On March 19, 2007, a recall of dog and cat foods that
spanned across multiple manufacturers was issued after several dogs and
cats became ill and some fatalities were reported.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC)
discusses
how pets
provide many benefits to humans. They comfort us and they give us
companionship. However, some animals can also pass diseases to people.
These diseases are called zoonoses.
Canine and
feline distemper are diseases affecting many wild and domestic
carnivores. Although both these diseases can cause acute illness and
death, canine and feline distemper should not be confused, as they are
caused by two distinctly different viruses.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne
virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or
meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
There is no vaccine available for mammals and birds. Keeping pets
indoors around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active can help
them avoid being bitten.
