Animal Health

11 October

Deadly deer virus detected in Western Washington yak

wsvma   |   Animal Health

  Last week, a Whatcom County veterinarian euthanized a six-year-old yak cow showing symptoms of Epizootic Hemorrhagic disease (EHD), a potentially deadly virus that primarily effects wild deer populations, but occasionally crosses over to cattle. A subsequent Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL) necropsy confirmed the animal had EHD. Two other yaks from the herd died in recent weeks after displaying similar clinical signs such as stiff gate, drooling and nasal secretions that are consistent with EHD. According to the owner's report, the euthanized...

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04 October

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease in Franklin and Walla Walla Counties

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Four cows in Franklin and Walla Walla counties were diagnosed last week with Epizootic Hemorrhagic disease (EHD), a potentially deadly virus that primarily effects wild deer populations but occasionally crosses over to cattle.  Veterinarians should be on the lookout for EHD symptoms such as excessive drooling, lethargy, difficulty walking, or oral and nasal lesions with ulceration, which are similar to the much more devastating foot-and-mouth disease. Fever and anorexia due to the oral erosions were seen in the recently diagnosed cattle....

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09 August

WSDA issues advisory about vesicular stomatitis

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) announced that all susceptible species (cattle, equine, swine, sheep and goats) entering Washington State from a state where vesicular stomatitis (VS) has been diagnosed within the past 30 days must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) with a valid entry permit number. The CVI for susceptible species must be issued within 24 hours of shipment to Washington State. Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a highly infectious, reportable disease of equine and cloven-hooved...

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08 August

New Canine Influenza Cases in OR and WA

wsvma   |   Animal Health

On July 24, Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon transported eight Golden Retrievers from China via Taipei, Taiwan to Seattle, WA. Upon their arrival, the dogs stayed the night in Tacoma, WA where one of the dogs became ill. The ill dog exhibits respiratory disease and malaise and was seen at a local veterinary center where the dog was tested for respiratory pathogens; final results indicated Bordetella and mycoplasma positive and H3N8 negative. There was no mention of testing for H3N2...

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19 July

Deadly Rabbit Disease Confirmed on Orcas Island

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has confirmed a case of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) in a domestic rabbit on Orcas Island. RHD is a viral disease that causes sudden death in rabbits and can be spread through contact with infected rabbits, their meat or their fur, or materials coming in contact with them. On July 9, the Washington State Veterinarian's Office received a report of a dead domestic pet rabbit from a veterinarian clinic on Orcas Island....

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12 July

WA Dept. of Health Zoonotic Disease Survey

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Washington State Department of Health Zoonotic Disease Program is developing a strategic plan to guide their future program activities and the services they provide. As part of that process, they are seeking the following: to understand which of the current services they deliver provide the most value to you and to public health a rating of their performance in these areas to gather your thoughts on future plans for the program. Your responses to the survey will provide valuable information...

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21 June

Get calls about bats? Use this handy guide

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Washington State Department of Health is pleased to introduce their Guide for Veterinary Offices for Handling Calls about Bat Encounters. The new guide strengthens the connections between veterinary hospitals and their local health department and guides veterinary staff when responding to public calls concerning bat encounters. It stresses the importance of public contacting their local health department immediately to triage possible human and pet rabies exposure. In addition, the Department refreshed the look of their fact sheet, Safely Capturing Bats...

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14 June

Q fever: What sheep and goat owners should know

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Lambing and kidding season, the time of year when goats and sheep give birth, is winding down. But goat and sheep owners should remain diligent to protect themselves and their animals when assisting with a difficult birthing. In these circumstances,  Q fever, a serious but seldom fatal zoonotic disease, can be transmitted to humans and other animals by sheep, goats and cattle. Caution should be taken in the case of animals that have aborted. Goat and sheep owners should be aware of...

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31 May

Pet Nutrition Alliance Announces Dare to Ask! – a New Resource to Aid in Making Informed Decisions about Pet Foods

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Pet Nutrition Alliance (PNA) announced a new resource to help veterinary healthcare teams make more informed decisions when recommending pet food for their patients. This new tool – Dare to Ask: We Did! – was created by compiling information about pet food manufacturers. PNA is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources to support veterinary healthcare teams in helping pets live longer through better nutrition, and to assist teams in providing nutritional assessments and recommendations for every patient. With thousands of choices of pet foods, it is...

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24 May

Reminder on Heartworm Testing on Dogs from Heartworm Endemic Areas

wsvma   |   Animal Health

While the incidence of heartworm disease in native Washington dogs is still low, the number of dogs moving into Washington from heartworm endemic areas, nationally and internationally, is increasing. Heartworm disease is reportable in Washington. The State Veterinarian's Office (WSDA), has seen an increase in the numbers of dogs reported in the state, with the majority of these being rescue dogs imported into the state or owned dogs brought in by their owners. The WSDA requires that dogs six months of age...

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