Update on H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Pets

The latest rumors about how swine flu can affect your pet are spreading—but we're here to set the record straight! Read on for some expert advice from Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA.

"On November 2, test results confirmed that a pet cat was infected by the H1N1 (swine flu) virus, which was most likely transmitted by human family members," reports Dr. Murray. "The cat was tested for the virus at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and results were positive.  All family members, including the cat, have now recovered."

The H1N1 influenza virus contains genetic material from four different influenza viruses, including human, swine, and avian influenza viruses. Previously known to be transmittable to both pigs and turkeys by infected humans, this is the first reported case of H1N1 affecting a cat. Several pet ferrets also recently became infected with the virus by human family members.

According to Dr. Murray, there is no evidence to date of a dog with H1N1 or of any human beings infected by a pet. However, she adds, "Commonsense measures should be taken with all pets to decrease the likelihood of potential virus transmission, including keeping pets out of the bedroom of anyone with flu-like illness and away from contaminated objects."  

The ASPCA recommends that pet parents with flu-like symptoms protect their pets by washing hands thoroughly, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with pets during the course of illness.

If your pet is displaying symptoms such as lethargy, coughing, sneezing or difficulty breathing—especially after a human family member has recently suffered from influenza—please contact your veterinarian. For more information about keeping your pet healthy this flu season, please check out our wintertime pet safety tips.

ASPCA Pet of the Week: What Walter Wants!

Looking for a kitty who knows the best things in life are fuzzy? Walter’s your guy—he’s a handsome, green-eyed, sweet-as-pie feline who will stand by your side in good and even better times. A young buck at two years old, he’s chomping at the bit to be a steadfast sidekick for the right two-legged companion.

Since wee Walter tested positive for the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), he’s hoping to live in a single-cat household or with some other FIV-positive kitties. He would also like to spread the word that cats can and do live long, happy, normal lives with this virus. So give this lil’ fuzz ball a chance! Our Animal Placement department is waiting to hear from you at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. Or to check out other animals looking for homes, visit our Adoption Center online.

****Got Facebook? Won’t you please donate your status to Walter today? Just copy and paste the following message onto your profile status to help spread the word that this kitty needs a home!

[Name] is donating my status to Walter http://www.aspca.org/walter, a cat at the ASPCA who needs a new home.

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Memphis County City Shelter Raided—ASPCA Assists with Investigation

Early on Tuesday, October 27, Memphis County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant of the City of Memphis Animal Shelter at the request of the Shelby County District Attorney General's Office. Officers investigating allegations of animal cruelty found more than 200 dogs and cats living in substandard conditions—many had been deprived of food and water. The ASPCA was called in to assist with forensic evidence collection and analysis, as well as facilitate the rescue and veterinary care of animals at the shelter.

After receiving tips from concerned residents regarding the conditions at the facility, Memphis District Attorney General Bill Gibbons requested an investigation by the Sheriff's Office. According to the search warrant, some of the dogs "are involved in court cases involving dog fighting and have been marked 'Hold for Court.'" The search warrant also indicated that some of the employees broke health codes by keeping dogs quarantined for rabies with dogs that are not required to be quarantined in the same kennel. In addition, the warrant reported unsanitary conditions, overcrowding and "vicious and sick" animals being housed along with other pets.

The ASPCA is collecting evidence for the prosecution of the possible criminal case, as well as lending the services of its special forensic cruelty investigation team, comprised of disaster animal rescuers, field service investigators, Dr. Melinda Merck, the nation's premier forensic veterinarian and Kathryn Destreza, Chief Humane Officer for Louisiana SPCA and Contract Investigator for the ASPCA. During the initial stages of the investigation, local veterinarians and volunteers from American Humane Association staffed the shelter.

"Animal cruelty and neglect must not be tolerated, and we are proud to lend our support to Shelby County law enforcement," said ASPCA President & CEO, Ed Sayres. "Work like this is central to our mission, and the ASPCA is gratified that Shelby County is raising its voice against animal cruelty."

Please check back with www.aspca.org for updates on the case.

ASPCA Pet of the Week: This Little Light

Okay, people, we have a bone to pick with you. One of the greatest pooches ever has been at our Adoption Center for far too long. Her name is Ava, and if you’re a loyal reader, you know all about her. She’s the best! We’re flabbergasted that this ball of blubbery love hasn’t been adopted yet, but perhaps you, good reader, are the one true love for whom she’s been patiently waiting.

Ava needs special support because she was born deaf, but potential adopters shouldn’t be put off by her hearing impairment. She’s adapted by learning hand signals, and knows how to sit, lay down, shake, roll over and more! If you’re interested in adopting this smart sweetie, please call our Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. Or to view other animals looking for homes, visit our Adoption Center online.

****Got Facebook? Won’t you please donate your status to Ava today? Just copy and paste the following message onto your profile status to help spread the word that this pooch needs a home!

[Name] is donating my status to Ava http://www.aspca.org/ava, a dog at the ASPCA who needs a new home.

Nearly 50 Severely Starved Dogs Rescued from Suspected Jasper County Puppy Mill

On October 23, under the authority and request of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, the ASPCA dispatched members of its Field Investigation and Response Team to assist in the investigation of a puppy mill operating in Bay Springs, Mississippi. 46 dogs were removed from the kennels and taken to a temporary shelter by the local animal cruelty investigator and the Sheriff’s dept. Most of the dogs were severely emaciated and suffered from a range of ailments including skin disease, rotted teeth, fur matted with urine and feces and various infections. Several of the dogs needed emergency veterinary care.

Highly skilled in evidence collection and case management, the ASPCA Field Investigation and Response Team provided the local organizations with the tools and resources needed to conduct a thorough investigation. A local veterinarian, Dr. Wayne Adams, conducted veterinary exams on each animal and triaged any immediate needs.

Richard Stockman, the owner of the kennels, reported that his mother had run the business for over a decade until suffering from a stroke five years ago. It was at that time Stockman took over full responsibility for the operation. Stockman immediately signed over 46 of the most critical dogs to Sally Langley, who works as an animal cruelty investigator with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department and provides animal control services for the area. According to Jasper County Sheriff Kenneth Cross, Stockman was cited, but not arrested, though further charges may follow.

Our team of investigators collected evidence for possible prosecution of the criminal case and provided for the animals’ immediate needs," says ASPCA Senior Vice President of Anti-Cruelty, Matt Bershadker. "Animal cruelty is unacceptable, and we are doing everything we can to lend our support to this critical operation. We applaud Sheriff Cross for pursuing this case and recognizing the severity of the complaint."

The dogs are currently recuperating at the Oxford Lafayette Humane Society and will soon be made available for adoption. Special thanks to Tailwaggers for Life for providing crates, supplies and personnel during the raid, as well as transportation for the dogs.