The human cost of rabies.

Vaccinate your dogs, cats and monkeys. When bitten seek medical attention.

RABIES : EXPLAINING IT TO KIDS.

 

Did you know that rabies kills one person every 9 minutes? Did you know that 59,000 people die of rabies worldwide every year? 

Did you know that almost half of the victims are children under 15 years of age? Did you know that vaccinating 70% of dog population in an area breaks the dog-human cycle of rabies,thus eliminating rabies in such areas? 

Did you know that vaccination of your dogs,cats and monkeys is a sure way to eliminate rabies? Did you know that the fastest way to change a paradigm or introduce a concept that targets kids is by gamifying the concept or creating songs that are interactive?

 Did you also know that creating awareness on public health issues can also be accomplished by creating stories, posters, coloring books for kids e.t.c?

 Use this to teach in schools and communities while gamifying rabies for better explanation.

Rabies: The devastating effect of rabies.

 

Rabies though fatal is 100% preventable. Vaccinate your dogs, cats and monkeys.

 Learn what to do when bitten by a dog.

Nearly Eradicated in Humans, the Guinea Worm Finds New Victims: Dogs.

 

For 30 years, scientists have fought to eliminate a horrifying parasite. Suddenly, it has begun infecting dogs in Chad, threatening to undo decades of progress. Martoussia, the celebrity of the moment in this remote fishing village, pants heavily under the awning where he lies chained. Still, he remains calm and sweet-tempered as the crowd presses in. 

 Children gawk as volunteers in white surgical gloves ease a foot-long Guinea worm from the dog’s leg and American scientists quiz his owner, a fisherman, about how many worms Martoussia has had. The village chief, Moussa Kaye, 87, is asked the last time one of his people had a worm. 

A Guinea worm, which must be pulled an inch or so a day, being extracted from Djalibe, a village dog. Photo credit. Jane Hahn of The New York Times.

“Not since 40 years ago,” he says. In this arid central African country, the long global struggle to eliminate a horrifying human parasite has encountered a serious setback: dogs. They are being infected with Guinea worms, and no one knows how. Scientists are desperate to solve the puzzle. If the answer isn’t found soon, or if the worms begin to spread widely into other species — a handful already have been found in cats and even baboons — then 32 years of work to end the scourge may crumble, said Mark L. Eberhard, a parasitologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

 Once a pathogen runs wild in an animal population, there is little chance it can be wiped out. “An animal reservoir is the kiss of death for eradication,” Dr. Eberhard said. It has happened before. In the 1930s, the drive to eradicate yellow fever died when scientists realized monkeys carried the virus. 

 This setback has come just as the decades-long campaign edges tantalizingly close to victory. In 1986, when the Carter Center — the global health philanthropy in Atlanta founded by President Jimmy Carter — launched the eradication drive, an estimated 3.5 million people in 21 countries had worms.

RABIES : WHAT CAN TRAVELERS DO TO PREVENT RABIES.

 

RABIES : WHAT CAN TRAVELERS DO TO PREVENT RABIES. 

 For some travelers, it may make sense to get the rabies vaccine before your trip.The rabies vaccine is three doses. The second dose is given seven days after the first dose. The third shot is given 21 to 28 days after the first dose. 

Even if you are vaccinated against rabies, if you are bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling, you need to seek medical care immediately and get two booster doses of the vaccine. 

 Travelers can protect themselves from rabies by taking the following steps:

 1)Don’t touch dogs, puppies, or other animals. This goes for strays as well as pets. Not all countries

 require pets to be vaccinated against rabies. Even animals that appear healthy can spread rabies.

 2)Supervise children closely, especially around dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, and wildlife.

 3)If you travel with your pet, watch it closely. Do not allow it around other local pets or wild animals.

 4)Avoid bringing new animals home. Dogs and cats may be infected with rabies but not show signs

 until several days or months later. If you do decide to bring an animal with you be aware animal importation regulations. 

 5)If you are traveling to work with animals, bring and wear appropriate protective gear.

 Act quickly if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal :

1)Immediately wash all bites and scratches well. Use plenty of soap and running water. 

 2)Seek medical care immediately, even if you don’t feel sick or the wound does not look serious.

 3)To prevent rabies, start treatment immediately. 

 4)Treatment for rabies includes getting a vaccine after you have been bitten. 

Even if you were vaccinated before your trip, you still need to seek care if you get bitten or scratched by an animal.

Rabies : the comic book.

 This is a colorful comic book for kids to teach about rabies.

Rabies prevention tips.

1) vaccinate your dogs,cats and monkeys.

2) Do not approach an unknown dog, cat or monkey.

3) Prevent bites and scratches from dog, cats and monkeys.

4) When bitten by a dog,cat or monkey: wash site with soap under running water for 15 mins, clean area of bite with antiseptic solution or alcohol and seek medical attention.

 Get book here and share

#rabies #Lagos #endrabiesnow #book #games.

Gamifying rabies.

 

Did you know that rabies kills one person every 9 minutes?

Did you know that 59,000 people die of rabies worldwide every year?

Did you know that almost half of the victims are children under 15 years of age? 

Did you know that vaccinating 70% of dog population in an area breaks the dog-human cycle of rabies,thus eliminating rabies in such areas?

Did you know that vaccination of your dogs,cats and monkeys is a sure way to eliminate rabies?

Did you know that the fastest way to change a paradigm or introduce a concept that targets kids is by gamifying the concept or creating songs that are interactive?

Did you also know that creating awareness on public health issues can also be accomplished by creating stories, posters, coloring books for kids e.t.c?

Did you also know that when a kid learns something or comes across a story, the story spreads fast?

 Did you know that when you tell one kid a truth all the other kids in the community hears this truth? 

Did you also know that creating public awareness about diseases of public health importance is a collective responsibility?

Did you know that change is a collective effort? so play your part:by vaccinating your pets. Sharing the rabies game board in your network. Ensuring your neighbors are responsible pet owners that vaccinate their pets. 

Lets start now: kick rabies out of #Lagos. #Nigeria  #endrabiesnow

Kenya Women Veterinary Association To Conduct Population Control For Cats, Dogs.

 

Kenya Women Veterinary Association To Conduct Population Control For Cats, Dogs.A delegation from the Kenya Women Veterinary Association (KWVA) led by Chairperson Dr Marilyn Karani is in Turkana County for a cats and dogs’ population control exercise as part of zoonosis disease control activity in Kakuma. 

 The activity will take place from Thursday, March 17, to Saturday, March 19, 2022 and it will include surgical population control of dogs and cats through neutering and spraying as well as vaccination of dogs and donkeys. 

 Speaking during a courtesy call on Deputy Governor Peter Lotethiro in Lodwar, Dr Karani said Turkana West had been targeted due to statistics showing prevalence of zoonotic diseases in the Sub-County. 

 She urged the County Government to continuously train experts in the field to increase the number of skilled human resources which was critical for sustainability of the programme. 

She was accompanied by KWVA Committee Member, Dr Ruphline Margaret. The team is in the County which kicks off a five-year partnership campaign to eradicate rabies and hydatid diseases in the County.

End rabies now, join the team.

 

Rabies awareness campaign and free vaccination for dogs,cats and monkeys in Lagos is kicking off on the 15/3/2022. Join the campaign, end rabies now!!!. This happened last year The 2022 edition will be extraordinary.

     

HOME MADE CAT FOOD.

 Feeding your cats .You must take into consideration the age, weight and health condition. The food may be dry or wet but which ever type you go for it must be balanced.

   Cats can be picky eaters but there are some delicacies  that stimulates them every time. Cat needs the amino acid taurine which is so essential and they must get enough from the diet to stay healthy.

Taurine is an essential amino acid found in animal-based protein, beef, chicken and fish. Taurine is essential for normal vision, digestion,  maintains immune system ,pregnancy and fetal development.

   The bulk of the food of cats are protein based, less carbs and less veggies but with good supply of water.
 
           Home made cat food.
  
Mackerel rice in beef broth.

Ingredients:

1)One cup of cooked sliced and shredded mackerel.

2)One tablespoon of coconut oil.

3)One tablespoon of cooked brown rice.

4)Two tablespoon of beef broth.

   Add all ingredients together in a bowl and blend. Serve your cat the normal portion and refrigerate the excess.

      This is a balanced meal that your cat will love, make sure your cat has access to clean cool water.

Ultimate Tips for Happy, Healthy Cats.

   Ultimate Tips for Happy, Healthy Cats 

1)Bug Off :Protect your cat’s health from internal and external parasites all year long. Find whatever system works for you and be diligent about it. Even if your cat is inside all day there is still a chance he can get fleas, worms and other parasites, which can be harmful to your family and your cat.


 2) Develop a Purr-fect Palate:  What you should be feeding your cat can vary based on age, activity level and health concerns. Always consult your veterinarian to make sure you are using the right food in the right proportions. You want to make sure it is nourishing and delicious.

 3)Resist Treat Temptation: Allowing your cat to become overweight can result in numerous grave health problems. You can prevent obesity by feeding your cat the right food and avoiding too many treats. Instead, treat your cat by giving them toys to play with to keep them active.

More from Dr.Pol

DOGS: HOW TO USE PREDNISONE.

DOGS: HOW TO USE PREDNISONE. Prednisone for Dogs With Allergies One of the most common reasons this drug is prescribed is for allergic conditions, which tend to make a dog very itchy and prone to scratching and licking themselves until they get skin infections. Prednisone can provide some much-needed relief and help to prevent future occurrences. It’s also helpful in treating sudden allergic reactions, such as a swollen muzzle following a bee sting. Prednisone for Dogs With Ear Infections Along the same lines, prednisone can also be very helpful for ear infections. The ear canals are an extension of the skin, and therefore ear problems often benefit from similar treatments to skin problems. Prednisone for Immune-Mediated Conditions in Dogs Just like humans, dogs can be affected by a number of different diseases that occur as the result of an overactive immune system. This can include chronic conditions such as lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain neurological conditions, to name a few. It also includes sudden, life-threatening immune reactions like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), a condition in which the body rapidly destroys its own red blood cells for reasons that are often unknown. Prednisone for Addison’s Disease in Dogs Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is a condition in which the adrenal glands don’t produce enough of two kinds of hormones: cortisol, as well as another class of hormone, called mineralocorticoids. The disease is most common in certain breeds such as Standard Poodles and West Highland White Terriers. This condition is fatal left untreated but can be managed well for years with the use of certain medications. Another drug is given to address the mineralocorticoid deficiency, but prednisone is used to fill the cortisol gap. During times of stress (such as if an Addisonian dog is ill or needs to board for a little while), prednisone can be lifesaving.Prednisone for Coughing and Asthma in Dogs Prednisone can be very helpful for certain types of coughs, especially genetic conditions like a collapsing trachea (a windpipe that narrows too much) and chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s also used for some patients with asthma, a condition more common in cats than in dogs.

Cats, Dogs and COVID: How Safe Are Your Pets?

                    Cats, Dogs and COVID: How Safe Are Your Pets?

Nadia, a tiger at New York City's Bronx Zoo, tested positive for the corona virus. A few pet cats in the United States and some dogs  have  also tested positive.

The novel corona virus causing the current pandemic is thought to have originated at a live animal market in China, some people have wondered if they need to worry about their own pets.

 The good news is that any risk to humans from to pet is very low, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  Humans with COVID-19 infections could pose a slight risk to certain animals, such as cats or ferrets. but not dogs.

 The basic thing to do is to stay safe and keep your pet safe. All personal hygiene protocol of hand washing, use of face mask is advised. The frequency of hand washing must be increased especially after handling your pet.

 When you take your dog out for walks its advisable to wipe the dog when you return paying particular attention to paws.

VETERINARY MEDICINE:Poultry, pigs not susceptible to COVID-19.

German researchers: Poultry, pigs not susceptible to COVID-19.Scientists in Germany have confirmed that chickens and pigs are not susceptible to COVID-19. Researchers around the world have been trying to find out whether SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19, can infect other species after it was understood to have originated from bats. Germany’s Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut started infection studies in chickens, pigs, fruit bats and ferrets several weeks ago, inoculating animals nasally with SARS-CoV-2 to mimic the natural route of infection in humans. While early results indicated fruit bats and ferrets are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, pigs and chickens are not.The researchers said they tested chickens and pigs due to the close contact they make with humans. Tests were carried out to discover whether animals become infected, whether the pathogen replicates, and if the animals show symptoms of the disease.“Under experimental conditions, neither chickens nor were found to be susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2,” the institute said. “According to the current state of knowledge, they are not affected by the virus and therefore do not pose a potential risk to human health.” The final results are expected at the beginning of May. The German study follows research carried out in China that investigated the susceptibility of ferrets and animals in close contact with humans to COVID-19. Scientists at the Harbin Vet Research Institute found that SARS-CoV-2 replicates poorly in dogs, chickens, pigs, and ducks but efficiently in ferrets and cats. #COVID-19 #coronavirus #veterinarymedicine #onehealth.

Posh ‘natural’ pet food recalled as cats and their owners develop bovine tuberculosis.

Posh ‘natural’ pet food recalled as cats and their owners develop bovine tuberculosis.Fifty pedigree animals on a pricy gourmet diet have been taken ill and at least one has died, with two people also infected..A luxury cat food designed for pedigree pets has triggered an outbreak of a deadly strain of tuberculosis that has infected 50 cats and at least two of their owners. The “natural cat” wild venison cat food has been subjected to a nationwide recall by Natural Instinct, the company which sold it to thousands of cat owners as a healthier alternative to mass-produced pet food. It follows research by veterinary scientists at Edinburgh University who investigated why 50 cats in 30 homes around Britain had developed bovine tuberculosis (bTB). Almost all the cats were expensive pedigrees whose owners kept them indoors, meaning they had no contact with livestock or wild animals which can carry such infections. The one thing all the cats had in common was that they were fed Natural Instinct’s raw wild venison cat food which costs about £4.50 for two daily portions, compared with under 20p for a typical dried cat food. Bovine TB is related to human TB and is now so common in UK cattle that strains are infecting wildlife such as badgers, foxes and deer. Danielle Gunn-Moore, professor of feline medicine at Edinburgh University, who co-authored the research, said: “Raw meat diets could be good for cats, in theory, but there is a clear risk of infection so checks are vital. It’s not just bTB — there’s also a risk of toxoplasmosis, salmonella and other pathogens.”She and her colleagues gathered reports of bovine TB in cats in 30 households around the UK. The team had to test 90 felines and refer 100 people for tests. Two people have been found to be infected but more could emerge.

Flea And Tick Prevention For Cats.

 Flea And Tick Prevention For Cats.
Fleas, ticks and other parasites are often the bane of you and your cat's health. Stop your cat scratching through regular treatment.

Cats aren’t the only ones who suffer from fleas. For every single flea living on your cat, there could be hundreds more developing in your home! Flea bites can lead some cats to develop allergies, whilst parasites can act as intermediate hosts for certain tapeworms.

A heavy infestation can also cause anaemia, which is potentially life-threatening.The most recommended method to prevent flea infestations on your cat would be the use of a flea control treatment monthly, especially in the warmer seasons.

 In addition, the environment should also be treated regularly. Vacuuming and steaming the carpets, cleaning and washing all the bedding, and using carpet sprays are some of the options to prevent having these parasites multiplying in your house.

 How do I spot fleas? The most obvious sign is persistent scratching. Fleas are dark brown and about 1mm to 2mms long. You may find them – as well as tiny black specks of flea dirt – in your cat's coat during combing.

 There is an easy treatment now to keep your cats safe,  one dose will kill fleas and ticks for 3 months. Order now.

Veterinary medicine: Cat-Scratch Disease (Bartonella henselae Infection).

Veterinary medicine: Cat-Scratch Disease (Bartonella henselae Infection).Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection spread by cats. The disease spreads when an infected cat licks a person’s open wound, or bites or scratches a person hard enough to break the surface of the skin. About three to 14 days after the skin is broken, a mild infection can occur at the site of the scratch or bite. The infected area may appear swollen and red with round, raised lesions and can have pus. The infection can feel warm or painful. A person with CSD may also have a fever, headache, poor appetite, and exhaustion. Later, the person’s lymph nodes closest to the original scratch or bite can become swollen, tender, or painful. Wash cat bites and scratches well with soap and running water. Do not allow cats to lick your wounds. Contact your doctor if you develop any symptoms of cat-scratch disease or infection. CSD is caused by a bacterium called Bartonella henselae. About 40% of cats carry B. henselae at some time in their lives, although most cats with this infection show NO signs of illness. Kittens younger than 1 year are more likely to have B. henselae infection and to spread the germ to people. Kittens are also more likely to scratch and bite while they play and learn how to attack prey. How cats and people become infected. Cats can get infected with B. henselae from flea bites and flea dirt (droppings) getting into their wounds. By scratching and biting at the fleas, cats pick up the infected flea dirt under their nails and between their teeth. Cats can also become infected by fighting with other cats that are infected. The germ spreads to people when infected cats bite or scratch a person hard enough to break their skin. The germ can also spread when infected cats lick at wounds or scabs. How to prevent cat bites.

HOW TO STOP YOUR CAT FROM BITING.

               How to stop your cat from biting.

Depending on why your cat is biting, there are several things that you can do to help curtail this unwanted behavior. However, consistency is key, and you can’t view biting as cute one time, and they reprimand your cat the next time they bite you because you send mixed signals that’ll confuse your cat.

 As with any unwanted behavior from your pets, training your cat to stop biting follows several basic principals. These are the same principals that you follow for any pet that has bad habits that you’re trying to break.

             

 1)Reward wanted or good behavior and punish bad or unwanted behavior. When you reward or punish your cat’s behavior, it should be right after your cat displays the behavior in question. This will help your cat make the connection between the behavior and the reward or punishment.Consistency is key to your success or failure during the training process. Keeping these basic but essential principals in mind, you’ll have to know the specific ways to approach your cat’s biting behavior. The approaches depend on the root cause of your cat’s biting problem, so you want an idea of why your cat is biting so you can use the correct approach.

  2)For dominance biting: You have to show your cat that you are in charge and that you are the dominant one. To do this, get loud when your cat bites you because they’re responsive to tone and volume. If it’s a male cat that isn’t neutered, you may want to consider neutering them. Male cats tend to calm down after they have this procedure, and they may stop biting.

 3)Start using a dominance item to curb their behavior. An example would be a rolled newspaper, and all you have to do is lightly tap them on the head when they bite you because they’ll eventually respond to just the site of it.

Cats love attention and some just want to get attention by biting, if this is the case then follow these steps.
1) Be very cautious and selective with your negative reinforcement. Too much negative reinforcement will make your cat afraid to try and tell you when they need something.

2)Try to establish a less painful form of communication with your cat. Do whatever your cat wants you to do when they purr or rub against your leg, and don’t do it if they bite. Don’t be afraid to ignore your cat after the bite you. Cats love to play, and they’ll quickly start to reconsider their biting behavior if they find that it leads to getting ignored.

No matter why your cat is biting you, you want to learn their body language as they’re most likely giving you several clues that they’re about to bite you before they actually do it.

 For example, if your cat bites you after 10 minutes of petting them, cut the petting time down to around five or eight minutes and stop.

 When your cat starts using less painful ways to tell you that they need something or when they stop biting altogether, reward them. Praise, treats, and petting is all excellent positive reinforcement tactics that you can use. This training is to be started early,see how...

Why Does My Cat Bite My Nose?

                    Why Does My Cat Bite My Nose?

Any cat parent will tell you that we’re passionate about our felines, but we may not be so passionate about some of the behaviors that they see fit to bestow on us. For the most part, kitten bites don’t hurt, but that can change as your cat gets older and starts to bite harder. Reasons Your Cat Could Bite Your Nose There are dozens of reasons why your cat could be biting your nose, and it may be slightly difficult to narrow it down to just one source.

 However, the following reasons will give you a good idea on why your cat is doing this, and you can start correcting the problem so you and your cat can coexist happily and peacefully.

 1)Territorial Behavior Cats can be notoriously territorial, and this extends to their humans as well as their home. If you’ve added another cat to the family recently or if you’ve been around other cats outside of the home, your cat will be able to smell these other cats, and it can trigger their territorial instincts.
 Cats have scent glands all over their bodies, and by biting your nose, they’re spreading their scent all over you. This helps reassure them that they won’t lose you, and it can give a subtle warning to other cats that you are taken and off-limits for other cats .

 2) Overstimulation Your cat has dozens of sensations coming at them from all directions 24 hours a day, and this can make it easy for them to get overstimulated. When this happens, they may act erratically or act overwhelmed and do things that they normally wouldn’t do like bite your nose.

Your cat will give you plenty of warning signs that they’re getting overstimulated when they’re around you, and by stopping the contact, you can potentially stop the biting behavior. You may notice that your cat flicks or swishes their tail, rippling on your cat’s sides, rotating their ears back or to the sides, or tensing up.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Can Cats Have Down Syndrome?

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Can Cats Have Down Syndrome? Can cats have Down Syndrome?” to be able to give you a clear and definitive answer. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Down Syndrome and why cats can or can’t have this condition. Understanding How Down Syndrome Occurs:When all living things get pregnant and give birth, they pass down copies of their genetic material to their offspring, and this genetic material comes in pairs called chromosomes. Every plant and animal species on earth has its own specific number of chromosomes that come in pairs. For example, humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, alligators have 16 pairs, cherries have 16 pairs, and cats have 18. As species continue to reproduce and pass their genetic material on, the chromosome pairs don’t change, and they stay the same. Each parent passes on one chromosome per matched pair, and this helps to ensure that their offspring get equal matching sets of chromosomes. Once in a while, something goes wrong when the parents pass the chromosomes down, and the offspring receives three chromosomes instead of the original two. When the offspring gets three chromosomes instead of two, this typically creates some kind of genetic disorder, and it’s called trisomy. Specifically, in humans, when a trisomy happens with chromosome 21, you get the genetic disorder known as Down Syndrome. Conditions That Can be Mistaken for Down Syndrome in Cats For cats, there are several conditions that they can have that may lead you to believe that they have Down Syndrome. These include: 1)Cerebellar Hypoplasia: cerebellar Hypoplasia is a condition where your cat’s cerebellum doesn’t develop as it should, and this can cause several issues with motor control. For example, your cat could have trouble walking or standing, have leg tremors, be generally clumsy, or tend to bob their head when they walk. This condition can be from a birth defect, but it can also be caused by poisoning, bacterial infections, or malnutrition. There is no cure, but this condition usually doesn’t get work as your cat ages either, and it’s relatively easy to manage once you get a diagnosis. 2)Facial Deformities Some cats can be born with facial deformities or a form of dwarfism that makes their faces look odd. For example, some cats are born with too small jawbones, missing nasal bridges, or other issues that make them look like they could have Down Syndrome.However, facial deformities can be caused by genetic conditions as well as inbreeding or accidents. They don’t come from the cat having a form of Down Syndrome.