Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, October 2, 2021

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 Mountain Views News Saturday, October 2, 2021 

LA COUNTY’S REPORT ON CANINE INFLUENZA H3N2 

Just as we humans are experiencing an unprecedented 
uprise in bio-viral attacks, it seems so are 
our precious pets. Although we all have, throughout 
history, had to fight the “bugs” that bother 

Happy Tails

us, there have been signs that would indicate the 
battle between the stronger strains, and our ability 
to fight them is becoming more and more 

by Chris Leclerc


challenging over time. When COVID-19 crept in 
on us, it had not occurred to me that there may 
be a similar trend that might offend our canine 
cohorts, but I suppose I should have seen it coming 
and should not be too surprised by its arrival. I’m no 
scientist, but in a layman’s way I do understand the 
tiny bits and pieces in the microchemistry of living 
things on our planet, and I “get” the fight between the 
good and evil organisms. 

So, while we humans went about avoiding and immunizing 
ourselves against the most intense killer 
virus that has ever plagued us, a canine-focused bug 
was creeping up and has recently forced our precious 
pets to make lifestyle adjustments of their own. I first 
heard about the new canine flu from a client who 
knew about it from a friend whose dog typically goes 
to daycare but was asked not to come, due to other 
guests showing signs of ‘kennel cough’ and being asked 
to go home. That was sometime in August and 
honestly, it didn’t seem like a ‘thing’ to me. Just a predictable 
wave of kennel cough that should be avoided 
at all costs. 

Next I was told by another friend in town that there 
was this new thing going around; more like a flu virus 
among canines and I was sorry to hear that, yet I was 
still not so concerned that I felt the need to spread the 
word. I guess I was thinking perhaps some folks were 
becoming a bit paranoid and assigning too much meaning 
to a few ‘one-off ’ kennel cough cases, based on 
our recent horrific experience with the Corona virus. 

Then, last week I learned of more sick pups being 
sent home from daycare, due to a highly contagious 
poly-symptomatic bug, and I thought this really must 
be a problem beyond the typical kennel cough we 
are all so familiar with. So I decided to look into it 
and share whatever information I could find with my 
readers. The following information is from the LA 
County Dept. of Veterinary Public Health website. I 
feel confident that the science is solid and I hope it 
helps my fellow pet parents decide what is best for 
their babes. 

Overview of Canine influenza H3N2: 

The canine influenza virus H3N2 (CIV H3N2) usually 
causes mild to moderate disease in dogs and on 
rare occasions can also infect cats. This strain of canine 
influenza was first found in the US in 2015 when 
it was detected in Chicago and spread to other parts 
of the country. 

Infected dogs start shedding the virus 2 days before 
the start of clinical signs, and for at least 21 days 
or more afterward, even after they appear healthy. 
In August 2017, the Veterinary Public Health Program 
(VPH) learned from The College of Veterinary 
Medicine at the University of Wisconsin that some 
infected dogs may shed the virus for 30 days or more. 
Transmission of influenza usually occurs through 
contact with infected respiratory secretions (e.g. 
coughing, sneezing) as well as from contamination of 
the environment (e.g. bedding, floors, bowls, collars, 
leashes). To date, there is no evidence that humans 
can become sick with canine influenza H3N2. 

When CIV H3N2 cases occur locally, VPH's goal is 
to stop the spread of the virus to protect the animals 
of our county. The most effective tool in stopping the 
spread is home isolation of sick dogs for 28 days from 
the first day of illness and a 14 day quarantine for 
exposed dogs (to see if they will develop symptoms). 
VPH strongly recommends that dogs be vaccinated 
against CIV H3N2 before they enter boarding kennels, 
dog day care, dog parks, or engage in dog group 
activities. This vaccine is also advisable for dogs that 
may occasionally encounter other dogs. 

Current Outbreak of Canine Influenza H3N2 cases in 
Los Angeles County, July - September 2021:
Between July and September 22, 2021 a total of 279 
confirmed cases and 120 suspected cases of CIV 
H3N2 in dogs in LA County have been reported to 
Veterinary Public Health. Sadly, 5 deaths in dogs 
have been associated with this outbreak. Of the cases 
reported, most were associated with attending 
boarding kennels or dog daycare settings. There are 
a number of cases that have never visited a boarding 
or daycare facility, but were exposed while on walks 
in their neighborhood, at dog parks, groomers, or 
at veterinary clinics. This virus has spread rapidly 
among dogs throughout LA County, affecting many 
congregate facilities. Based on interviews with these 
facilities, many additional cases have not yet been 
reported to VPH. We suspect that this outbreak likely 
involves more than 1000 cases of CIV H3N2 in 
LA County dogs. Dogs that appear to have 'kennel 
cough' have a high likelihood of having CIV H3N2. 
To date, this is the largest outbreak of CIV H3N2 ever 
reported in LA County. To stop the spread of this 
outbreak, pet owners and veterinarians are strongly 
encouraged to vaccinate dogs against CIV H3N2 and 
isolate sick pets at home for 28 days from the first day 
of illness. Pets exposed to confirmed or suspected 
cases should be kept on a home quarantine and observed 
for clinical signs for 14 days. 

Recommendations:

 If your pet has symptoms of influenza, keep it away 
from other animals and contact your veterinarian. 
Symptoms of influenza may include: cough, fever, 
sneezing, discharge from the nose, lethargy, and/
or loss of appetite. Some dogs have no symptoms. 
Vaccinate dogs against CIV H3N2 before they enter 
boarding kennels, dog day care, dog parks, or engage 
in dog group activities. This vaccination is also advisable 
for dogs that may occasionally encounter other 
dogs. 

If your pet is sick, keep your pet at home for 28 days 
from the first day of illness - this will help to prevent 
your dog from spreading the disease to other 
dogs even after they are fully recovered. If your pet 
is asymptomatic but was exposed to other sick pets, 
keep your pet at home for 14 days to monitor for 
symptoms and then contact your vet if they become 

ill. To prevent spread of disease, do not let a sick pet 
share its food bowl, leash, toys, or other supplies with 
other pets. 
Wash your hands after touching your pet. 


FASHIONABLE “FELIX” 

Doesn't he look distinguished 
with his gray coat and white 
shirt! Felix is a gray (blue) 
& white shorthair, age 3. This 
handsome boy was treated very 
poorly, when the only home 
he knew and loved was sold, 
and "his people" moved away 
without him! He spent a few 
nights crying to be let in, to no 

avail. Luckily, a neighbor reached out, and one of our volunteers 
went and scooped him up. Felix needs a calm and stable 
environment, where he can feel safe and loved. He might 
be best as an only cat or if carefully introduced to another. 
He's mellow, very sweet, and would love to sleep on your bed. 
He will become more affectionate daily and will do anything for chin scratches! He's very 
friendly and also loves to play! Felix will come vetted, tested negative, and flea-free. Please 
put in your application for Felix and make this boy feel loved again. 


Pet of the Week

 Eight-year-old Chief loves peopleand can’t wait to find his perfecthome! Chief enjoys playing with 
toys, and especially likes mentalenrichment such as puzzle feedersand snuffle mats. His ideal adopteris someone who can let Chief go athis own pace with new people andenvironments, and who can givehim lots of mental stimulation and 
playtime. Chief will do great withpositive reinforcement training andis excited to learn lots of new things 


with you.

 The adoption fee for dogs is $150. Alldog adoptions include spay or neuter,
microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

 New adopters will receive a 
complimentary health-and-wellness 
exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, aswell as a goody bag filled with informationabout how to care for your pet. 

 View photos of adoptable pets and 
schedule an adoption appointment at 
pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by 
appointment only, and new adoptionappointments are available every Sundayand Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

 Pets may not be available for adoptionand cannot be held for potential adoptersby phone calls or email. 


OCTOBER 2, INTERNATIONAL COFFEE DAY

CHRISTOPHER Nyerges 

COFFEE: HEALTHFUL OR 
DETRIMENTAL? 

[Nyerges is the author of a dozen 
books, including “Guide to Wild Foods and Useful Plants,” “How to Survive Anywhere,” “Extreme Simplicity,” 
and more. He has led ethnobotany expedi-tions since 1974. He can be reached at Box 41834, Eagle 
Rock, CA 90041, or www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com.]

 "But isn't coffee bad for my health?" 

Much has been said and written about the benefits vs. the detrimental effects of coffee. But 
what is the "bottom line"? Are there beneficial qualities? Does it harm me? Should it be abstained from? Is it 
OK to drink coffee in moderation? 
These and similar questions are not easily answered because, in the tests and statistical data, researchers and 
doctors do not use -- or attempt to define -- a consistent standard for what is meant by "coffee." 

Coffee has also been accused of causing, or contributing to, cancer, heart diseases, hypertension, hepatitis, and cirrhosis of the liver. Dr. John Timson of the University of Manchester in England, while admitting 
that coffee is mildly addictive, states that, at present, there is no hard scientific evidence that links the use of coffee to any of the above-mentioned diseases. 

Unfortunately, in virtually all studies done on the health effects of coffee, researchers indiscriminately lump all "coffees" together. But no two cups of coffee are alike. And it is not likely that any standard 
will ever be established for coffee research. Why? Because brewed coffee contains not only caffeine, but various acids, oils, and alcohols, the qualities of which vary depending on the way the coffee beans are 
handled from farm to cup. It is rare that any two cups of coffee are chemically identical! 

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has placed caffeine on their Generally-Recognized-As-Safe list. Caffeine acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system. If used in excess, it contributes to nervousness, 
irritability, sleeplessness, anxiety, and heart palpitations. 

FACTORS AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF "COFFEE" 

"If you brew your coffee with precise intent, you 

According to Timothy Hall, a teacher with the L.A. Unified School District who has given numerous lectures on coffee, there are at least 30 factors which 
can alchemically transmute those com¬mon affect the beverage called "a cup of coffee," all of which must be taken into account if one is to draw a useful conclusion about coffee's "good" or "bad" 

grounds into a veritable elixir." 

effects. According to Timothy Hall, one cannot answer "Is coffee good for me?" until one has explored the following questions. In some cases, definitive 

 -- educator TIMOTHY HALL 

answers to the following may be hard to come by, if not next to impossible. Some factors, however, are completely within our control. 

THE PLANT 
What is the type or variety of coffee plant? Of the two primary types of coffee -- arabica and robusta -- arabica is considered the better of the two. Where and how was it grown? How was it fertilized? 
ROASTING 
What was the method of roasting? The depth of darkness of the brown in coffee color is due to the proportion of cresylic acid (cresol) present after the beans have been roasted. The darker the roast, the 
greater the tar content.
GRINDING 
What was the grinding procedure? How hot did the beans get during the grinding process? Though not everyone will notice the difference, any grinder which grinds at a high temperature can result in the 
loss of aromatic oils. One solution is to grind with a hand mill. Another solution (when using an electric mill) is to only grind enough for a few cups at a time, since prolonged grinding may result in excessive 
heat. How much time elapsed between grinding and brewing? 
TEMPERATURE 
What was the temperature of the coffee grounds, and the temperature of the water, when you began brew? What were the temperatures when you finished brewing? Fusel oil, released into the water whenever 
coffee grounds are boiled, causes bitterness; however, fusel oil is NOT released into water at less than boiling temperatures.
PREPARATION 
What type of coffee maker was used (vacuum, drip, percolator)? (Space doesn't permit us to review every coffee-maker on the market however, so let the buyer beware.)
Did I brew the grounds using the percolation, infusion, or decoction method? Infusion refers to adding the grounds to the water and letting them steep. A camper might do this. Decoction refers to actually 
cooking the grounds -- even boiling -- to make a strong brew. Though this might be acceptable in a prison camp when one is trying to extend the available grounds as far as possible, it is the least desirable 
choice. Percolation -- pouring the hot water through the grounds -- is the best option. 

Hall asserts that in his tests, the quality of one's thinking has proven to be the most important factor. States 
Hall, "If you brew your coffee with precise intent, you can alchemically transmute those common grounds 
into a veritable elixir." 

Here are a few guidelines if you'd like to begin alchemically changing "a cup of coffee" to "wonderful elixir." 
This is the procedure that Timothy Hall was taught by his mentor, R. E. White of WTI in the mid-1970s. 

Begin with meticulously clean utensils. Stainless steel, French porcelain, glass, or copper are preferred; softer 
metals (e.g., aluminum) should not be used. 

Next, prepare your filter. Perhaps the best are the reusable gold-line cone filters. 

Hall suggests that you pour the water over the grounds, breathing deeply, slowly, and visualizing the energy 
of Love flowing from your heart, down your arm, and into the beverage. This is called “chi,” and much has 
been written about this “chi’ energy in books on Chinese healing and martial arts. 

There is much more to this, and Hall treats it as a science, akin to the Japanese tea ceremony. So is coffee 
“good” or “bad”? As always, it depends on the way you interact with it. 

As is nearly always the case with such matter of “health,” ALL is choice, Choice, and CHOICE, and consequence 
of choice. 


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com