Dogs tested positive for West Nile Antibodies.

[Loki's Mom]

This press release was issued 10/18/02. There have been 3 dogs die so far, 2 of them were not autopsied, 1 has and the results of those tests are pending. There have been several dogs tested and are being treated that tested positive for the West Nile virus Antibodies. Please read this and take necessary precautions

http://www.ldaf.state.la.us/aboutlda...ase.asp?id=287

[Judy Chrusch]

Tonya, I clicked on the site and it came up that it can't be found and that it's not available at this time.

Judy

[Loki's Mom]

West Nile Virus Antibodies Found In Four Dogs

October 18, 2002

The Department of Agriculture and Forestry has confirmed that four dogs in the state tested positive for West Nile virus antibodies, Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Bob Odom said today.

Odom said until now there have been no confirmed or documented cases of West Nile virus in dogs in the United States. “In fact, the only case I’ve ever heard of involving this illness and a dog was reported in Africa many years ago,” he said.

Three of the four dogs died, but veterinary officials are unsure if West Nile virus was the cause of death.

“Two of the dogs died and were buried before a necropsy, or animal autopsy, could be performed,” Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Martha Littlefield said. “The third animal was necropsied at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and results of the cultures are pending.”

Littlefield said the department would continue tracking the health of the fourth dog with help from its local veterinarian.

“The veterinarian/pet owner relationship is very important in diagnosis and treatment of this disease,” Littlefield added. “Pet owners need to be alert to changes in their dog’s physical and mental health, and get veterinary assistance as soon as possible if they think their animal is ill. And, veterinarians need to add West Nile virus to their list as a possible cause for dogs presenting neurological symptoms.”

Odom and Littlefield urged dog owners not to panic, but to report any unusual behavior in their pet to their local veterinarian. Some symptoms of possible West Nile virus infection include high fever, inability to stand or walk and pain or discomfort when the dog is touched.

Although there is no West Nile virus vaccine for dogs, Odom said symptoms could be relieved with proper treatment from a licensed veterinarian.

Littlefield said pet owners whose dogs die at home and have presented symptoms of West Nile virus should contact their veterinarian so that the animal can be sent to the LSU Vet School for a necropsy to determine the absolute cause of death.

The vet school’s dermatology service recommends the following products for use on dogs to repel mosquitoes: Adams Flea and Tick Mist, Happy Jack Flea-Tick Spray, Absorbine Ultrashield and Avon Skin-So-Soft products.