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H5N1 can kill cats, be they big or small
Editorial
Filed 03 Mar 06
©www.land-care.org.uk
On March 1st 2006 it was confirmed that a domestic
cat had died of H5N1 avian flu on the Baltic island of Ruegan, where
swans had died some days earlier from the same infection. it is
assumed that the cat may have eaten infected birds. Fatal infection
of cats with the virus has also been reported in Asia.
It is therefore advisable that in infected areas
domestic cats should be kept away from contact with wild birds or
domestic poultry.
In areas affected by H5N1 It is advisable
to keep cats
away from wild birds and domestic poultry
(to enlarge photo Click Here)
Big cats in the form of tigers in a Thailand zoo
have also been affected. They probably got it from eating infected
chickens.
The Intervet Nobilis vaccine, that is being used
in France to control H5N1 infection in poultry, is not suitable
for cats. This is because cats tend to react badly to the adjuvant
in the vaccine, according to Intervet.
Many owners of domestic cats in the affected area
of Germany are greatly concerned lest their pet cats might bring
H5N1 into the household. Young children and the elderly would be
the most susceptible to picking up H5N1 from close contact with
an infected animal.
The approach taken by the UK government to the
imminent threat of H5N1 entering Britian continues to be both alarming
and astonishing (1, 2)
with the spread of misinformation about the effectiveness of available
vaccines if used properly (3).
©www.land-care.org.uk
References
1. Irvine, James (2006). Avian
flu five years on from FMD UK2001: have we learnt anything?
See ANIMAL HEALTH - GENERAL Homepage, filed 23 Feb 06,
www.land-care.org.uk Click
Here to View
2. Linklater, Magnus (2006). A
solution any birdbrain should see: avian flu can spread unpredictably,
vaccination is the humane and intelligent answer.
See ANIMAL HEALTH - GENERAL - Homepage, filed 22 Feb 06,
www.land-care.org.uk Click
Here to View
3. Irvine, James (2006). What is the score with
Avian flu vaccines?
See ANIMAL HEALTH - GENERAL Homepage, filed 26 Feb 06,
www.land-care.org.uk Click
Here to View
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