Best Friends Launches Public Education Campaign on Canine Flu
May 6, 2006: 12:00 AM
Best Friends can't bring back the 42 dogs killed in Cheyenne, Wyoming, after a canine flu outbreak. But Network members can spread the word that canine flu can be treated in a shelter environment and that the fatality rate from this disease is very low.
"Despite expert advice which offered alternatives, the director of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter decided euthanizing these dogs was the only feasible solution," noted David Phelps, Community Programs director for Best Friends. "We're really surprised that the administration of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter believed this was their only option."
"We want to ensure this doesn't set a precedent, so we're launching a public education campaign on how to treat canine influenza in animal shelter environments."
Best Friends is also offering to work with the Cheyenne Animal Shelter - and other shelters - on alternative methods, assessments and treatments in any future cases like this.
"We can work with shelters that have financial constraints or are not prepared or equipped to handle an outbreak of canine influenza," Phelps said. "Euthanasia should not be an option."
Canine influenza is highly contagious, particularly in kennels and shelters. But it is not widespread in the United States. And according to current research, it does not pose a threat to humans or other kinds of animals at this time. Only five to eight percent of dogs who contract canine influenza eventually die from it. Effective treatment is provided primarily through supportive care, including fluids and antibiotics.
Symptoms of canine flu include a mild, moist cough for 10-30 days, or a dry cough similar to kennel cough. But there are many more common and likely reasons why a dog will cough, and canine Influenza is very low on the list at this time.
"If people are concerned their dog might have canine flu, we highly recommend they talk to their vet and make an informed decision about the best course of action," Phelps said.
"In the meantime, we look forward to working with the Cheyenne Animal Shelter and other animal shelters to avoid any future mass euthanizations. And we encourage people around the country to contact the mayor and other city officials in Cheyenne to express their concern."
