A seasonal respiratory virus that hasn’t been much of an issue since the COVID-19 pandemic is on the rise once again. The CDC issued a health alert on Tuesday, Aug. 13, over human parvovirus – more commonly known as parvo.
That name might sound more familiar to dog owners. It’s one of the most contagious illnesses among canines — so much so, the parvo vaccine is included in their regular immunizations.
But parvo can be a human illness too, and the CDC says it’s been getting more reports of people testing positive for this variant of the virus lately.
Parvo is spread through respiratory droplets. Adults are usually less likely to catch the illness, due to exposure to parvo when they were young. Most have antibodies built up against the illness. According to the CDC, people who work with children, like in schools or daycares, are at a higher risk for infection.
The agency said it’s been getting more reports of parvo among those who are pregnant, leading to complications like severe fetal anemia or miscarriage, and increases in aplastic anemia in those with sickle cell disease.
Most people with parvo don’t show any symptoms, but if they do, the CDC said symptoms come in two phases.
About a week after infection, an individual might experience a fever, muscle aches or general malaise. This phase is when people are most contagious, and it usually lasts around five days.
Then, in the second phase of the illness, children usually develop a hallmark facial rash often called a “slapped cheek rash,” followed by a body rash or joint pain. Adults often have a rash on their torso, coupled with back and joint pain.
There’s no human vaccine for parvo, nor is there a specific treatment other than easing symptoms. The CDC said most infections will clear up on their own.
Officials raising awareness after dog starts house fire by biting phone charger
Oklahoma fire officials have released footage of a house fire that occurred in May, revealing an unusual cause: a dog chewing through a phone charger. Fortunately, all residents and pets escaped the home safely and without injury.
The Tulsa Fire Department is using the accident to highlight the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in many everyday devices. According to the department, these batteries can pose significant risks when an uncontrolled release of energy occurs, which can produce flammable and toxic gases, and, in some cases, lead to explosions.
“Be careful, you may have items in your home that can lead to a disaster if not properly handled,” the department said. “We want the public to learn about usage, safe storage and proper disposal of these potentially dangerous batteries.”
This incident is part of a broader pattern, as fire departments across the country have increasingly encountered issues related to lithium-ion batteries. The Tulsa Fire Department is urging the public to be aware of the potential hazards and to take precautions to ensure the safe handling of these batteries.
Turkey’s government wants to cull millions of stray dogs despite protests
Lawmakers in Turkey passed legislation on Tuesday, July 30, that would allow the government to round up millions of stray dogs across the country. However, the legislation is facing backlash from animal rights activists, who have dubbed the bill a “Massacre Law.”
Despite protests by animal rights activists inside and around the Turkish parliament, lawmakers still moved forward with the bill early Tuesday morning. It will now head to the Turkish president’s desk for his signature.
Proponents of the bill argue that with Turkey’s population of around 4 million stray dogs, there are sick and uncontrollable strays that need to be euthanized to prevent a growing number of attacks and the spread of rabies. According to the bill, healthy strays will need to be sent to shelters and put up for adoption. Under the proposed law, local council will be forced to build animal shelters to implement the new rules by 2028.
However, critics note that the country lacks the resources to house stray dogs and argue that will lead to mass killings of stray dogs. There are currently 322 animal shelters with room for 105,000 dogs in the country, far short of what is needed to house the millions of stray dogs on Turkish streets.
Additionally, Turkish residents are historically sensitive to the issue of efforts to culling the stray population. In 1910, Ottoman authorities rounded up tens of thousands of stray dogs from Istanbul and put them on a deserted rock island in the Sea of Marmara. All of the dogs reportedly died of drowning and starvation, with some forced to resort to cannibalism.
Furthermore, when it comes to the stray dog problem, many residents are trying to care for the animals themselves.
“They are our priority,” Salim Yuce, a resident of Istanbul, said. “I put water out among these trees for them to drink. I feed them. We do whatever we can. We are against euthanasia of animals. Against locking them up. They have the right to live just as much as we do, and we’re actually occupying their space.”
International welfare groups are urging Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan not to sign the bill into law. However, Erdogan has previously said that the country’s stray dog problem is something that “does not exist in any developed country.”
Several opponents to the bill have said that there are many mayors of major cities who will not enforce the law if it is signed. However, under the law, mayors could be jailed for up to two years for failing to implement the new rules.
Nationwide dropping 100,000 pet insurance policyholders due to inflation
Nationwide — the country’s largest provider for pet insurance — is dropping coverage for approximately 100,000 policyholders. The cancellations have already started June 14 and will continue through summer 2025.
Nationwide blamed inflation for these steps. The company said this action will enable it to “maintain long-term viability and profitability.”
“As pet lovers ourselves, we understand the emotions connected to the protection of our family pets,” Nationwide said in a statement. “Inflation in the cost of veterinary care and other factors have led to recent underwriting changes and the withdrawal of some products in some states — difficult actions that are necessary to ensure a financially sustainable future for our pet insurance line of business.”
While Nationwide said the policies being tossed are not associated with a pet’s age, breed or prior claims, USA TODAY reported many of the policies are for older pets with prior conditions who may not be able to be insured elsewhere.
According to a NerdWallet survey released earlier this year, about 24% of pet owners have pet insurance which can cover routine care as well as treatment for illnesses and injuries. The average annual cost for pet insurance for dogs is $676 and $383 for cats.
Over half of those surveyed said they purchase pet insurance for the “peace of mind.” But now that peace is being taken away for many pet owners.
Biden administration plans $1 billion weapons deal with Israel
The U.S. is preparing to send $1 billion in new weapons to Israel. And there are new details about the deadly crash in Florida that killed eight migrant farmworkers. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Biden administration plans $1 billion weapons deal with Israel
The Biden administration intends to send over $1 billion in new weapons to Israel, notifying Congress committees of the planned deal on Tuesday, May 14. This decision follows last week’s announcement that the administration paused a shipment of bombs to Israel due to concerns about a major operation in the Gaza border city of Rafah.
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U.S. officials indicated that the proposed package includes approximately $700 million for tank ammunition, $500 million for tactical vehicles and $60 million for mortar rounds.
While the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees have been alerted about this potential arms transfer, Congress still awaits official notification.
Despite the pause in sending 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, the administration emphasizes its commitment to supporting Israel’s right to defend itself against threats in the region. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan conveyed this message during a press briefing on Monday, May 13.
“The United States has sent a massive amount of military assistance to Israel to defend itself against all threats, including Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran and its other proxies,” Sullivan said. “We are continuing to send military assistance, and we will ensure that Israel receives the full amount provided in the supplemental. We have paused a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs because we do not believe they should be dropped in densely populated cities. We are talking to the Israeli government about this.”
Sullivan added that the president’s commitment to Israel is ironclad, noting that “ironclad” doesn’t imply an absence of disagreements.
Trump’s legal team begins cross-examination of Michael Cohen
Former President Donald Trump’s legal team began its cross-examination of Michael Cohen during day 17 of the former president’s criminal trial in New York on Tuesday. The defense suggested that Cohen has profited from Trump’s name after releasing two books, earning him at least $3.4 million.
Trump’s one-time lawyer was asked if he was “obsessed” with the former president. Cohen responded, “I don’t know that I would characterize it as obsessed. I admired him tremendously.”
“At the time, I was knee-deep into the cult of Donald Trump,” he replied.
Trump’s lawyer asked Cohen if he wants to see Trump convicted in this case. Cohen answered, “Sure.”
Prosecutors have indicated that Cohen is their last witness as they seek to prove that Trump falsified business records. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Trump’s legal team plans to conclude the cross-examination on Thursday when the trial resumes.
TikTok users sue federal government over law that could ban app
The eight users, collectively boasting millions of followers, argue that the law signed by President Biden violates their First Amendment rights. They contend that it stifles a communication medium integral to American life, hindering their content creation and viewing experiences.
TikTok and parent company ByteDance have also submitted their own petition, claiming that the law infringes on First Amendment rights.
Part of a foreign aid package, the law mandates that ByteDance divest its TikTok stake within 270 days. Noncompliance would sever TikTok’s access to mobile app stores and web-hosting providers, impacting its estimated 170 million U.S. users.
National security concerns and Chinese government influence prompted this legislation.
Driver charged in DUI crash that killed 8 migrant farmworkers
Approximately 40 others sustained injuries, with eight individuals listed in critical condition. Howard himself was also injured in the collision.
The workers were reportedly from Mexico and held permits to work in Florida. The bus was enroute to a watermelon farm in the area.
Boeing faces potential prosecution over 737 Max crashes
The U.S. Justice Department has found that Boeing violated a settlement that allowed the company to avoid criminal prosecution following two deadly crashes involving its 737 MAX aircraft in 2018 and 2019.
Boeing failed to implement changes to prevent violations of federal anti-fraud laws, a condition of the 2021 settlement. This determination means that Boeing could face prosecution for any federal criminal violation known to the United States, including the fraud charge it sought to avoid through the $2.5 billion settlement in 2021.
Miniature poodle wins Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
There’s a new top dog in town as a miniature poodle took home Best in Show at the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York on Tuesday, May 14. Sage emerged victorious, surpassing a field of over 2,500 dogs. The competition narrowed down to seven group champions vying for the coveted title.
This marks the 11th time that a poodle has claimed the top prize. Notably, in 2002, another Miniature Poodle named Spice — Sage’s great-grandmother — also secured the Best in Show honor.
CDC’s new rules should fetch attention of people bringing dogs into US
In an effort to curb the transmission of rabies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is implementing new regulations for dogs arriving in the United States from abroad. Beginning Aug. 1, all incoming dogs must be at least six months old and have a microchip. The announcement came from the CDC on Wednesday, May 1.
Additionally, dogs from countries where rabies is common must be vaccinated against the disease. These measures will replace a temporary order from 2021. The order stopped the entrance of canines from more than 100 nations where rabies is still common.
The choice of six months as a minimum age requirement aligns with the age at which dogs can receive their first rabies vaccination. Microchipping serves as a way that officials can verify the rabies vaccination status of dogs. Microchips can also confirm that owners completed the CDC import form.
These updated regulations mark the first significant change to CDC dog entrance policies since 1956. The change comes amidst a rise in international pet travel and an increasing number of rescue organizations and breeders operating outside U.S. borders. However, widespread vaccination efforts in the 1970s eradicated the strain of rabies typically associated with dogs in the U.S.
Since 2015, there have only been four incidents of rabies-infected dogs entering the country. CDC officials blamed an uptick on incomplete or fake rabies vaccination certificates.
The CDC cautions that, depending on a dog’s history of travel, a blood test might be required to confirm immunity to rabies. Fake vaccination records have become more common amongst owners of young dogs under six months old.
However, the CDC’s move has faced criticism. Animal welfare advocate Jennifer Skiff, speaking to The Associated Press, presented the challenges faced by diplomats and military personnel in meeting these requirements, sometimes forcing them to leave their dogs behind. She called the new regulations unwarranted and excessively costly.
SD Gov. Noem responds to backlash over story of shooting her own dog
Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is responding to backlash after revealing in her upcoming memoir that she killed her dog named Cricket and a goat on her ranch 20 years ago. The Guardian reported the incident detailed in Noem’s book “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward.”
According to The Guardian’s report, in her book Noem said Cricket was a 14-month-old female wirehair pointer with “an aggressive personality.” Noem was training Cricket for pheasant hunting.
Noem wrote she had taken Cricket out for a pheasant hunt and was hoping to calm down the puppy, but Cricket was “out of her mind with excitement, chasing all those birds and having the time of her life.”
Noem wrote that on the way home from the hunt, she had stopped to speak with a local family when Cricket escaped the car and attacked the family’s chickens like a “trained assassin.”
According to Noem, when she attempted to stop Cricket from eating the chickens, Cricket whipped around to bite her.
“I hated that dog,” Noem wrote.
Noem described Cricket as “dangerous to anyone she came in contact with” and “untrainable.”
“At that moment, I realized I had to put her down,” she wrote.
Noem wrote that she led Cricket to a gravel pit and shot her.
“It was not a pleasant job but it had to be done,” Noem wrote.
The governor also wrote about putting down a family goat that she described as “nasty and mean.” According to Noem, the goat had a habit of chasing her children and knocking them down.
Noem, who has been floated as a possible pick for former President Donald Trump’s vice president, received pushback from both Republicans and Democrats over the admitted killings.
The Democratic National Committee released a statement in the voice of pets owned by Democrats.
“Our message is plain and simple: If you want elected officials who don’t brag about brutally killing their pets as part of their self-promotional book tour, then listen to our owners — and vote Democrat,” the statement said.
“I can understand why some people are upset about a 20-year-old story of Cricket, one of the working dogs at our ranch,” Noem said. “The fact is, South Dakota law states that dogs who attack and kill livestock can be put down. Given that Cricket had shown aggressive behavior toward people by biting them, I decided what I did. Whether running the ranch or in politics, I have never passed on my responsibilities to anyone else to handle. Even if it’s hard and painful. I followed the law and was being a responsible parent, dog owner and neighbor.”
President Biden’s dog ‘bit staff 24 times in one year’
Newly released Secret Service records have unveiled that President Joe Biden’s German shepherd, Commander, was involved in at least 24 biting incidents over the past year, more than what was initially reported. The disclosure, which includes 269 pages of related emails, sheds light on the severity and frequency of these incidents.
The emails document the concern among Secret Service agents, with at least 11 of these incidents necessitating medical attention. The situation has highlighted the challenges faced by security personnel in managing the First Family’s pet within the confines of the White House.
The document, heavily redacted to safeguard Secret Service agents’ identities and security methods, was released following a Freedom of Information Act request by John Greenewald, a California researcher known for uncovering government secrets.
The documents might not capture all of Commander’s biting incidents, as they only account for those involving the Secret Service, excluding other White House workers or Camp David staff.
Associated Press
Commander, a gift to Biden from his brother James in December 2021, had to be removed from the White House premises in October. The decision came after one particularly severe incident where a Secret Service agent was bitten and required medical treatment. The 2-year-old German shepherd’s behavior has sparked discussions about pet management and safety protocols within the presidential residence.
Israel’s K-9 unit sniffs out weapons, explosives inside Gaza civilian homes
One Hamas’ strategies is to shield itself behind civilian life in Gaza. In the midst of the Israel-Hamas war, stories continue to surface of civilians helping Hamas.
On Friday, Dec. 29, Straight Arrow News reported stories of hostages who said they were held captive by civilians inside of civilian homes.
Now, video from the Israeli military shows Hamas weapons have also been found stored inside civilian homes.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) body cam footage displays soldiers and K-9 officers in action. The dogs detect explosives, identify weapons, scan rooms, and clear houses. According to the IDF, these dogs have also thwarted ambushes by Hamas militants.
The K-9 officers often serve as the first line of defense.
The K-9s uncovered dozens of weapons stockpiles, detected 50 booby-trapped explosive devices, and found a barrel of explosives, according to the IDF’s press release.
Some of the discoveries have been deadly. Four K-9s died during missions on the ground.
Israel’s military said the K-9 missions have saved many soldiers’ lives by successfully preventing Hamas ambushes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pulled back thousands of troops from Gaza, but it’s not a sign the war is slowing; rather, it is prolonging as Israel prepares itself for a long-term fight against Hamas.
Sneakers, owned by SAN producer Brent Jabbour, has an entire closet of holiday wear.
#5: Clothing
Two-thirds of American households own pets and a third of them will buy holiday clothing for those pets, according to SoFi.
The most popular clothes are holiday sweaters, followed by collars, harnesses and hats. That’s not even accounting for holiday costumes, but for a more understated look, you can always go for a classy holiday bowtie.
It’s easy to think of dogs and cats the most in this category, but there is also a robust market for dressing guinea pigs.
For the 26% that will board animals this season, it can run them an average of $45 per night, according to Rover.
It’s always free if you can hand them off to friends and family, but that might cost you in goodwill, depending on their behavior.
#3: Grooming
Just like human children, you have to make sure your pet looks good for get-togethers. Thirty-eight percent of pet parents budget for grooming.
No one wants a smelly dog running around the house when your family is visiting. Beyond a haircut and bath, a nail trim is always helpful.
The average trip to an animal spa day runs $50-$125. To knock out grooming and travel, some places that handle boarding can also pamper your pet so they are nice and clean when you get home.
If you go through all the trouble of buying holiday clothes and getting them groomed, you might as well professionally document it for everyone you know.
#1: Gifts
So it’s clear people are somewhat obsessed with their pets. SoFi says 70% will buy a gift for them, with 27% spending more than $100 on pet gifts.
