City of Los Angeles

Department of Animal Services

PET FOOD RECALL

DOG BISCUITS RECALL

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Distemper Outbreak in Raccoons

Glendora

Feb 23, 2006

An outbreak of Distemper virus in raccoons was reported to Veterinary Public Health by the staff at the Glendora Animal Control Department.

Between October 14, 2005 and January 23, 2006, Glendora Animal Control impounded 18 severely ill raccoons. Symptoms in the raccoons included green discharge from the eyes and nose, diarrhea, dehydration, depression, and lethargy.

One raccoon was submitted for a complete necropsy in late January 2006. The results confirmed the presence of Distemper, and revealed secondary infections of Streptococcus in the lungs, and Salmonella in the liver.

Raccoons are drawn to populated areas, and can be very persistent in their efforts to get to food. Easily accessible food, such as pet food left outdoors, may encourage a raccoon to frequently visit a property (even if there is a risk of a confrontation with a dog). A raccoon may contaminate food bowls with Distemper virus and pass the virus to dogs. Or a raccoon may catch the virus from a sick dog through contact with contaminated food bowls and surfaces.

This is a good reminder to keep all pet food indoors and to make sure all dogs a properly vaccinated against Distemper.

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Bird Flu and "Backyard birds"

February 2006

What is bird flu?

Bird flu is a virus that makes birds sick. There are many types of bird flu, and most do not infect people, but one type of bird flu called Asian H5N1 can be passed from birds to people. It has recently spread in birds across Asia and into Europe. Since 2003, over 160 people have caught this virus from contact with sick poultry (farm birds), and about half of the people died. This virus is not yet in California, or anywhere in the United States.

If this is a mostly a bird disease, why is it in the news so much?

Scientists are afraid that this virus will mutate and become very contagious between people. If this happens, billions of people could catch the disease around the world. This has not happened yet, but it is already a big health problem for birds outside of the United States and for some bird owners.

How is this virus being spread?

Migrating birds that are infected are thought to be carrying the virus across the world. The virus is in their feces. Poultry that run loose in the open and share their feed with wild birds have become infected and died in large numbers, sometimes passing on the virus to people. Commercial farmers in the United States are already experienced with protecting their poultry, their workers, and the meat and eggs that they sell from diseases like this. Most "backyard bird" owners are not prepared to protect themselves.

What are "backyard birds"?

They are small groups of farm birds, mostly chickens, that people keep on their home property. Many people have "backyard birds" here in Los Angeles County. They are found from Compton to Palos Verdes, from Canyon Country to East LA. They are kept as pets, for meat and eggs, or for illegal cockfighting.

Why is bird flu a special concern for backyard bird owners and their families?

Backyard bird owners live close to their birds and handle them often. They have more physical contact with the feces, blood, feathers, secretions, and tissues of their birds than do workers at poultry farms. They are less likely to wear protective clothing, like gloves and masks, while working with birds. If their backyard birds get infected with bird flu, the bird owners and their families may also get sick.

How can "backyard birds" give the virus to their owners?

If a bird gets infected with the virus, the virus lives in the feces and tissues of the bird. When blood, feces, or tissues from the birds contact the eyes, mouth, or nose of person, there is risk of passing on the virus. A person may handle a sick bird or touch fecal material and then unconsciously touch their own face and get infected. Slaughtering, plucking feathers, and direct contact with bird feces from infected poultry carry special danger. Some people outside of the U.S. caught the virus from the neighbor's chickens when the chickens were allowed to roam loose in the neighborhood, contaminating areas with fecal material.

I have backyard chickens. How can I protect my family from this virus Asian H5N1?

The first step in protecting your family from this virus is to protect the health of your birds. Right now there is no vaccine against the virus for use in birds in the United States, so you must protect your birds in other ways.

1. Keep all types of wild birds away from your chickens and their food and water. Keep your chickens in an enclosure with a solid roof and with sides that can keep out all wild birds and their feces. Do not let your chickens run loose.

2. Keep new chickens away from your chickens. Do not let other people bring chickens to your yard. If you get a new chicken, keep it away from your other chickens for at least a month to make sure it is not carrying a disease. A bird can be infected and not act sick right away. Your hands, shoes, and clothes can carry germs that make your birds sick. Wash your hands and clean your shoes and clothes after you go to a chicken event or after you visit your friends' chickens.

3. Use good sanitation. Keep your chickens out of your house. Keep the chicken coop clean. Clean and disinfect the food and water containers once a week. Wear gloves when you clean the coop and wash your hands afterward. Make sure there is plenty of fresh air around you when cleaning the coop. Do not breathe in dust in your coop - it can carry dangerous germs into your lungs. Do not sweep dried bird feces. It is safer to spray them with disinfectant, then wipe them up. Wash your hands every time after handling your chickens. Change your clothes after handling chickens or after cleaning the coop.

4. Thoroughly cook meat and eggs. Eggs at the grocery store are already washed clean. Before you use the eggs from your own chickens, clean the outside of the eggs with warm, soapy water. Do not slaughter chickens on your property. People in other countries have died after slaughtering chickens that were sick. Cooking kills bird flu and other dangerous germs and makes it safe to eat. Cook meat and eggs completely, with no runny yolks.

5. Report illnesses in your chickens. If many of your chickens are getting sick or dying, report this to your poultry veterinarian or agricultural agent.

What more should I do?

Follow the news. If you hear about a case of bird flu, ask if it is the Asian H5N1 strain (most strains of avian influenza do NOT infect people). Ask if it has mutated to become contagious between people (this has not happened yet). If you know about a group of wild birds dying anywhere in Los Angeles County, please report it to Veterinary Public Health (telephone 562-401-7088, fax 562-401-7112, or at our website http://lapublichealth.org/vet/disintro.htm).

There are many excellent websites for more information on bird flu Asian H5N1.

Comprehensive information about Pandemic Flu and Avian flu:

United States Official Website: www.pandemicflu.gov

Tracking human illness from Asian H5N1 around the world:

The United Nations World Health Organization: www.who.int

Educational Programs about bird health:

UDSA-APHIS Program "Biosecurity for the Birds"

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/birdbiosecurity/

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RABIES IN BATS

January 2006

The County of San Diego has sent out the attached press release. A

resident of El Cajon was offering bats (not the baseball type) for sale

via the internet. It is illegal to possess bats in California without a permit,

and people that have direct contact with bats may be exposed to rabies.

Bat rabies is endemic in Los Angeles County. During 2005, 13 rabid

bats were identified in Los Angeles County, with 11 being detected

during a two month period (7/22 - 9/27). Two rabid bats were found at a

summer camp and two were found at a school. Fourteen people came in

contact with one of the rabid bats and needed to receive rabies

post-exposure prophylaxis. Two dogs and one cat were quarantined after

potential exposures to rabid bats found in homes or backyards. Several

other pets were also quarantined after coming in contact with bats that

were not available for rabies testing.

Please report any potential contact with bats to Veterinary Public

Health (562-401-7088), so that we can assist with rabies testing or

coordinate rabies post-exposure treatment.

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Canine Influenza

October 2005

What is it?

Canine influenza is a new virus that causes respiratory infection in dogs.

It is believed to have jumped species from horses to racing dogs in Florida sometime in the last few years,

and gradually spread out to dogs around the United States, including Southern California.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms can look a lot like the common disease "kennel cough," because coughing is the most common symptom.

However, dogs with canine influenza are usually sick for a longer period (weeks),

and are more likely to have a fever and nasal discharge, and to develop pneumonia.

Most dogs develop the milder form of the disease (cough, mild fever).

Some require hospitalization and intensive care. The fatality rate is about 1-5%.

Can people catch it?

No.

Is there a vaccine against Canine Influenza?

Not yet, but veterinary researchers at the University of Florida and Cornell University are working on developing one.

Does the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine protect dogs against canine influenza?

No. However, it is a good idea to protect your dog with all vaccines recommended by your veterinarian.

What should I do?

Call your veterinarian if your dog develops a cough.

If your dog is coughing, do not take it out to locations where it may infect other dogs.

Keep it at home until it is well, or as directed by your veterinarian.

Wash your hands well after handling any sick dog before touching your own dog.

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For Immediate Release

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Public Health Officials Stress Avoiding Bats Due to Threat of Rabies

LOS ANGELES-County health officials report a slight increase in rabid bat detections this year

and urge residents to take precautions when coming into contact with bats and other wildlife and to vaccinate their pets.

Eleven rabid bats have been detected in Los Angeles County so far this year, up from an average

of about eight during each of the past five years. A total of 100 rabid bats were found statewide this year according to

the California Department of Health Services. Health experts typically see more cases of rabid bats

from August through October. Exposure to a rabid animal, such as a bat, can lead to transmission of rabies to humans.

Rabies is most commonly spread through the bite from an infected animal. The disease affects the central nervous system

and, if preventive treatment is not immediately given after transmission from a rabid animal, is usually fatal.

Rabies Symptoms/Precautions

Rabies initially presents with headache, fever and malaise. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include insomnia,

anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, agitation, hallucinations, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing,

and hydrophobia (a fear of water). "People think of rabies as a disease from the past, but it's real and can be fatal i

f not treated before symptoms start," says Jonathan Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer.

"Residents should avoid any contact with bats and seek medical attention immediately if bitten or scratched.

Pets should also be vaccinated against rabies."

"To minimize the risk of transmission, says Patrick Ryan, DVM, Chief, Veterinary Public Health, do not touch or handle bats.

Bats have small teeth that may leave marks that are not easily seen, so a bite wound may not be obvious.

" Locally, bats account for 16% of the animals tested for rabies in recent years and have accounted for all the rabid animals found.

Approximately, one in eleven bats tested locally has rabies.

Bat Reporting

Dead or trapped bats can be tested for rabies by contacting Veterinary Public Health at (323) 730-3723.

For questions regarding exposure to bats, residents can contact Acute Communicable Disease Control at (213) 240-7971.

About Public Health

Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County.

Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control

and community and family health, and comprises more than 3,800 employees, with an annual budget exceeding $600 million.

City of Los Angeles

Department of Animal Services

419 South Spring Street, 14th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90013

(213) 473-7513

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July 25, 2005

Indoor cats do not need rabies vaccination. Or do they?

Last week an "indoor only" cat in Woodland Hills was directly exposed to a live bat.

The cat, who had access to a third-story balcony, walked back into its house carrying a live bat in its mouth.

No humans touched the bat. However, since the cat had not been vaccinated against rabies,

all members of the household faced risk of later rabies exposure through their cat.

The strongest recommendation in these circumstances is to euthanize the cat

to prevent its developing rabies and thereby prevent later human exposure to

rabies. An alternative is to immediately vaccinate the cat and impose a

6-month quarantine and observation period.

Two days later a dead bat was found, and a family of bats (including young

ones) was found to be living in a crevice between the house and the

balcony. The dead bat tested negative for rabies, but since it is not

100% certain that this was the bat the cat had in its mouth, the cat will

still undergo a 6 month quarantine and observation. The cat was vaccinated

for rabies the day after the exposure to the bat.

If the cat had been previously vaccinated for rabies, a quarantine would

still be imposed, but it would only last for 1 month.

Since bats are federally protected, they can be removed only through humane

methods, preferably by a professional wildlife removal service accustomed to

working with bats. If a nesting site is completely vacated by all bats at

night, attempts can be made to block their return. All efforts should be

made to avoid any direct contact with bats or their feces and urine.

Later in the same week, a bat that tested positive for rabies was found nearby - in Topanga.

The bat appeared in daylight, in a public area where many people were gathered.

Three people handled the bat and have been referred for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

Many cities in Los Angeles County legally require cats to be vaccinated

against rabies, although the City of Los Angeles is not one of them.

Please contact Department of Animal Services if you have any questions.

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Wednesday, June 15, 2005

COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS

THREE CASES OF MURINE TYPHUS IN SOUTH PASADENA

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed three (3) cases of murine typhus in South Pasadena. The individuals were sick last month; all three have recovered and no new cases have been discovered. Murine typhus is not contagious between people and produces fever, headache, muscle ache and rash. It is treatable with antibiotics.

County health officials are alerting the community because murine typhus is endemic in South Pasadena, Altadena, Eagle Rock, Echo Park, Los Feliz and Mt. Washington; these cases provide an important reminder for residents in these communities to take steps to prevent the disease.

"Murine typhus is typically transmitted by fleas from possums to cats in this region," says Jonathan E. Fielding, M.D., M.P.H., Director of Public Health and County Health Officer. "There is evidence that in other locations rats are also involved in transmission."

Health officials urge residents - but especially those who live in these areas -- to help prevent transmission of the disease by:

· Trimming heavy vegetation such as ivy and ground cover which provide harborage for wild animals;

· Sealing off openings to attics, crawl spaces and similar locations so rodents, opossums and cats can not gain entrance to houses and other structures;

· Keeping trash cans covered at all times;

· Keeping domestic animals free of fleas by regularly treating them with flea prevention medications, and

· Removing fruit that has dropped from trees and uneaten pet food from yards where it may attract other animals.

Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control and community and family health.

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February - National Pet Dental Health Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH OBSERVED IN FEBRUARY

California Veterinarians Warn of Dangers of Pet Gum Disease

Sacramento, CA – Unfortunately, cats and dogs can’t brush their own teeth.

Our pets’ bad breath and stained teeth are unappealing, but many pet owners

aren’t aware that these may be symptoms of serious gum disease.

This significant health issue has led veterinarians and pet lovers to focus on pets’

dental health during February, National Pet Dental Health Month, now in its 10th year.

The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is calling attention to this month

with the goal of educating pet owners about the importance of regular pet dental care

and how good dental care contributes to overall good health.

Gum or periodontal disease is currently the number one diagnosed

health problem in dogs and cats over age three. Problems begin when food particles

and bacteria build up in the mouth, forming plaque and tartar and leading to gingivitis

and severe periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can result in a host of problems,

including tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, and in severe cases, tooth loss.

Bacteria that cause periodontal disease can even enter the bloodstream and damage

the heart, liver, kidney and lungs.

Pet owners can take the following three steps to prevent serious health problems:

• Take your pet to a veterinarian for a dental exam.

• If plaque and buildup are evident on the teeth and gums, the veterinarian may recommend a dental cleaning.

• Start a home care dental routine.

• An in-home regimen may include regular toothbrushing and specially formulated nutrition that reduces the accumulation of plaque and tartar.

• Monitor the pet’s oral health by scheduling checkups with your veterinarian.

• Regular dental cleanings may be recommended.

If your pet does need a dental cleaning, your veterinarian should perform this service in an animal hospital.

Dental cleanings are most effective when done under anesthesia since this allows

for a complete scaling (scraping) of the teeth and polishing above and below the gum line.

Anesthesia assures that the animal does not move, allowing the veterinarian to perform

a complete and thorough cleaning. It is impossible to perform a complete

dental cleaning on even the most compliant animal while it is awake.

Your pet should never have a dental cleaning by an unlicensed professional or outside of an animal hospital.

This can be dangerous or even fatal for your pet. There have been cases

of dental cleanings in grooming or other pet facilities that have resulted in pet fatalities.

Pets deserve to have their dental problems diagnosed and treated by veterinary professionals.

Maintaining a healthy mouth is an important part of your pet’s care and can ensure

that your pet lives a healthier life. For more information on pets’ dental health care,

ask your veterinarian or visit www.petdental.com.

For media interviews with a California veterinarian regarding this issue,

please contact Melissa Stallings at the CVMA: 916-649-0599.

The California Veterinary Medical Association is the largest state veterinary medical association in the United States, with more than 5,000 members. Founded in 1888, its mission is to serve its membership and community through innovative leadership and to improve animal and human health in an ethically and socially responsible manner.

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DISTEMPER ALERT !!!

December 2, 2004

DISTEMPER OUTBREAK

IN LOS ANGELES

L.A. Animal Services and L.A. County's Veterinary Public Health Office have

declared a distemper outbreak in Los Angeles with both agencies recommending

distemper vaccinations for all dogs.In his report, Veterinary Public Health

and Rabies Control Chief, Dr. Patrick Ryan, wrote:

"We see periodic outbreaks of canine distemper in dogs and wildlife,

such as, raccoons. Animal Shelters often experience outbreaks in

unvaccinated dogs and puppies. What is occurring in the shelters generally

mirrors what is happening in the community,"

Canine distemper is a highly contagious, systemic, worldwide,

viral disease of domestic dogs and susceptible wildlife.

It is caused by a virus closely related to the measles virus and

is transmitted through the air (airborne)or through droplet

exposure from the nasal cavity, pharynx and lungs.

It cannot be transmitted from animals to humans.

"Distemper can be very dramatic in its presentation causing

respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms,"

says L.A. Animal Services Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Casandria Smith.

"The course of the disease can be days to weeks characterized by

fever, nasal and ocular discharge, depression, anorexia, convulsions,

seizures and death. It is physically devastating to the animal and

emotionally devastating to animal guardians."

Other animals susceptible to distemper include wildlife such as raccoons,

coyotes, foxes, wolves, ferrets, skunks, mink, leopards, lions and tigers.

L.A. Animal Services reminds pet owners to check with

their private veterinarians on a regular basis for advice on preventive

medicine as well as for guidance on infectious diseases.

For more information on distemper or low cost vaccination clinics,

residents can call L.A. Animal Services at

1-888-4LA-PET1 or 1-888-452-7381

(TTY Hearing Impaired: 877-875-8205)

or visit the department's website: www.LAAnimalServices.com

L.A. Animal Services … we're about saving lives.