Penn Vet to Offer Low-Cost Micro-chipping and Canine Influenza Titer Testing at Revolution Flyball Tourney, 11/13 & 11/14
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
[November 9, 2010; Philadelphia, PA] – The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s Dr. Cynthia Otto, associate professor of Critical Care, and the Canine Club will be on-hand to test dogs for canine influenza titers and offer a lost-cost micro-chipping service at the Revolution Flyball Tournament on November 13 and 14, 2010 at United Sports Training Center in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Microchips and flu testing is made available with support from Intervet Schering Plough Animal Health.
Canine influenza, a virus closely related to the virus that causes equine influenza, has been in the news recently as a relatively new vaccine has been promoted to pet owners. While there are differing opinions of whether owners should have their dogs vaccinated depending largely on individual circumstances, awareness of and research about the prevalence of the disease are the first steps to understand and ensure the health of our dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), since the first-known outbreak of canine influenza in 2004, the prevalence of the disease has been steadily growing. Untreated dogs may develop pneumonia, which can lead to mortality.
Penn Vet faculty, staff and students will be testing competing dogs’ blood for evidence of canine influenza titers, an indication that a dog has been exposed to the disease.
“Last year,” said Dr. Otto, “we tested over 100 dogs and found less than 3 percent of dogs had positive titers. We will be testing again this year to help determine if there is an increase in prevalence of this disease.”
In addition to testing dogs for the canine influenza titers, micro-chipping of pets helps to ensure the safe return of runaway or lost dogs. Low-cost micro-chipping will also be offered at $20/dog.
This event is just one of the many that Penn Vet is reaching out to our local communities to ensure the health, safety and well being of humans and our pets.
WHO: Penn Vet faculty, staff, students; flyball competitors; the public.
WHAT: Canine influenza titer testing and low-cost micro-chipping for competing and walk-in dogs. Admission is free.
WHEN: Saturday, November 13, 2010 titer testing is slated from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. On Sunday, titer testing is slated for 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Flyball races will take place on both Saturday and Sunday beginning at 8:00 AM and running until about 3:00 PM.
WHERE: United Sports Training Center, 1426 Marshallton Thorndale Road, Downingtown, PA 19335.
WHY: To follow up on a study held last year and determine whether canine influenza titer rates are decreasing, holding steady or decreasing.
About Revolution Flyball For more information about Revolution Flyball, visit www.revolutionflyballpa.com.
Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the world's premier veterinary schools. Founded in 1884, the School was built on the concept of Many Species, One Medicine™. The birthplace of veterinary specialties, the School serves a distinctly diverse array of animal patients, from pets to horses to farm animals at our two campuses. In Philadelphia, on Penn's campus, are the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital for companion animals, as well as classrooms, laboratories and the School's administrative offices. The large-animal facility, New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, Pa., encompasses hospital facilities for the care of horses and food animals as well as diagnostic laboratories serving the agriculture industry. The School has successfully integrated scholarship and scientific discovery with all aspects of veterinary medical education.
Visit us on-line at www.vet.upenn.edu