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Leptospirosis Outbreak News
Leptospirosis Outbreak News
Veterinarians are keeping a close watch on the Leptospirosis
virus that has killed several dogs this summer.
August 27, 2004
From Boston and Buffalo, to Chicago, Denver, Houston and
San Diego, veterinarians across the country are keeping a
close watch on the recent outbreak of Leptospirosis, a potentially
deadly canine disease that has already killed several dogs
this summer. Leptospirosis thrives in water sources and is
commonly found after periods of heavy rain. Animals which
come into contact with water sources that have been contaminated
with urine of infected wildlife are most at risk.
A new website, http://www.dvmvac.org
, profiles the latest information on the outbreak of Leptospirosis.
The site, which educates veterinarians and pet owners about
the important role vaccines play in the health of animals,
also features break-through research on canine and feline
vaccine development and helps to clarify the debate regarding
annual and extended vaccination schedules.
"For many diseases such as Leptospirosis, vaccines remain
the single most important element of a pet's preventative
healthcare program," says well-known vaccine expert Dr. John
Ellis, Professor of Veterinary Microbiology at the University
of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine.
"The site, http://www.dvmvac.org , answers questions by members
of the veterinary profession and the pet-owning public about
vaccine efficacy and safety."
Lyme disease expert Dr. Steve Levy says Lyme is another disease
that requires annual vaccination. Levy says, "Annual vaccinations
play a critical role in maintaining the immunity necessary
to break the Lyme disease cycle. This site is an important
new tool to expand our reach as veterinarians and further
public awareness about the use of vaccines in dogs and cats."
Other advisory board members for http://www.dvmvac.org include:
- Steven Krakowka, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVP, Ohio State University
- Gary Norsworthy, DVM, Dipl., ABVP, San Antonio, TX
- James Evermann, MS, Ph.D., Washington State University
- Dr. Margret Casal, Assistant Professor of Medical Genetics,
University of Pennsylvania
In addition to interviews with veterinary academia and testimonials
from practicing veterinarians, http://www.dvmvac.org offers
information for both veterinarians and pet owners.
The section for veterinarians includes topics on:
- Safety, efficacy and duration of immunity of vaccines
- Killed vs. modified-live vaccines
- Sarcomas
- The role adjuvants play in vaccine efficacy
The pet owner section features information on:
- Facts about vaccination
- Disease risk factors
- Canine and feline diseases controlled by vaccination
The new vaccine website is currently funded through an educational
grant by Fort Dodge Animal Health, based out of Overland Park,
Kan. The site is published by Germinder & Associates, Inc.,
which also publishes http://www.goodnewsforpets.com.
For posting or sponsorship information on http://www.dvmvac.org,
contact Lea Ann Germinder, APR at 816-822-0192 or via email
at lgerminder@germinder.com
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Source: press release
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