TORRANCE TRIBUNE October 23, 2014 Page 15 Cats and Dogs are Not A Risk Factor in Spread of Viruses Evie is a happy girl with a new home. Wowser Schnauzers Harrison is a mini-schnauzer mix who loves other dogs. We are looking for volunteers to help with our Saturday pet adoption events which are held at the Petco located at 537 N. Pacific Coast Highway Redondo Beach 90277. If you are interested in volunteering and can commit to at least one Saturday a month, please contact us at info@msfr.org Let me introduce myself, my name is Harrison. I’m a 2-year old, male Miniature Schnauzer/Maltese mix – we’re thinking Maltese because I’m so tiny. I was at a LA county shelter but I was passed up over and over again. I think it’s because I wasn’t at my best - I had some skin abrasions and flea allergies. It certainly couldn’t be because of my personality. I’m a happy guy who gets along great with other dogs and I love everyone. The MSFR folks think I’m cute as a button and at 9 pounds I’m not much bigger than one. If you are interested in Harrison, please email info@msfr.org for more information. If you’re looking for a 2-year old, male schnauzer/cocker/poodle mix then I’m your guy. I’m Randall and my breed is anyone’s guess. Some folks say because I’m stocky, 20 pounds, and built low to the ground that look like a mini Petit Griffon Randall is happy-go-lucky and fun to be around. Happy Tails Basset Vendeen. Then you have those that say I look like I am a Havenese, Schnauzer mix. The facts are that I have Schnauzer coloring Cocker Spaniel ears and a tad of a Poodle coat so I’ve decided to call myself a “Schnockapoo”! I had been at a LA county shelter for almost a month and even though lots of folks looked at me, no one wanted to adopt me. I think it may have been from the large sore on my back, which has since healed very nicely. I am a very outgoing, happy go lucky little guy who plays like a puppy – playing ball is my passion - and I make friends with everyone I meet. If you are interested in Randall, please email info@ msfr.org for more information. My name is Gavin and I’m certain that I’d be the perfect family member for you. I was Gavin is a white schnauzer mix with a great personality. Congratulations to Evie, who now resides in Claremont with her new Mom. Evie is our 6-year old lady who was returned to MSFR after her adopter unexpectedly passed away. Evie and her new Mom are perfectly matched. Evie is her Mom’s very first dog and she couldn’t have picked a better all around gal who is just eager to please. They adore each other and we wish them all the happiness in the world. If you have any questions about a particular dog’s availability you can email us at info@ msfr.org. Please visit all of our Miniature Schnauzers & Friends rescues at the adoptions fair held every Saturday from noon-3:30 p.m. or check out our website, www.msfr.org. Our adoptions fairs take place at Petco, 537 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, California. Schnauzers! Bet you can’t adopt just one! • rescued from a LA County shelter where I was considered a stray. I am a stunning, pure white, 2-year old male Miniature Schnauzer mix. I have long legs, a plumy, natural tail and I’m a sleek 14 pounds. I’ve been told that I have an awesome temperament but that’s because I’m so happy when I’m around my people. I even get along well with other dogs but you need to come to adoptions and see what a unique little guy I am. If you are interested in Gavin, please email info@msfr.org for more information. Are you looking for a delicate little deer of a dog that only weighs 4 pounds? That’s me – Twiggy! I’m an 8-month old, female, pup. Because of my slight build and LONG legs, folks think I could be an Italian Greyhound mix. I’m an incredibly happy dog who adores people and enjoys making friends everywhere I go. I’m also fearless around bigger dogs and love to play. Due to my age, I still need lots of attention and would do really well in a home with another playful dog. Twiggy can be seen anytime at Yellow Brick Road Doggie Playcare in El Segundo Call 310-606-5507. • Twiggy might be a mix of greyhound, but is all happiness. By Dr. Greg Perrault Lately, it seems deadly viruses have been dominating the news. Ebola has been seen in the United States for the first time. Enterovirus 68 is spreading across the country and causing serious illness in children. Long Beach has seen record numbers of West Nile virus. A common question that comes up is whether or not our pets may be a risk factor in transmitting these serious diseases. The quick answer is: no they are not. As with many emerging and serious diseases, there is a lot of misinformation and lack of knowledge that can lead to fear. Let’s review these diseases, put them into perspective and see where animals may play a role. In West Africa, where Ebola is endemic, the fruit bat is the natural reservoir for the virus and dogs play an insignificant role in the transmission to humans. There is evidence that dogs in these areas can become infected with the virus by eating other animals that died of Ebola virus. However, there is no evidence that they develop disease. In an ongoing study in Africa, 27% of healthy dogs had serum antibodies to the virus but none had detectable virus in circulation. There is no evidence that dogs can shed the virus. Enterovirus 68 has been seen locally in Southern California. There are over one hundred types of enteroviruses, which are single stranded non-enveloped RNA viruses that contain poliovirus, coxsackie viruses and echoviruses. Enterovirus 68 is a non-polio virus that was first discovered in California in 1962. The infection can be serious in younger individuals. It is not uncommon to see enterovirus infections in the fall. The symptoms in people are similar to common cold symptoms. Transmission is from person to person through respiratory secretions and stool. At this time, there is no evidence that cats or dogs can be carriers of this disease. West Nile virus has been seen in increasing numbers in Southern California in the past several years. Long Beach is seeing a record number of human exposures. Although one local death has been contributed to the West Nile virus, most people that are infected will make a full recovery. Unlike Ebola and Enterovirus 68, West Nile requires a vector animal. The vector is the mosquito. It seems ironic that in a time of drought in the southland the mosquito population would be a problem. However, it seems our storm drains and sewer systems are the problem: the mosquito population has been driven underground. The city is making every effort to mitigate the problem with mosquito traps around town. Dogs and other animals, other than the mosquito, cannot transmit West Nile to humans. Horses are very susceptible to the virus and should be vaccinated for the disease. The news has sensationalized the latest viral outbreaks. It is important to put everything into perspective and continue everyday hygiene to prevent the spread of all kinds of diseases. Washing your hands frequently is the single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of disease. Sanitize things like your phone, doorknobs and other objects people handle. Stay home if you feel sick. Animals do play an important role in all kinds of human diseases. Fortunately, that role is of helping people and not spreading disease. Chickens are used as sentinel animals all around our city and county to monitor for West Nile. Dogs may play a role in monitoring for human diseases as well. At this time, there is no concern for our pets to become transmitters of Ebola, Enterovirus 68 or West Nile. One of the best sources of information is Long Beach Health and Human Services. Their website is http://www.longbeach.gov/health/. I urge you to visit this site and discover all of the resources available to residents of the city. Stay informed about you and your pet and stay healthy! • Dr. Greg Perrault owns and operates Cats & Dogs Animal Hospital in Long Beach.
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