BREEDER INFORMATION
Parvo 2c “ The new Parvo”
By : Dr Rick Kesler,DVM
staff veterinarian for Lambert Vet Supply
I have been spending a lot of my time dealing recently with outbreaks occurring in many states and there seems to be much confusion in the breeder world about Parvovirus, new and old. I am hoping that this article will clear up some of this confusion about this devastating disease.
Parvovirus is a single stranded DNA virus and uneveloped which makes it highly resistant to disinfectants, temperature and acidity levels in a kennel that make it very difficult for us in having a properly sanitized kennel. It also is highly stable in organic materials such as feces, urine, saliva and oil from dogs skin which is another factor against us in defeating this disease. It is a highly mutagenic virus meaning it is anticipated that 2b would eventually change to what we now call 2c and eventually change again.
Parvovirus 2c is known to be in 14 states and as of this writing surely to spread eventually to all states. It is found worldwide and has been since 2000. While very similar to 2b there is a small genetic difference that makes 2c different in physical properties. The question becomes than how does this affect us as breeders. At this time there are conflicting reports regarding this virus. At first it was reported that all current vaccines protect against the new virus but now there is conflicting evidence. There is good current research that one vaccine protects against parvo 2c.
It is thought at this time that current tests for parvo do a good job in testing for 2b and 2c. It is recommended that all kennels have test available and be used on all pups showing signs of parvo to rule out the disease. Early in the course of disease the test can be negative so repeating in 24 hours is easily done especially if clinical signs worsen.
Clinical signs can be the classics like vomiting and diarrhea but we are seeing sudden deaths also. If you believe that you have Parvo 2c in your kennel it can be confirmed at the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at Oklahoma State University.
Treatment involves keeping the puppies hydrated with fluids, using a broad spectrum antibiotic to prevent secondary bacterial infections and controlling vomiting. There are many treatment protocols but these are the staples. Bleach, Trifectant and Virkon-S are the disinfectants of choice for parvo prevention or outbreaks. Remember they need to have a 10 minute contact time and a kennel degreaser needs to be used beforehand. Fly control is essential in limiting the spread of the disease as well as proper sanitizing of kennel staff and handlers. Any new arrival to a kennel should be quarantined to prevent introduction of any disease.
Remember that without doing blood titers on puppies no dog can be thought to be protected against parvovirus till they are 16 weeks of age. That is why we need to continue our series of vaccinations against parvo till they reach this age. At this age we know that greater than 95% of dogs are protected with vaccinations. One thing for sure is that we are likely to be dealing with parvovirus for a long time and with a proper preventive medicine program we can keep our risks to a minimum.
The Hidden Dangers of Flies and Ticks In Kennels
Ticks and flies, common hot weather pests found in kennels, are more than just a nuisance to your dogs. They carry many potentially serious diseases that as kennel owners, you work hard to keep out of your kennel. Many kennel owners are unaware that flies or ticks ay be the cause of death in puppies; one that is easily overlooked when trying to determine a causal factor.
Superficially, a kennel infested with flies or ticks appears unprofessional and unsanitary to the general public, harming your reputation as a quality breeder. These parasites are more than simply irritating to dogs, they can cause skin disease, eye disease and ear disease. Ultimately, it is worthwhile to devote some time ridding your kennel of these parasites.
There are many different species of flies. Some flies bite dogs, some just are downright nuisances. Regardless of what species, flies are a carrier of parvo disease in your kennel. Kennel owners are aware of the potential human transfer of kennel diseases for dogs to dog, yet often overlook the real danger presented by flies in disease transfer. Flies transmit disease, transferring microscopic organisms form one dog’s feces to another susceptible dog in very little time. They are also a common cause of a skin condition called fly strike that can be a serious dermatological disease.
Ticks are parasitic blood suckers that are most active in the warmer months. A heavy load can cause puppies to become dangerously anemic lending to susceptible to other diseases. Ticks can consume significant amounts of blood, ultimately leading to death in puppies. They are also common causes of ear disease and skin disease. Ticks can also transmit diseases they feed on the dog. While it’s generally said that it takes a minimum of 24 hours for disease to be transmitted to the dog it can happen sooner.
They carry Ehrlichia, Anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, Babesiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted fever. These are all serious diseases and becoming more prevalent and better diagnosed. Canine tick-borne disease is documented in all part of the United States, meaning every kennel owner must become vigilant in protecting your dogs and your kennel from a tick infestation.
As you’ve heard me stress many times, sanitation in your kennel is critical to preventing disease. Sanitation is also key to controlling and preventing a fly or tick infestation. In addition to thoroughly cleaning the kennel with an inexpensive foamer, I recommend aggressive residual insecticide control in the kennel. As with fleas, it is imperative to break the tick’s life cycle for effective control.
Eggs may be laid in kennel floor cracks and crevices, larval and nymphal ticks may conceal themselves in those locations as well as behind light switches or door latches. For proper chemical control of ticks in kennels, pay close attention to these areas. Also treat outdoor kennels and runs and don’t allow weeds for grass to grow along outdoor areas.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
A bill is simply an idea that someone would like to see become law. It could be anything from the penalty for committing a crime to the amount of money that can be spent on a state program.
The idea can come from anyone, but only a Representative or Senator can take that idea and guide it to final passage through the General Assembly.
Drafting a bill simply means putting the idea into legal language and making sure it meets the requirements of the Joint Rules of the House and Senate. The actual drafting is done by the Bureau of Legislative Research.
Introduction of a bill can be made by any member of the House or Senate, and more than one legislator can sponsor a bill. A bill is given to the Chief Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate and assigned a number. The sponsor(s) of a bill signs the original copy.
First and Second Readings are the next steps. It is customary for a bill to be read the first and second time on the same day, but only the number and title are read unless the members vote otherwise. After reading, a bill is assigned to committee.
There are 10 Standing Committees in the House and nine similar Standing Committees in the Senate. Each House committee has 20 members; Senate committees have seven or eight members each. There are five joint committees made up of members from both the House and Senate.
During legislative sessions, committees usually meet in the morning to examine bills. Committees generally are where public comments are gathered on proposed legislation. During a committee hearing, the Senator or Representative sponsoring a bill will explain the measure and often will bring in expert testimony as support. Those who oppose a bill will also present their case, and frequently the committee will hold public hear Committee action is crucial to the legislative process. A committee’s responsibility is to examine a bill carefully and make one of three recommendations: "Do Pass," "Do Pass as Amended," or "Do Not Pass."
The committee report on a bill is read to the entire membership of the House or Senate. If a member of the General Assembly wants to change the wording of a bill, add something or take something out of a bill, the Senator or Representative will "amend" the bill. While any legislator can propose an amendment, it takes a majority of the entire membership of one house to adopt an amendment. Once adopted, the amended bill must be considered by a committee.
When the committee has completed its deliberations, the bill is put in final form with or without amendments and placed on the Calendar. The bill is now ready to be read a third time, debated and voted on by the entire membership of the House or Senate. It is up to the bill’s sponsor to bring it up for final consideration.
Most bills can be passed by a majority vote (51 in the House; 18 in the Senate), but most bills that appropriate money and some that increase taxes require a three-fourth’s vote of the membership of each body.
