DEAR READERS: The highly publicized coronavirus disease -- which most likely came from an animal market in China -- and the rapid spread of the economically devastating African swine fever have public and veterinary health authorities on alert around the world. One-quarter of the world’s pigs are expected to die from the latter pandemic.

Warmer and wetter conditions in many regions are creating ideal conditions for insect-borne diseases, compounded by human encroachment into wildlands. The number of live pigs, goats, cows and sheep transported worldwide in 2017 was 30% higher than in 2007, according to the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization; and veterinarians and epidemiologists say the trend presents a growing threat of infectious disease transmission. Live animals are a leading source of infectious disease transmission to humans and other animals, wild and domesticated.

With more disposable income, people travel more, and eat more meat and other foods of animal origin. Common sense would indicate we should do less of both -- not only for our own health, but for the sake of the poor animals subjected to long-distance live transportation prior to slaughter. Those who still choose to eat animal products should strive to buy local, organic and humanely raised.

CHINA’S POORLY REGULATED WILDLIFE MARKET IS A PRIME SOURCE OF ZOONOSIS

A new coronavirus first identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan has infected hundreds of people over the past month, and authorities say the virus emerged from illegally traded animals at a seafood market.

China’s booming market for wildlife is poorly regulated, and some 50 different types of wild animal were on sale at the market -- including snakes, porcupines, foxes, ducks, rabbits and endangered pangolins. (Reuters, Jan. 23; Business Insider, Jan. 23)

Already reported in the United States, Australia and Europe, this is the latest infection to jump from animals to humans. There will be more to come if we continue to exploit and consume other species.

CHINA KILLING DOGS AND CATS AGAIN

According to the Daily Mail Online, to reduce the spread of coronavirus, officials in some Chinese cities have ordered citizens to get rid of their pets or risk having them taken away. Notices given to the Mail Online show orders from officials to dispose of dogs and cats immediately, to stop them from carrying the virus. Another report indicated some pets have been abandoned on the street amid rumors that they can spread the virus, and officials in Suichang, Zhejiang province, reportedly told residents that dogs caught out in public will be exterminated.

I have also received some reports, yet to be verified, that this virus may have been genetically engineered, and that the live-animal markets -- said to be the probable source of the virus -- are merely a scapegoat. Either way, all of this is a great tragedy, along with swine fever, and will hopefully not become a life- and economy-devastating global pandemic.

DEAR DR. FOX: My grandson is a born naturalist and wants a reticulated python for his 13th birthday.

I know he would be a responsible keeper, but I have mixed feelings about giving him the money to get one. What is your advice? Are there veterinarians who specialize in these kinds of pets? -- A.W., Sarasota, Florida

DEAR A.W.: I strongly urge you to sit down with your grandson and help him to realize that these kinds of animals belong only in the wild. In Florida and other states, their accidental escape -- or deliberate release -- into habitats not native to them is creating considerable havoc for indigenous species.

Aside from needing expert care, many so-called “exotic” animals do not thrive in captivity. Many are imported, and uncounted numbers die in the process. Even though there are veterinary specialists in some communities, the exotic animal industry should be outlawed. At that point, veterinarians would only have to treat those animals “grandfathered” in by legislation prohibiting new sales and ownership after a given date. This is for both the animals’ sakes and for public health.

But bans on keeping exotic pets like pythons, alligators, fish and monkeys have been ineffective, and some experts say it’s time for a new approach to exotic animal ownership, including education for would-be owners and more options for safely surrendering animals. Most exotic species released into the wild are not equipped for the environments into which they are released, and so they suffer and die, says marine biologist Andrew Rhyne. (Scientific American, Oct. 7)

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR READERS: Various concerned individuals and organizations are pushing for legislative solutions to reduce horse-racing injuries.

In 2019, 38 horses died at the Santa Anita Park racetrack in California. Additional thousands nationwide suffer injuries that do not immediately kill them, but tear tendons and crack bones so they cannot be raced. So they go on long journeys to slaughter for the horseflesh trade in Canada, Europe and Asia.

Legislation to monitor and prohibit drugging horses to boost performance and mask prior injuries, and prohibiting their slaughter for human consumption, is in the works, according to the blog “The Political Animal” by Wayne Pacelle (animalwellnessaction.org).

All of this sounds great, but my opinion as a longtime monitor of this corrupt industry is that banning horse slaughter for human consumption will just mean more horse meat being recycled into pet food. And even worse, no one is standing up and saying these thoroughbred horses should not be raced until they are more mature: They need time to allow their skeletal structures to mature and better bear the strains and stresses of high-speed racing. In my mind, this is the most important issue -- and of course, it is unacceptable to the industry because of costs. Instead, the horses must earn their keep at an immature age by racing, a risk which I consider unethical. I believe it warrants outlawing this entire industry until it adopts the logical and humane standard of no competitive racing until these beautiful animals are more mature: between 3 1/2 and 4 years of age.

For details, see “Timing and Rate of Skeletal Maturation in Horses” by Deb Bennett, Ph.D.: equinestudies.org/ranger_2008/ranger_piece_2008_pdf1.pdf

DEAR DR. FOX: I have a 4-year-old rescue Chihuahua that habitually chews her nails. I have tried applying Bitter Apple, but it’s only a short-term deterrent.

When we first visited Gabby in our vet’s office, I noticed her nails were very long and that many had been chewed. We assumed the chewing was due to the stress of being surrendered to a shelter, then having been in a foster home for two months with several dogs.

When we agreed to adopt Gabby, we contracted for a complete exam including lab work, microchipping, dental X-rays, teeth cleaning/any necessary extractions, and nail trimming. We brought her home and I established a routine of trimming/filing her nails usually weekly, hoping to get the overgrown quick to retreat and break her of the chewing habit.

I trimmed her nails earlier this week, but noticed today that she has chewed several down to the quick. She was left alone for only two hours this week, but I have also caught her chewing when we are together. When I say “No chewing,” she puts her perky ears down and ducks her head, so she knows better. She is now a spoiled, totally indoor lap baby: She quickly learned to use potty pads, she sleeps with us and is so bonded to us that we should change her name to “Velcro.” When we do leave her, she is behind a pet gate in our laundry room with a potty pad and her fleece-lined cave bed. She gets in her bed, lets me cover her up and shows no sign of being stressed, so I do not think the nail-chewing is due to separation anxiety.

I have been an obsessive pet mom for 57 years. Our vet of 45 years referred patients to me for Maltese grooming advice and for training dogs to use indoor potty pads, so I am not inexperienced in pet care. Gabby’s nail-chewing habit has me stumped. Any suggestions you have will be greatly appreciated. -- M.H., Tulsa, Oklahoma

DEAR M.H.: Nail-biting and chewing (onychophagia) is generally an anxiety-triggered and anxiety-relieving behavior seen in humans, dogs and other animals.

I put this kind of behavior -- along with excessive grooming and fur-pulling in cats and feather-pulling in birds -- in the stress-related, obsessive-compulsive category. These habits have a life of their own once they become established, self-reinforcing cycles. Such bad habits can lead to secondary bacterial and fungal skin infections between the toes in many dogs.

Soaking Gabby’s paws in apple cider vinegar for a few minutes, then drying them off, would be Step 1. No more nail trimming for a while. Then get outdoors for physical activity, and indoors, engage with squeaky chew-toys and any activity that helps redirect your dog’s attention. Wrapping the dog in a light towel so she cannot reach her paws so easily while you are together on the sofa might help both of you relax.

The best step to take, which you can discuss with your veterinarian, is to attempt to break this conditioned anxiety disorder with a short course of treatment with Prozac to elevate feel-good brain serotonin. I would combine this with twice-daily massage therapy, as per my book “The Healing Touch for Dogs.” If the Prozac does not work, then I would try CBD, but not all veterinarians are prescribing cannabinoids for their animal patients. I strongly advise against purchasing such products in states where the sale is legal to give to companion animals without veterinary supervision.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR DR. FOX: I enjoy reading your column, and saw the recent question from N.V. regarding deceased pets.

My beautiful Kokonut, a mini schnauzer, crossed the rainbow bridge on July 19.

She was 12 1/2 years old at her passing, and fought a brave battle against melanoma for almost one year.

She gave me “the look,” and I knew it was her time. Her fairly new vet, Dr. Block, helped her cross over peacefully at home with a candle, mala (prayer beads), feather and prayers. I miss her every second of every day. She was my first dog and we were very connected.

Almost immediately after her passing, I would awake to a soft “woof” during the night. I was not dreaming, and it was definitely her bark. During the day, I would hear her sigh, something she did before taking naps.

The week after she crossed, I was going to run some errands. I made my bed as usual, pulled tight. When I returned a few hours later, her indentation was on the comforter. Almost one week after that, I felt her jump on the bed and snuggle in the crook of my legs, something she had not done since she was a pup.

These visits brought me great comfort and helped me begin to heal. On Aug. 22, Kokonut sent a new fur baby to me: Karma. He is a mini schnauzer rescue, approximately 2 years old. Kokonut has not made a visit since he arrived, but I know her spirit is within him.

While losing her was one of the most heartbreaking experiences in my 60 years, she left me a better-educated owner. Karma is on a fresh/raw diet, healthy and full of life. I take an integrative approach with his care. -- J.P., Boca Raton, Florida

DEAR J.P.: Your account of after-life manifestations of your beloved dog accord with many identical accounts posted on my website (drfoxonehealth.com). See my review: “Animal Spirits: Companion Animal Communications From Across the Grave,” posted under the tag “Spiritual Issues.”

I address this question of life-after-life from various perspectives as a scientist, philosopher (phenomenologist) and rational skeptic. The hypothesis that such experiences come from our grieving, conditioned brains, i.e. hallucinations, is null and void when these many accounts and shared existential experiences are examined. They support my theory that the bond of affection between humans and other species can transcend time and space, and endure after death. Such generally comforting “visitations” often stop when the survivor ceases to mourn and, as in your case, bonds with another animal.

For some, this raises the question of reincarnation or a “group soul” -- an esoteric realm which I neither accept nor reject. I prefer to focus on existential reality and the quality of life we can best provide for domesticated animals, and those in the wild who continue to suffer because of a cultural lack of reverence and respect for all life.

I am glad that your new canine companion was a “rescue,” and wish more people would adopt rather than support puppy mill commercial breeders.

DEAR DR. FOX: I appreciated your recent column on cat’s predation on wild birds.

I have a neighbor who harbors maybe 10 cats in a housing plan whose rules on numbers of cats is not enforced; thus, I am on the front lines of combating not so much the cats, but my neighbor’s ”cat neurosis.”

Perhaps you could address the core problem: some humans’ mismanagement of their relationships with cats, which is not environmentally sustainable or considerate of those who live near them. -- S.R.P., Uniontown, Pennsylvania

DEAR S.R.P.: Many people in communities across the U.S. are confronting the kind of neighbor you are dealing with.

Such neighbors are emotionally dedicated, but their compassion is misguided and can cause more harm than good when the cats are not neutered and continue to multiply. And even well-fed cats will kill birds and small mammals. Feral cats in many areas are decimating defenseless wildlife species, many now endangered. Recent documentation in Australia indicates that some 100,000 need to be exterminated as humanely as possible.

On my website, you will find some articles addressing this problem in the U.S:

-- “Most Feral Cats Can be Rescued and Recover from the Wild Outdoors”

-- “Outdoor Cats, Wildlife and Human Health”

-- “Releasing Cats To Live Outdoors: Humane, Environmental and ‘One Health’ Concerns”

Do look these over, and feel free to share them with local property owners, community leaders and public health authorities. Get support from any local conservation organization, such as the Audubon Society and the national American Bird Conservancy, who also have useful materials to encourage people to keep their cats happy and healthy indoors.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)