Hi Matt,   
      
      
   Very freaky ... I think I read about this not that long ago.  Anyway, I wonder   
   if it's also being seen overseas?  With warmer temperatures all over the   
   planet are we giving bugs/viruses/bacteria a nice place to live? :(   
      
   I guess the fact that we enjoy having 3 of the Labrador retriever-types (1   
   full-bred, 2 mixed breed) says that we're used to the mutts eating everything   
   and anything.  I don't think even their stomachs would be able to survive this   
   nasty one without treatment though. Forgive all the quoting of your original   
   message.. can't hurt I figure..   
      
   > from:   
   > http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/10/deadly-ohio-dog-virus-hits-michigan/   
      
   > Dog owners of the midwest, beware: theres a deadly disease striking dogs, and   
   >it may be spreading to them by their owners. Flu-like symptoms may be present,   
   > and can be fatal within 12-24 hours of contracting it.   
      
   >Cases of the virus similar to circovirus (typically associated with pigs) have   
   > been reported all across Ohio, and now six Michigan dogs have died from it.   
   > There is no name for the mysterious illness, because veterinarians and   
   > scientists arent exactly sure what it is yet.   
      
   > The laboratory confirmation is important because the virus is newly isolated,   
   > however we are not prepared at this time to confirm that canine circovirus is   
   > the cause of the dog illnesses, said State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey.   
   > Because the symptoms being exhibited can also be linked to other known   
   > illnesses, additional analysis and information is needed to determine if this   
   > virus alone or in co-infection contributes to illness and death in dogs.   
      
   > Symptoms can include lethargy, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and most   
   >notably, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Dogs displaying these symptoms should b   
   > rushed to a vet, especially if someone theyve been in close contact with is   
   > also under the weather. Dogs can be saved, but only if they are treated   
   > immediately.   
      
   >Usually within about 12 to 24 hours of it starting, said Dr. Lindsay Ruland of   
   > the Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Ann Arbor.   
      
   > It is unknown how the virus is transmitted, but it may be spreading through   
   >saliva and feces. No humans or other animals are believed to have died from th   
   > virus, but doctors are recommending that people wash their hands thoroughly   
   >with antibacterial soap and hot water before and after touching their pets and   
   > their pets food, bedding, toys, etc. For the time, none of these items should   
   > be shared between animals, especially if people around them have had flu-like   
   >symptoms, and contact between dogs should be limited, or avoided altogether if   
   > it is known that a dog (or its human) has been sick recently.   
      
   > Traditionally we dont pass viruses to our pets. This year, I think that there   
   > is potential that we are passing it to our pets, Dr. Ruland said.   
      
   Take care,   
   Janis   
      
   --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Dada-1   
    * Origin: Prism bbs (1:261/38)