Deadly Dog Virus Strikes In Michigan, Quickly Kills Six; Mystery Illness Blamed For Ohio Dog Deaths

[Purveyor]

By: Julie Banovic, WXYZ
ANN ARBOR, Mich - A deadly dog virus has struck Ann Arbor, Michigan already quickly killing six. Veterinarians say it may spread from owners to their pets.

--CLIP
Veterinarians don't know exactly what kind of virus Brutus has, because there is no name for it yet. This is the first time the virus has been seen in metro Detroit and it's quickly killing dogs.

“Usually within about 12 to 24 hours of it starting,” said Dr. Lindsay Ruland of the Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Ann Arbor.

Dr. Ruland said Brutus and other dogs with the unknown virus are showing flu like symptoms. “Severe abdominal pain, often times bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy,” she continued.

The virus is similar Circovirus that started getting dogs sick last year in San Diego. Cases of the illness have been reported all across Ohio, killing several dogs and causing the Ohio Department of Agriculture to investigate.

How the disease is transmitted is unknown. But canines with the virus appear to also have owners who are sick.


Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/national/deadly-virus-getting-dogs-sick-in-metro-detroit-is-being-seen-in-michigan-for-the-first-time-wews1380818752477#ixzz2ggF5Ox8U

[Sunlei]

1. some owners sick too but not as severe. wonder if it's some type of pet food contamination.

[Phentex]

2. That's awful!

I hope they figure out something soon! And I hope it's not food related.

[TorchTheWitch]

3. I'm puzzled as to why people think this has something to do with contamination

Specifically food related. It's a virus. If I catch a cold I'm not going to wonder if it was something I ate.

The fact that it's a virus is FAR more frightening since no one knows what it is or how it's contracted, and what can be done to treat it. Just like other viruses once you got it all that can really be done is treat the symptoms and hope for the best.

That fact that this is a virus scares the ever loving shit out of me... there's nothing to do to protect the dogs or even yourself since whatever it is seems to be able to species hop.

[Chemisse]

4. One could only wish it was food related

Then we would have a chance at prevention.

But you are right; a virus is far scarier.