Filleann an feall ar an bhfeallaire.
The evil deed returns to the evildoer
Irish Puppy Farm at
Centre of Canine Brucellosis Outbreak Has 700 Breeding Bitches
May 6, 2009
by K9 Magazine News Editor
See also: Squalor of Irish factory-farmed puppies
It is being reported that an outbreak of canine brucellosis on a puppy
farm in Ireland could pose a serious public health risk as the disease
can be passed on to humans. This according to the Dublin SPCA and the
Ulster SPCA.
The two organisations have reported that the puppy farm in question is
home to a staggering 700 breeding bitches and there are currently up to
300 puppies on the premises.
The farm’s owner has refused to sign an undertaking not to move the dogs
off-site before an official inspection can take place to investigate the
extent of the problem.
Someone from the farm told the Irish Times that the two animal welfare
agencies were involved in acts of “intimidation” against the
establishment.
Canine brucellosis is transmissible to humans and can cause liver damage
and arthritis.
“We got accurate information on Friday that this man was intending
moving and selling these dogs and we acted on it,” according to Jimmy
Cahill, chief executive of the DSPCA.
“The guards were very helpful but the owners refused to let us see the
dogs or any of the carcasses. If there is an outbreak of canine
brucellosis it could have a devastating impact on the greyhound
industry,” he added.
Brucellosis in humans is a potentially life-threatening diseas and is
difficult to treat. There are several varieties of Brucellosis, all
caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, the most notable being B.
abortus and B. melitensis which affect larger species of domestic
animals, and B. canis which infects dogs and other canids.
All are widely spread around the world. The most severe infections are
thought to be associated with B. melitensis which primarily infects
goats, sheep, and camels in the Mediterranean, Asia, Latin America,
parts of Africa and some southern European countries. Humans can catch
B. canis through contact with the body fluids of infected dogs,
especially semen, urine and vaginal fluids.
Dogs can be infected with Brucellosis without showing any signs or
symptoms, and infection can only be diagnosed with specific blood tests.
The typical symptoms of the type of brucellosis contracted from dogs
are: fever that comes and goes, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness,
malaise, sore joints, low back pain, spine pain, headache, depression,
abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness,
unsteadiness of gait, and urinary retention.
Heart and lung complications can occur.
A Department of Agriculture veterinary source told the Times that an
outbreak of canine brucellosis would be “extremely unusual”.
Source: Dog Magazine.net
