Background Articles

The article discusses the high fatality rate of rabies and its impact on poorer regions, emphasizing the need for accessible vaccinations and refrigeration for prevention.

The CDC's new dog entry rules, including a microchip requirement and stricter vaccination protocols, will uniquely affect Alaska, especially for those traveling with dogs under six months or through Canada.

The article discusses the potential for bird flu to mutate and spread to humans through domestic cats, highlighting unusual cases of cat infections and the risks posed by raw diets and unpasteurized milk.

A federal bill aims to expand IHS duties to include veterinary care in rural Alaska, addressing the scarcity of such services and the risk of rabies from wildlife.

New U.S. regulations require all dogs entering from abroad to be at least 6 months old and microchipped to mitigate rabies risks.

For nine years, Alaska health officials have been aware of an unusual virus causing rare, relatively mild illnesses in the Fairbanks area. But a recent case in another part of the state — this one resulting in a man's death — has brought new attention to the Alaskapox virus.

More than a dozen states, including several in the Pacific Northwest, are reporting outbreaks of a new respiratory illness. There have also been increases in canine respiratory illness cases at a clinic in Southeast Alaska and another in Southcentral, but there’s no indication yet if those were due to the mystery illness.

Alaska's chief veterinarian warns of a mysterious respiratory illness affecting dogs in the Lower 48 and advises local pet owners to take precautions.