VETERINARIANS ADVISE ON PREVENTION OF CIRCOVIRUS

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has issued recommendations on the prevention of circovirus, an infectious disease that previously has been known to affect primarily pigs and birds but may now be a factor in the illness and death of four dogs in Ohio and California.

 “While there have been no reports of this illness affecting greyhounds, we want to make sure our members are aware of the virus and take proper precautions to keep their dogs healthy,” said NGA Executive Director Gary Guccione.

According to the AVMA website, circoviruses are small viruses that are known to survive well in the environment once shed from affected animals. The circovirus identified in dogs appears to be more similar to the porcine variety than the avian strain. It has been found in healthy animals as well as sick ones, suggesting that the virus does not always produce illness.

Although the route of infection is still unknown, according to the AVMA site, “the basic principles of viral spreading suggest that direct contact with an infected dog or its vomit or diarrhea would present a higher risk of infection.” Other means of spreading the disease may include the use of shared bedding and equipment, or human contact with an infected animal prior to handling of an uninfected animal. Contact with manure and respiratory secretions is known to spread the virus in pigs.

The common symptoms of circovirus in dogs are vomiting and diarrhea, but these same symptoms can stem from many other causes, so the AVMA says it’s important to contact your veterinarian to ensure a prompt diagnoses and early treatment. The organization also recommends:

·      Cleaning up after your dog passes stool

·      Keeping your dog away from the stool of other dogs

·      Monitoring dogs for signs of illness

·      Isolating dogs that may be ill

·      Disinfecting areas where ill dogs have been housed

“Following standard disease control practices is the most effective thing that can be done at this time,” said Dr. Brad Fenwick, a nationally recognized veterinarian and expert in infectious diseases in animals. Fenwick said racing greyhounds, as top athletes, must be in excellent health, so generally have strong immune systems, which helps to ward off infection and reduce the severity of disease.