[World Organization for Animal Health] OIE statement

http://www.oie.int/eng/press/en_090427.htm
My notation is at the bottom; after the info...

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OIE statement
Re: A/H1N1 influenza like human illness in Mexico and the USA:
Paris, April 27 - 2009 -

"Urgent scientific research must be started in order to know the susceptibility of animals to this new virus, and if relevant to implement biosecurity measures including possible vaccination to protect susceptible animals. If this virus would be shown to cause disease in animals, virus circulation could worsen the regional and global situation for public health.

Currently, only findings related to the circulation of this virus in pigs in zones of countries having human cases would justify trade measures on the importation of pigs from these countries. The OIE will continue its alert function and will publish in relation with its Members, Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres all appropriate information in real time.

OIE and FAO underline the great value of the influenza veterinary laboratory network called OFFLU, in charge of the surveillance of the evolution of influenza viruses in animals. There is a strong need to reinforce this network whose members are urged to put immediately in the public domain any genetic sequence of influenza virus they obtain.

This influenza event underlines in all countries the crucial importance of maintaining worldwide veterinary services able to implement in animals early detection of relevant emerging pathogens with a potential public health impact. This capacity is fully linked with veterinary services good governance and their compliance with OIE international standards of quality."



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http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Flu/understandingFlu/2009h1n1.htm

# Researchers in laboratories on the NIH campus are studying the basic biology of influenza, including its pathogenesis, immunogenicity, transmissibility and genetic variability. This research includes investigating host immune responses to the virus in animal models and in humans; developing vaccines to prevent influenza, especially strains with pandemic potential; and studying influenza epidemiology.

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http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm

"Three feet has often been used by infection control professionals to define close contact and is based on studies of respiratory infections; however, for practical purposes, this distance may range up to 6 feet. The World Health Organization uses "approximately 1 meter"; the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration uses "within 6 feet." For consistency with these estimates, this document defines close contact as a distance of up to 6 feet."

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Good Afternoon Everyone,

Take what you will from the above statements.

While I am not panicking yet, I do believe we all need to be more aware of what/who/where we touch.
The above referenced virus can live on surfaces for 72 hours.
(That's 3 days, Folks).

About the article above, I have just spoken to the vet.
He said the best he can do at this point is to advise us to keep our pets away from other dogs/animals until more is known either way.

There is a virus going around [here?] that seems to only affect those dogs that are in contact with other dogs/animals. (Kennels, groomers, etc).
He further stressed that it is NOT this swine flu virus.

He said no other dogs, especially when taking into consideration the absence of Caseys pancreas.
Funny I had already asked Kelli yesterday already not to bring Mr Miller 'til we know more.

Love to all.

XOXO
Me