Rotavirus

[Lisa S]

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Hi

Has anyone come across this rotavirus? I was having a chat with the local farmer this morning and he said he wanted to warn me that he has lost 2 calves to rotavirus and was not sure whether dogs could catch it from the cows? Evidently the calves get it from their non vaccinated mothers and it can be fatal in the very young calves. My boy has been eating the calf poo :x (as it is irresistable to them because of the milk) and I am now concerned that he could catch it?? He has no signs of being poorly but just wondered if anyone knew anything about it?

Thanks

Lisa

 

[jinnyfizz]

Rotavirus (a causal virus in gastroenteritis) has many different genotypes and will normally be species-specific which would generally mean that rotavirus in cattle would not cross over to dogs.

However, there are always exceptions to the rule and there have been many clinical papers published relating to research done to discover what levels of cross-contamination exist and the danger this exposes humans to.

The concern is generally for the very young or very elderly population, both in animals and humans, as the immune system in these groups is unable to fight off the virus effectively and the dehydration and subsequent GI damage can cause death.

There are vaccines available to prevent infection in humans - I am not sure whether vaccines exist for livestock.

Here is part of a discussion paper on the potential for Rotavirus to cross-infect ...

Rotaviruses are generally species-specific, but cross-species transmission is possible, as has been demonstrated experimentally. Several case studies have indicated infection of humans by animal rotaviruses. Comparison of genetic sequences of human and animal rotaviruses often reveals close identity. Surveillance of circulating rotaviruses in the human population has revealed the presence of several uncommon genotypes. Many of these have been found in domestic animals, and it is possible that they arose in the human population through zoonotic transmission. The low incidence of uncommon strains would suggest that such transmission, or at least the establishment of an animal rotavirus or a human/animal reassortant virus in the human population, does not happen with any great frequency. However, many millions of people will be exposed year on year to animal rotaviruses. This happens within farming communities, and potentially to visitors to the countryside. There may be some measure of environmental contamination through livestock excrement. This exposure may not result in high levels of infection, but some infection could occur. There may be a continual input of rotavirus strains or sequences into the human population from the animal population albeit at a very low level.

Don't worry too much ..... dogs have a very resiliant digestive system and are much more able to fight off GI infections than us weak humans (and little calves). Just keep an eye out for any signs of diahorrea, sickness or dehydration and if it lasts longer than a day, get down to the vet :thumbsup:

Hope this helps a bit?? It's rather complicated but basically means you shouldn't be panicking

 

[Lisa S]

Thanks for going to the trouble with your great response - it has put my mind at rest