Mysterious Cat Deaths In Angthong Investigated

[george]

Mysterious cat deaths in Angthong investigated

BANGKOK: -- The Public Health Ministry has warned people to wash their hands after direct contact with a cat and avoid touching any strays after hundreds of cats died suspiciously in Angthong province.

The Department of Livestock Development now is investigating the cause of the deaths. The department first assumed they were caused by the feline panleukpenia disease. The laboratory results will be confirmed Tuesday.

Cat owners are strongly advised to vaccinate their pets to prevent any infection.

-- The Nation 2008-03-24

[george]

Cat flu not transmittable to humans, says Department of Disease Control

BANGKOK: -- 'Cat flu' is not transmittable to humans, according to the Department of Disease Control after a large number of felines were found dead in Thailand's central province of Ang Thong.

Local residents fear possible transmission of the disease to humans.

About 60 cats were observed as being sick, drowsy, vomiting, having blood in the faeces, and died within days.

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab said according to the initial investigation, the local offices of the livestock development department presumed that the cats died of cat flu. Samples of cat carcasses and sick cat were sent to the laboratory for tests.

Officials warned local residents to eliminate cat carcasses properly by burying them and cleaning their habitats with disinfectant. Children are advised to stay away from sick cats.

However, Dr. Apirom Puanghat, a veterinarian said that local residents shouldn't panic as cat flu can't be transmitted to humans.

--TNA 2008-03-24

[Artisi]

With any luck it might reduce the cat population in Thailand by a massive amount then we won't have to put up with so many disease ridden half starved cats wandering in and out of restaurants etc.

[george]

Update:

Canine distemper no risk to humans: Disease Control Dept.

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Department of Disease Control said Tuesday that canine distemper virus is not transmittable to humans, and urged dog and cat wners not to panic.

Dr. Apirom Puanghat, a veterinarian from the Department of Disease Control, said the canine distemper virus or CDV posed no risk to pet owners, their families or other human beings. Many animal lovers have gone into a panic because they think that dog distemper is similar to measles and can be passable to human, she said, attempting to allay concern.

The fear came after a large number of cats were found dead in Thailand's central province of Ang Thong last week. About 60 felines were observed as being sick, drowsiness, vomiting, having blood in their faeces, and then having died within a few days.

"Canine distemper and cat distemper are commonly caused by different virus strains, so the canine distemper can't be transmitted to cats and feline distemper can't spread among dogs. Both diseases are common and are not transmittable to humans," affirmed Dr. Aprirom.

The top veterinarian suggested, however, that dog owners should have their pets vaccinated to protect them from canine distemper, which is an airborne disease.

The apparent symptoms of the dog distemper are runny nose, vomiting, drowsiness and diarrhea. CDV-infected dogs can die within two weeks. Those which survive may suffer from blindness and/or neurological manifestations.

-- TNA 2008-03-25

[londonthai]

With any luck it might reduce the cat population in Thailand by a massive amount then we won't have to put up with so many disease ridden half starved cats wandering in and out of restaurants etc.

cat's are domesticated animals - they need us as much as we need them. Less cats - more rats, mice and the other vermin. And those are real health and ecological danger

[mike_rad]

With any luck it might reduce the cat population in Thailand by a massive amount then we won't have to put up with so many disease ridden half starved cats wandering in and out of restaurants etc.

cat's are domesticated animals - they need us as much as we need them. Less cats - more rats, mice and the other vermin. And those are real health and ecological danger

Perhaps, if the cats are treated for worms and the like. I'd say many cats in Thailand are not.

But I agree with Artisi, restaurants are no places for cats (or dogs) and I will avoid those that harbor them. Why do you think there are laws in the West to keep animals out of public food areas?

In some Thai restaurants I've seen the cook playing with the cat or dog then going into the kitchen to fill an order. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they didn't wash their hands.

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