[nagdu] Ebola Virus and Dogs: Where Do We Stand?

[Dudley Hanks]

FYI - 

This subject is probably of concern to many on the list:

Regards,
Dudley, with Michener


Here is an excellent summary from a well-respected expert in infectious
disease.  

Subject: Ebola Virus and Dogs: Where Do We Stand?
October 10, 2014
info at briefmedia.com 


Ebola Virus & Dogs: 
Where Do We Stand?
J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM
Editor in Chief, Clinician's Brief
 
The recent euthanasia of a dog owned by a Spanish nursing assistant infected
with Ebola virus has raised much concern about the canine role in Ebola
virus transmission and the risks dogs may pose to humans. As is common with
emerging diseases, there are many gaps in our knowledge-and these gaps can
create fear.

The following key points should be understood: 
.	There is limited concern about dogs playing a role in natural
transmission of Ebola virus in areas where the virus is endemic.
.	The likelihood of a dog being exposed to Ebola virus outside of
endemic regions in Africa is very unlikely; this would require contact with
bodily secretions of a human with symptoms of Ebola virus infection.
.	There is evidence that dogs can become infected with Ebola virus,
but there is no evidence that they develop disease.(1) 
o	This information comes from a study of dogs in a community where an
Ebola virus outbreak was underway; 27% of healthy dogs had serum antibodies
against the virus, but none had detectable virus in circulation. Evidence of
exposure was not surprising, as some dogs scavenged the bodies of animals
that had potentially died of Ebola virus infection and had direct contact
with humans with active disease. 
o	This situation is profoundly different than that of a household pet
with transient exposure to a human that has been exposed or has early
infection.
.	Irrespective of whether dogs can be exposed to the virus, there is
currently no evidence that infected dogs shed the virus.
.	In the unlikely event of a pet dog outside of West Africa is exposed
to a human with Ebola virus infection, veterinary and public health
personnel can investigate the type of contacts between the dog and human
(eg, when contact occurred with respect to the presence of symptoms, types
and duration of contact) and determine whether exposure to the virus may
have occurred.
.	Coordinated efforts are underway to develop guidance for management
of dogs exposed to individuals with Ebola virus infection. 

The lack of information about Ebola virus in dogs makes development of
evidence-based practices difficult. Yet, given the available information
about Ebola virus in dogs and the broader understanding of Ebola virus and
containment practices, reasonable recommendations can be developed for the
very unlikely event that more pet dogs become exposed. 

Concerns about dogs and Ebola virus cannot be dismissed, and consideration
of the role of pets in transmission of this virus is consistent with efforts
to promote One Health. At the same time, the risks must be kept in
perspective-and reason must outweigh paranoia-to optimize human and animal
health and welfare. 

(1) Ebola virus antibody prevalence in dogs and human risk. Allela L, Bourry
O, Pouillot R, et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 11: 385-390, 2005.

About J. Scott Weese
J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, is veterinary internist and
microbiologist, chief of infection control at University of Guelph Ontario
Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre, and Canada Research Chair in
zoonotic diseases. As editor in chief of Clinician's Brief, Dr. Weese
provides quintessential expertise on infectious and zoonotic diseases
(particularly of companion animals), infection control, and antimicrobial
therapy. 

About Brief Media
Brief Media, an Educational Concepts Company, is a trusted publisher of
educational information to small animal veterinary practitioners and their
staff, and is a valued resource to veterinary marketers. The company's
flagship publication, Clinician's Brief, is the official publication of the
NAVC and provides practical, clinical information to more small animal
veterinarians than any other publication brand. Veterinary Team Brief is a
peer-reviewed, from-the-trenches veterinary leadership journal that focuses
on implementation of medicine through exceptional communication and
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clinical applications.