do not feed, touch or handle wild animals and be cautious of stray dogs and cats
• Teach children to leave wildlife alone and tell you when they have been bitten or scratched
• Have dogs, cats, horses, and livestock vaccinated regularly by your veterinarian
• Maintain control of pets by keeping them indoors and under supervision
• Spay or neuter pets to reduce the number of unwanted or stray animals in the neighborhood
• Call local animal control to remove stray animals from the neighborhood
• Keep trash bins tightly closed and do not leave pet food outdoors

Be especially wary of any wildlife that acts out of the norm, i.e. nocturnal animals out at daytime or wild animals seeming to be tame. These signs can point to illness.

For more information:
Weld County Press Release
Colorado State rabies brochure

Pet Files: Get active in ridding ringworm in your pet

West Ridge's own Dr Deb Singleton, wrote the following article about ringworm for the Greeley Tribune:

Ringworm is a fungal infection affecting the hair, nails and the superficial layers of the skin. The condition is called “ringworm” because of the classic red, circular lesions of hair loss that appear on the skin. Another name for the condition is “dermatophytosis,” which is a description of the type of fungus involved in the infection.

Exposure to the fungus usually occurs via the environment (soil or living area), or exposure to a carrier animal. Exposure does not necessarily lead to an infection. An affected animal that does not show signs may remain an inapparent carrier for a long period of time. Lack of good immune system function can lead to an infection. The condition is more common in long-haired cats and young animals. High population density, poor nutrition and poor environmental management can increase the risk of ringworm infection.

Lesions on the skin may begin as a poor appearance to the hair coat and progress to circular areas of hair loss. Scales, redness and increased black pigmentation of the skin, as well as itchiness may also be seen. Humans are also susceptible to ringworm infection, and may develop similar red, circular lesions on the skin.

Diagnosis of a ringworm infection may be difficult. The best method of confirming a diagnosis is to culture hairs plucked from the edge of an area of hair loss; these are placed on a special gel media. The media will change color from yellow to red with the growth of a fungus. This process generally takes two to three weeks. Hair examined with a special UV light may glow green, increasing the suspicion of ringworm, but this test is not diagnostic, as skin flakes and sebum may also produce a false positive glow. Rarely, a skin biopsy may be required.

Many short-haired cats and dogs will undergo spontaneous remission or cure of the condition. Treatment may be frustrating and somewhat expensive in multi-animal households or recurrent cases. Environmental treatment is important; cleansing with diluted bleach (90 seconds with water) is an effective method of disinfecting surfaces and bedding.

Medical treatment may range from topical solutions and shampoos to oral medications. Generally, mild cases will be treated by cleansing the animal with miconazole (anti-fungal) shampoo and applying a topical anti-fungal medication with gloves to the lesions. It is important not to apply any medication with bare hands, or to handle the animal unnecessarily, as this will increase the likelihood of spread of the infection to humans.

Oral anti-fungal medications may be used in more severe or generalized cases. These include itraconazole, ketoconazole and griseofulvin. These medications should be given with a meal to improve absorption. They may have side effects, ranging from mild stomach upset to severe liver or bone marrow reactions, so they are used cautiously. Your veterinarian may require blood testing to ensure that your animal is able to take these medications safely.

A negative subsequent dermatophyte culture is the only way to ensure a response to therapy. Many animals will appear to improve, but remain positive on culture. Treatment is generally continued until at least one culture is negative.

Please speak with your veterinarian if you have questions about ringworm infection in your pet. If you suspect that a family member may have ringworm, please consult your medical doctor.

Debra Singleton is a veterinarian practicing in Greeley. She is a graduate of Colorado State University specializing in the treatment of dogs, cats and exotic animals.

First Case of West Nile

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Web: http://www.co.weld.co.us/redesign/health/

Our vision: Together with the communities we serve, we are working to make Weld County a healthy place to live, learn, work and play.

News Release

Contact: Gaye Morrison, Public Information Officer
970-304-6470 ext. 2380
gmorrison@co.weld.co.us

For Immediate Release July 2, 2010

FIRST HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE IN WELD COUNTY

Greeley – The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment confirmed today the first human case of West Nile virus in Weld County in 2010. The fifty-three year old female was diagnosed with West Nile fever and is recovering at home. This is also the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Colorado in 2010. In 2009, there were 103 human cases of West Nile virus in Colorado with 3 deaths. In Weld County there were a total of 15 cases confirmed last year and no deaths.

Dr. Mark Wallace, Executive Director of the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE), said, “Conditions have been favorable for mosquitoes to breed. Many people have reported mosquitoes being more bothersome this season. It is not unexpected that northern Colorado is where the first case of West Nile virus infection has occurred. We are thankful the person in Weld County is recovering well. Everyone should take precautions – avoid being out at dusk and dawn, wear protective clothing, apply appropriate repellant when outside, repair holes in window screens, and reduce the amount of standing water around your home. West Nile infection can be prevented when precautions are taken.”

Mosquito counts have been rising rapidly in Weld County and have been particularly high in Greeley, Evans, Ft. Lupton and Milliken. The health department began adult mosquito surveillance on June 7, 2010 and conducts weekly mosquito trapping at 24 locations in the county. To date 24 pools of Culex mosquitoes have been submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for testing and none have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

There are several municipalities in Weld County that have mosquito control programs in place, including Dacono, Evans, Erie, Firestone, Fort Lupton, Frederick, Johnstown, Kersey, Keensburg, LaSalle, Lochbuie, Platteville and Windsor. Mosquito control programs differ depending on the municipality but may include trapping, larvacide treatment to prevent mosquito breeding and adulticide or spraying.

Dr. Wallace emphasizes that everyone must take personal precautions against mosquito bites even if there is a mosquito control program where they live. Additional recommendations for protecting yourself and family against mosquito bites include:

• Using approved mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. DEET products generally provide the longest protection. The other repellents work but must be applied more frequently. Follow the product label for correct use. Products with 10 percent or less DEET are recommended for children.
• Spraying clothing with insecticides containing DEET or Permethrin if you are outside for long periods of time. This will last up to four washings or two weeks on clothing. It is important to follow product directions.
• Wearing light weight clothing with long pants and sleeves in addition to repellent when outdoors.
• Getting rid of any standing water that provides breeding places for the mosquitoes.
• Using a larvacide if you have standing water around your home that you cannot drain. Larvacide can be placed directly in water and it kills mosquito larvae before they have a chance to hatch. It comes in a variety of forms, from briquettes to sprays, and many types are nontoxic.

West Nile virus is carried by birds and transmitted by mosquitos that bite the infected birds. Infected mosquitoes transmit the virus to humans, horses, and birds. Everyone is at risk for mosquito born disease. West Nile season in Colorado begins in late June, peaks in July and August, and goes through September.

West Nile virus symptoms may appear in 3 – 14 days after infection. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches and weakness and rash. Some individuals may become seriously ill with encephalitis, swelling of the brain, or meningitis, a swelling of the brain’s lining or the spinal cord. Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, muscle weakness, vision loss, paralysis and even death. If a person or someone in their family develops symptoms, they should contact their health care provider.

For more information on West Nile virus call the CO Help hotline at 1-877-462-2911 or the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment hotline at 970-304-6420, ext. 2234 for English or ext. 2235 for Spanish. Visit www.FighttheBiteColorado.com. or www.co.weld.co.us.

Weld County Zoonoses Newsletter

Learn the latest about animal-borne diseases in Weld County. This includes West Nile Virus, Rabies, Plauge and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.

Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment June 30, 2010 Zoonoses Newsletter (PDF file requires Adobe Acrobat)

Some Highlights:

WEST NILE VIRUS (WNV)
Our contractor, OtterTail Environmental Inc., began adult mosquito surveillance on June 7, 2010, conducting weekly mosquito trapping at 24 locations in the county. In the past week alone, the trapping yielded a total of 27,412 mosquitoes with 1,123 (4%) Culex mosquitoes. To date 24 pools of Culex mosquitoes have been submitted to CDPHE for testing. No mosquito pools have tested positive for WNV.

To avoid West Nile virus, please remember to:

• Use insect repellant for ALL outdoor activities. Use DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, (Follow The Label Directions Carefully).
  
• At Dawn and Dusk dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors and be sure to cover feet and ankles.
  
• DRAIN and EMPTY all containers (toys, kiddy pools, flowerpots, buckets) in your yards because mosquitoes carrying WNV can bite at anytime and anywhere, even in your own yards. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and running freely.
  
• Check your home to make sure all windows and doors have screens and are in good condition. This will reduce the chance of mosquitoes and bats gaining entry into your home.
• For additional information on repellents and on how to protect you and your family around home go to the Colorado Fight the Bite web page.

RABIES
A total of twenty (20) animals from Weld County have been tested for rabies so far in 2010. This includes five (5) bats, nine (9) domestic animals (cat (3), dog (5), cow (1)), two equines and four (4) wild animals (skunks). To date, only one of these animals have tested positive for rabies, a bat.

Bats historically have been the most common carriers of rabies in Weld County. Do not approach or touch bats particularly if they are seen during the day and/or acting strange. If you awake to a bat in your bedroom or find your children or pets alone with a bat, please call WCDPHE at (970) 304-6415 immediately.

The best way to protect your pet animals is to keep them currently vaccinated for rabies. Keep bats out of your home by sealing all openings and keep screens (in good condition) on all doors and windows.

PLAGUE
A total of three (3) animals, (coyote (2), cat) from Weld County have been tested for plague in 2010. None of these animals have tested positive. In Weld County, plague activity is typically identified by citizens who notice a decrease in prairie dog or other rodent activity. WCDPHE personnel will investigate these rodent die-offs for plague activity and submit samples for testing when available.

Cats are particularly susceptible to plague. Infected cats generally have a history of roaming freely in rural or semi-rural settings and/ or may be known as a good hunter. Cats can be involved in transmission to humans either by bringing infected fleas home or by bites, scratches or respiratory droplets (sneezing). Adequate flea control/protection is advised for these cats.

HANTAVIRUS PULMONARY SYNDROME (HPS)
One case of Hantavirus has been reported in 2010 resulting in death. In Weld County, a total of five (5) cases of HPS have been documented since HPS was discovered, including two (2) deaths. An environmental assessment conducted in 1994 on the Pawnee National Grasslands revealed 10% of the rodents captured were infected with the Hantavirus.

Hantavirus is present in the saliva, urine, and feces of infected mice. People are infected by breathing in the virus during direct contact with rodents or from disturbing dust and feces from mice nests or surfaces contaminated with mice droppings or urine. Please remember to follow CLEAN-UP GUIDANCE for safe clean-up of mice nests or surfaces contaminated with mice droppings or urine.

Rabies Information

Rabies was recently confirmed in a horse in Colorado. The following is information from the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association regarding Rabies:

Rabies is a viral disease infecting the brain and central nervous system. The clinical appearance of rabies typically falls into two types: “aggressive” and “dumb.” Aggressive rabies symptoms include combativeness and violent behavior and sensitivity to touch and other kinds of stimulation. There is also a “dumb” form of the disease in which the animal is lethargic, weak in one or more limbs, and unable to raise its head or make sounds because its throat and neck muscles are paralyzed.

Rabies can be passed from animals to humans. Elisabeth Lawaczeck, state public health veterinarian at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment added, “The best way to protect your family from rabies is to keep your pets currently vaccinated for rabies through your local veterinarian, humane society, or animal shelter. Rabies vaccination performed by owners will not be recognized by local public health or animal control agencies for licensing or in the event of an exposure to a rabid animal.”

Rabies is spread primarily through the bite of rabid animals, resulting in the spread of the disease through their infected saliva. Rabies also can be spread when saliva from an infected animal gets into open wounds, cuts or enters through membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth. No cure exists for rabies once symptoms appear although there is a vaccine to prevent the infection. Livestock and pet owners are urged to discuss the vaccine with their local veterinarian.

“Animal owners need to primarily look for any dramatic behavioral changes. That is typically one of the hallmark signs that the animal may be suffering from rabies,” said Roehr.

Examples of unusual behavior include: wild mammals that show no fear of people and pets; nocturnal animals that are active in daylight; and bats found on the ground, in swimming pools or that have been caught by a pet. Rabid carnivores, such as skunks, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, dogs and cats, may become aggressive and may attempt to bite people, pets and livestock.

In addition to ensuring that pets and livestock are vaccinated properly against rabies, residents are encouraged to follow these prevention steps:

· Don’t feed wild animals or allow your pets around them. Be sure to teach children to stay away from wild mammals.

· Contact your veterinarian if your dog or cat is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, such as a skunk, bat, fox or raccoon.

· If you suspect you’ve been exposed to rabies, contact your physician without delay.

· Discuss rabies vaccination of your livestock with your veterinarian. Vaccination should be considered for horses and other equines, breeding livestock, dairy cattle or other high-value livestock, especially in areas of the state where skunks have been diagnosed with rabies.

· If you observe a wild mammal acting strangely, especially a skunk, or if you find a dead skunk that isn’t on your property, stay away from it. Strange behavior for a skunk would include being out and about during daytime hours.

· If you must remove a dead skunk on your property, wear rubber gloves or lift the carcass with a shovel or other tool, and double-bag it for the trash.

· Do not allow pet dogs or cats to roam freely, as this increases the chance they may be exposed without your knowledge. Keep dogs in a fenced in yard.

· Take precautions when camping, hunting or fishing. Avoid sleeping on the open ground without the protection of a closed tent or camper. Keep pets on a leash and do not allow them to wander.

Additional Resources

Colorado Department of Agriculture

www.colorado.gov/ag/animals

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/rabies/

Colorado Division of Wildlife
http://wildlife.state.co.us/About/OfficesAndPhone/
http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/

Colorado State University
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/livestk/01819.html
http://csuvets.colostate.edu/equinehospital/Equine_Rabies_For_North_Forty_News_March_2009.pdf
http://www.dlab.colostate.edu/

Rabies information is also available on the Issues section of the CVMA website at www.colovma.com

Horse Confirmed with Rabies in Colorado

Recently released from the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association:

Horse Confirmed with Rabies in Colorado

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is encouraging livestock and pet owners to discuss animal health concerns, including the rabies vaccine, with their local veterinarian after a horse in eastern Arapahoe County tested positive for rabies.

“The department would like to stress two very important points,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr. “One—animal owners need to be aware that rabies is transferring from one species to another and they should monitor their animals for symptoms; and two—local veterinarians are a valuable resource to help producers decide the best course of action to protect their livestock and pets from rabies.”

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in 2009, there were a total of 103 rabies cases in 20 Colorado counties; one of those cases included a horse. In September 2009, a horse in El Paso County was euthanized and subsequent tests determined the horse was infected with rabies; public health experts believe the horse was exposed in July 2009 to a skunk on its home property in the Black Forest area.
As of April 12, a total of 28 animals have tested positive for rabies in Colorado in 2010: 25 skunks (13 from Elbert County), 1 domestic cat from Prowers County, 1 muskrat from Morgan County, and the 1 horse from eastern Arapahoe County.

Click here for more information on Rabies, including tips for detection and prevention.

Zoonotic Disease Update

West Ridge Animal Hospital periodically receives updates from the government regarding community health issues. The following information is from a recent Zoonotic Disease Update to our veterinarians from Weld County Department of Public Health & Environment:

Mosquito-borne Encephalitis
Colorado and Weld County experienced its second most active West nile virus year during 2007. Colorado reported 576 human West Nile cases and deaths. Weld County reported 98 human cases with 0 deaths. We (Weld County) will continue our surveillance efforts for Western Equine Encephalitis, St Louis Encephalitis, and West Nile Virus in 2008. The surveillance program includes dead bird surveillance and testing, mosquito trapping, speciation and testing; Vector Index calculation; and monitoring of equine and human cases.

Weld County requests that any community members with questions regarding dead birds call the Colorado HELP Health Line (COHELP), 1-877-462-2911, established by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

The COHELP Line operators will answer questions; give information on testing or disposal of birds and log information about where dead birds have been found for surveillance purposes. The COHELP Line will also document dead birds for Avian Influenza H5N1 "Bird Flu" surveillance.

Rabies
Rabies virus is still a risk to people and their pets. In Weld County, bats are the only animal to test positive for rabies for decades. During the year 2007, three bats tested positive for rabies in Weld County (two big brown bats and one hoary bat). The bats were found in Frederick, Ault, and Greeley.
Please contact (Weld County) if you know of any human or pet exposure to a bat. A bite does not need to occur for a bat to transmit rabies. Many people and pet animals that are bitten by bats do not feel the bites and do not have bite marks. Each exposure incident is evaluated individually. In all cases, having the bat to submit for rabies testing is very important.
Eastern Colorado saw a resurgence in skunk rabies during 2007 that hasn't been seen since the 1970's. A South Central strain of skunk rabies has been creeping into Colorado from Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma. It is expected to move west to the Front Range putting Weld County clearly in its path. Skunk rabies surveillance has been initiated East of I-25 in Colorado. Any "strange acting" skunk, including road kill, is acceptable for testing. Please give (Weld County) a call if you observe skunks in your area acting strangely, overly aggressive, out during the day, and any skunk that has had contact with a human, pet animal or livestock. If we find skunk rabies in Weld County we will be changing post exposure guidelines for pet animals and humans exposed to rabid and potentially rabid animals. Other states that have seen skunk rabies move into their area have also seen a sharp increase in pet animal rabies. We would expect to see the same thing happen in Colorado.

Plague
The Denver Metro are experienced an outbreak of plague activity in their tree squirrel population during 2007. No tree squirrels tested positive for plague in Weld County during 2007. Only four animals, all prairie dogs, tested positive for plague in Weld County during 2007, al lup North on the Pawnee National Grasslands. Residents are encouraged to report dead animals, particularly rodents (prairie dogs, rabbits, tree squirrels, etc.) to the Weld County Department of Public Health & Environment.
(Weld County) monitors prairie dog colonies in Weld County during the summer months for plague activity. (They) have documented plague activity in or around Weld County for many years now.

Anyone who lives near a prairie dog colony is urged to use flea repellent for dogs and cats as they can carry infected fleas home to their owners and family members. Also, please contact the County if you notice a decrease in prairie dog activity.

CDPHE will be posting current and past zoonotic disease information here.

If you are interested in more information, The weld County Environmental Health Services offices can be reached at 970-304-6415.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a disease that is caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called leptospires. It occurs worldwide and can affect humans as well as many wild and domestic animals, including dogs. The disease can be serious for both humans and animals. In people, the symptoms are often like the flu, but sometimes leptospirosis can develop into a more sever, life-threatening illness with infections in the kidney, liver, brain, lung, and heart. For more information on leptospirosis in humans, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/diseasesconditions/

Your pet can get leptospirosis too, and although this has not happened often, the disease has been diagnosed more frequently in the past few years. Despite being in a potentially high risk area, West Ridge Animal Hospital has not had any confirmed leptospirosis cases. Weld County's agriculture, with its dairy cows and irrigated land; and abundant wildlife are contributing factors to increased Leptospirosis risk. The Overall risk has not risen, but localized situations and behaviors increase the hazard to your pet. Your Leptospirosis risk factors vary on a case by case basis. The information given here will show you how to protect yourself and your pets from getting leptospirosis and what to do if your pet does become infected.

How do people and animals get leptospirosis?
The bacteria are spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months, especially in moist conditions. Humans and animals can become infected through contact with this contaminated urine (or other bodily fluids, excluding saliva), water, or soil. The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. Drinking contaminated water can also cause infection. Infected wild and domestic animals may continue to excrete the bacteria into the environment continuously or every once in a while for a few months up to several years.
If your pet has become infected, it most likely came into contact with leptospires in the environment or infected animals. Your pet may have been drinking, swimming, or walking through contaminated water. Because of increased building and development into areas that were previously rural, pets may be exposed to more wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, squirrels, opossums, or deer that are infected with leptospirosis. Dogs also may pass the disease to each other, but this happens only rarely.

What are the signs of leptospirosis in pets?
The clinical signs of leptospirosis vary and are nonspecific. Sometimes pets do not have any symptoms. Common clinical signs reported in dogs include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, refusal to eat, severe weakness, depression, stiffness, severe muscle pain, or inability to have puppies. Generally younger animals are more seriously affected than older animals.

What should I do if I think my pet has leptospirosis?
Contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian can perform tests to detect the presence of leptospiral antibodies or organisms in your pet.

Is there a treatment for leptospirosis in pet animals?
Yes, leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics. If an animal is treated early, it may recover more rapidly and any organ damage may be less severe. Other treatment methods, such as dialysis and hydration therapy may be required. Make sure that your infected pet takes all of its medicine and follow up with your veterinarian.
The time between exposure to the bacteria and development of disease is usually 5 to 14 days, but can be as short as a few days or as long as 30 days or more.

What should I do if I have been told my pet has leptospirosis?
If your pet has been confirmed by your veterinarian as having leptospirosis, the appropriate action to take will depend on the nature of contact with your pet. Normal daily activities with your pet will not put you at high risk for leptospirosis infection. Types of contacts that are considered to be high risk include direct or indirect contact with urine, blood, and tissues of your pet during its infection. Assisting in the delivery of newborns from an infected animal is also considered a high-risk activity for transmission of leptospirosis.
If you have had these types of high-risk contacts with your pet during the time of its infection, inform your physician. If common symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and headaches occur within 3 weeks after a high-risk exposure, see your physician. Tests can be performed to see if you have this disease.

How can I protect myself and other people when my pet has leptospirosis?
The risk of getting leptospirosis from a dog in standard instances is sus pected to be low. The primary mode of transmission of leptospirosis from pets to humans is through direct or indirect contact with contaminated animal tissues, organs, or urine. Always contact your veterinarian and your physician if you have concerns about a possible exposure to an infected animal. Do not handle or come in contact with urine, blood, or tissues from your infected pet before it has received proper treatment. If you need to have contact with animal tissues or urine, wear protective clothing such as gloves and boots, especially if you are occupationally at risk (veterinarians, farm workers, and sewer workers). As a general rule, always wash your hands after handling your pet or anything that might have your pet’s excrement on it. If you are cleaning surfaces that may be contaminated or have urine from an infected pet on them, use an antibacterial cleaning solution or a solution of 1 part household bleach in 10 parts water.

How can I prevent leptospirosis in my pet?
Keep rodent (rats, mice, or other animal pests) under control. Rodents can carry and spread the bacteria. Get your pet vaccinated against leptospirosis, even though the vaccine does not provide 100% protection. This is because there are many strains (types) of leptospires, and the vaccine does not provide immunity against all strains. It is important to get your pet vaccinated again even if it gets leptospirosis since it can still get infected with a different strain of leptospires.