For many of us, our everyday lives have changed dramatically, suddenly, as the coronavirus pandemic has swept the world, crossing continents, invading communities large and small. Although there are hundreds of existing coronaviruses in humans and animals, this brand-new “novel” coronavirus has never been seen before and has proven to be highly contagious among humans. … Continue reading Coronavirus and your pet — what you need to know
Diseases
Rabies didn’t die with Old Yeller — and the disease is endemic to Merced
I’m going to talk about something scary today. Not an alien life form but a very real live virus called rabies. Rabies didn’t die out with Old Yeller — it is still very much with us, and definitely present in the wildlife of Merced County. They map where the rabid animals were discovered, watching for … Continue reading Rabies didn’t die with Old Yeller — and the disease is endemic to Merced
Dog flu has been reported in the Valley. Here’s what you need to know.
Serious news for all dog owners in recent weeks, folks: Canine influenza, or dog flu, has been documented both in San Francisco and the Bay Area and in Fresno. Up to 50 cases were diagnosed in the Bay Area in mid-January, with a confirmed case in Fresno announced Jan. 24. This dog flu is highly … Continue reading Dog flu has been reported in the Valley. Here’s what you need to know.
World Rabies Day
Several years ago I wrote an article on Rabies (Merced Sun Star, June 2014), a viral disease carried from animal to animal and sometimes from animal to human. For both animals and humans the disease is considered a death sentence. I recently came upon a series of articles in a veterinary journal and was … Continue reading World Rabies Day