Regional Disease Update for Pet Owners
Riverside vet is dedicated to keeping your pets safe and healthy. Staying informed about local disease outbreaks is crucial to protecting your furry companions. Below are the latest updates and tips for preventing common illnesses in our area.
Current Disease Alerts in Northern Nevada.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Description: A contagious viral infection affecting birds, with potential risks to backyard poultry and some mammals, including cats, cattle, pigs and humans. Symptoms in cats may include coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, lethargy or neurologic signs like circling or blindness if exposed.
- Current Status: Several cases have been reported in poultry flocks and dairy herds in the surrounding areas.
- Prevention:
- Do not feed your pet undercooked or raw meat, including uncooked or freeze-dried meat-based diets, treats, or animal products.
- Do not feed your pet raw (unpasteurized) milk or colostrum.
- Keep pets away from wild birds, poultry, and cattle, especially in areas with known H5N1 outbreaks.
- Prevent pets from eating birds or other wild animals.
- Wash your hands after touching raw meat and after interacting with poultry, livestock or animals outside your household.
- Consider changing clothing and shoes after interacting with animals or birds with unknown health status and before interacting with your own pets.
- Keep backyard poultry in secure, enclosed spaces to minimize exposure.
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet appears sick. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has been exposed to any of the above.
- Veterinarians must immediately report any suspected cases of influenza in animals to ODA
Articles:
Avian Influenza H5N1 in Cats from the AVMA
Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)
- Description: A highly contagious viral disease affecting dogs, especially puppies. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea (often with blood), lethargy, and loss of appetite.
- Current Status: High number of cases reported locally.
- Prevention:
- Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
- Avoid high-traffic dog areas until your pet is fully vaccinated.
Feline Leukemia Virus
- Description: A viral illness in cats caused contact, grooming, sharing water/food with an infected cat. This causes a lymphadenopathy, upper respiratory signs, weight loss.
- Current Status: Multiple cases have been found in Dayton and Mound House.
- Prevention:
- Keep your cat indoors or limit exposure to other cats.
- Vaccinate with FeLV as part of the core kitten series, and on going if cat goes outside.
Canine Leptospirosis
- Description: A bacterial infection affecting dogs, and in some cases, humans. Spread through contaminated water or soil. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, muscle pain, and jaundice.
- Current Status: Moderateg increase after recent rainfall.
- Prevention:
- Vaccinate your dog against leptospirosis.
- Avoid letting pets drink from puddles or stagnant water.
What You Can Do
- Stay Updated: Follow our website or social media channels for the latest alerts.
- Preventative Care: Book an appointment to review your pet’s vaccination and wellness status.
Contact Us: If your pet shows unusual symptoms, call us immediately at 775-246-5392
Our Commitment to Your Pets
At Riverside Vet, we prioritize your pet’s health and happiness. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through preventative care and treatment during outbreaks. Together, we can keep your furry friends safe and healthy!
Need Help or Have Questions?
Contact us at 775-246-5392 or email info@myriverside.vet.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and trust us to care for your pets.