Pets, as a general rule, do not transfer diseases to humans, though earlier we covered one example, brucellosis Other exceptions include a number of "worms" that are communicable, as well as campylobacteriosis, E. coli and Salmonella. Today another is added to the list: mcr-1–harboring E. coli

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for this weekend.
* Heat index values Fri-Sun... 105 to 110 degrees.
* Impacts... the combination of the heat and humidity will increase the risk for heat related health issues... especially for the elderly... those with chronic health problems such as lung and heart disease... those working outdoors... and other heat sensitive groups of people.

It is great that the weather service puts out these alerts, but what group is conspicuously missing? Pets!

Animals with handicaps face a more challenging situation than their human counterparts who often have a wide network of support from friends, family and various charities and government agencies. What little financial and medical aid that is available can be spread so thin that most receive no help at all. The vision-impaired are particularly hard hit as corrective surgery, if possible, can cost many thousands of dollars. The perception of blind animals being poor pets that require significant assistance often results in their placement at the top of shelter kill lists. Yet, the vision-impaired or blind animal can be a good pet and with a little human assistance, they can lead a fairly normal life.

Attention to the Zika virus is picking up again in the run up to the summer Olympics being held in Brazil, the current ground zero of this mosquito borne infection. There was also a confirmed report this week out of New Jersey. Should pet parents be concerned?