DEAR READERS: From my daily inbox, I select various animal, environmental and public health reports from scientists around the world. Here are some recent ones that I hope you will appreciate.

-- Two puppies, one 15 weeks old and the other 6 months, are being treated for salmon poisoning disease at Washington's Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County. The disease is caused by eating raw fish infected with a parasite that hosts pathogenic bacteria. While rare, the disease is nearly always fatal if left untreated. (Full story: KIRO-TV Seattle, March 22)

-- A highly virulent form of toxoplasmosis -- caused by COUG, a strain of the microscopic parasite Toxoplasma gondii -- caused the deaths of four California otters, researchers reported in Frontiers in Marine Science. The otters were found in separate locations between 2020 and 2022. COUG, which had never been detected anywhere near the California coast before, was first discovered in Canadian mountain lions in 1995. Veterinarian Devinn Sinnott, a co-author of the study, says the findings raise concerns about the potential effects on this threatened species, as well as the health of other animals that are susceptible to Toxoplasma parasites. (Full story: The Hill, March 22)

-- Kaytee Products recalled one lot of Birders' Blend wild bird feed in 8-pound bags due to potentially high levels of aflatoxin, which can harm birds if consumed in large amounts. (Full story: PetAge.com, March 21)

-- Pet food recalls often begin relatively small, only to be expanded shortly thereafter. Three examples: On Feb. 8, Purina issued a recall for their Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental Dry Dog Food due to excess vitamin D. More than a month later, Purina expanded the recall. On March 3, 2021, Bravo Packing issued a recall for All Performance Dog and Ground Beef Raw Pet Food due to salmonella contamination, then expanded the recall two weeks later. And on Dec. 30, 2020, Midwestern Pet Food issued a recall for multiple brands due to aflatoxin contamination, then expanded the recall about two weeks later.

For details on this troubling practice, read "Expanded Recall: A Twofold Failure" truthaboutpetfood.com/expanded-recall-a-twofold-failure.

-- The first cases of a new disease caused solely by eating plastics has been discovered in wild seabirds, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. Researchers examined the stomachs of young flesh-footed shearwaters in Australia and found that the more plastic the birds had ingested, the more scarring they had in their digestive tracts. The disease, which the researchers named plasticosis, could make the birds more vulnerable to infection and hinder their digestion. "While these birds can look healthy on the outside, they're not doing well on the inside," says study co-author and ecologist Dr. Alex Bond. (Full story: The Guardian, March 3)

DEAR DR. FOX: Your essay on our relationships with animals was outstanding! Thank you so much for clearly communicating the understanding that having a compassionate and respectful relationship with all living things makes us better humans. I will be sharing this far and wide! -- L.B., La Conner, Washington

DEAR L.B.: I appreciate your kind words. I write from the heart to help improve people's understanding and respect for all creatures great and small. You might enjoy my book "Animals and Nature First" and some of the essays under "Ethical Issues" and "Spiritual Issues" posted on my website (drfoxonehealth.com).

Public attitudes toward other animals are significantly improving, along with the realization that many species are close to extinction because of us. In my many decades of advocating reverential respect for all sentient beings and presenting scientific evidence of the intelligence and emotions of many species, the main opposition that I have faced has come from individuals who simply did not want to know about the true nature of the animals they were exploiting.

(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: The practice of trapping animals for the global fur trade is still alive and well, and nontarget species are often caught in the process. Selling trapper licenses provides states with extra revenue, and the demand for fur perpetuates the wildlife management policy of sustainable "harvesting."

The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) filed a federal lawsuit in 2020 over Minnesota's trapping regulations. The group's goal was to better protect Canada lynx, which are listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, from dying in traps and snares set for other animals. A settlement has now been reached between the CBD and the state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to the effect that wire snares set to catch coyotes and bobcats around their necks cannot close tighter than 3 1/4 inches, which is considered large enough for a lynx to survive and be released. New rules have also been established regarding the size and type of leghold traps allowed within the state's designated Lynx Management Zone. Of course, these initiatives were contested by the Minnesota Trappers Association, the National Trappers Association and the Fur Takers of America.

The cruelty of traps and snares notwithstanding, there is no way that nontarget species can be spared entirely. Biologist Clayton Lamb spent nearly five years proving that grizzly bears were getting their toes caught in small traps intended for martens. The traps did not immediately sever the bears' toes, but they caused injuries severe enough that the toes eventually died and fell off. Injured bears seeking food may be more prone to conflicts with humans. Lamb's research led the government of British Columbia to require plates on marten traps that prevent bear injuries.

While the bobcat, marten, fisher and otter are "registered furbearers" in Minnesota -- meaning that their "harvesting" is monitored by the Minnesota DNR -- the red fox and coyote are not. Both canids can be shot or trapped at any time. According to the DNR website, "The red fox is the most common predator in the state. Hunters and trappers harvest up to 100,000 each year, but the fox population remains strong. A disease called sarcoptic mange sometimes kills thousands of red foxes. Red foxes compete for space with coyotes, which will kill foxes."

As consumers of earthworms, red foxes provide a vital ecological service in helping reduce the number of invasive European earthworms -- a documented destructive species that causes significant ecological damage and loss of biodiversity in North American forests.

The extermination of wolves across the U.S. has enabled the incursion of coyotes into many states where there are no seasonal restrictions on hunting and trapping them. Coyotes are subjected to cruel methods of predator extermination, as documented by Project Coyote. This organization, along with other conservation and animal protection groups, has succeeded in stopping coyote-killing contests and setting dogs onto caged coyotes -- in some states. These activities continue in several others.

Lynx protection aside, this wholesale killing of furbearing carnivores should end. Traps and snares are cruel, causing pain and terror to any animals caught. From a conservation perspective, banning all traps and snares would help protect nontarget martens, stoats, weasels and polecats. And from a humane perspective, such a ban would protect owned cats and dogs who are (whether wrongly or accidentally) allowed to run free.

Foxes, coyotes and other carnivores help control Lyme disease, now infecting thousands of people and their dogs across many states, by controlling mice and other small rodents that harbor tick-borne diseases. Tens of thousands of Americans are infected annually by Lyme disease, and the numbers are increasing.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, "Climate is just one of many important factors that influence the transmission, distribution, and incidence of Lyme disease. Other factors ... include changes in the populations of host species (particularly deer), which affect tick population size. The percentage of ticks that are infected depends on the prevalence and infection rates of white-footed mice and certain other hosts." High deer numbers in many states are encouraged by deer hunting organizations, which also advocate the hunting and trapping of wolves -- seen as competitors for deer -- and by property owners planting feed for deer.

This is further evidence that wildlife and habitat management practices should not be dictated by the trapping and hunting industries, nor jeopardized by the timber, livestock and mining industries. Considering the political influence of these and related industries, including fur farms, significant progress will be limited until all commercial trapping and captive-raising of furbearers is prohibited across the U.S.

In September 2019, California became the first state in the country to ban trapping for commercial and recreational purpose. Over 100 countries have prohibited the use of the steel-jaw leghold trap for humane reasons. Several countries have also banned fur farms for public health reasons, since mink have contracted and spread COVID-19 to and from infected workers. Foxes and other furbearers are also susceptible to this disease.

There are currently at least 250 fur farms operating in the U.S. across 21 states, collectively producing about 3 million pelts per year. Major fashion brands, including Armani, Gucci and Versace, have stopped using fur, and 61% of U.S. voters say they support a ban on fur farming. Yet the $22 billion industry is still legal in the U.S. and in much of the rest of the world.

The bottom line: Don't buy or wear fur!

(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 work with the MarketWatch Guides team, and I saw that you included some information about French bulldogs on your website (drfoxonehealth.com/post/recovering-canine-health-and-the-natural-dog). While French bulldogs are known for their cuteness and companionship, it's important that consumers understand the costs involved in owning one, including breeding fees, standard vet trips and breed-specific medical expenses.

MarketWatch created a free resource about owning a Frenchie. It includes an in-depth overview, costs to expect, potential health issues to look out for and general facts about the breed. You can check out the guide at: marketwatch.com/picks/guides/insurance-services/french-bulldog-cost.

I thought it could be helpful for your readers. -- K.W., Raleigh, North Carolina

DEAR K.W.: I am saddened that the most popular purebred dog in the U.S. is now the French bulldog. This breed is being unethically propagated by breeders for profit, fueled by demand from an uninformed public and from those who ignore the breed's multiple genetic defects. These defects can mean a life of reduced activity, suffering and costly veterinary treatments.

I see that your company also suggests pet health insurance, which, in my opinion, needs close reading (as per another entry on my website: drfoxonehealth.com/post/pet-health-insurance-and-corporatization-of-companion-animal-veterinary-services).

Your informative details about the various health problems of French bulldogs needs to be corrected since you indicate a greater longevity for the breed than is actually true. They are the most short-lived of all purebred dogs, according to the detailed study "Life tables of annual life expectancy and mortality for companion dogs in the United Kingdom" by K.T. Teng et al (published in Scientific Reports, April 2022). The study found that the longest-lived breed is the Jack Russell terrier (12.72 years) and that the French Bulldog is the shortest (4.53 years).

It should be noted that "Frenchies" are generally produced by artificial insemination since the males are too physically compromised to breed normally. Then the mothers usually need a caesarean section since the pups' heads are too large for normal delivery.

There are many people who enjoy caring for dogs with chronic, inherited health issues and who will purchase replacements of the same breed when their dogs expire. This is indicative of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, which enables the continued breeding and sales of these poor animals.

DEAR DR. FOX: I have been doing kitten rescue and adoptions for several years now, and always insist that adopters take two kittens rather than one. Two together just do better. But many people think having just one is best because the kitten will bond better with them. Can you please set the record straight on this issue? -- J.G., Minneapolis

DEAR J.G.: I have been advocating for many years what you put into practice: Always adopt littermate kittens, or a mother and one of her kittens. Get them vaccinated, neutered and microchipped for ID purposes, and cats must be indoors-only.

Many cats do suffer separation anxiety when alone. If there are two cats, they can care for each other, play, groom and comfort each other when their owners are away at work all day.

My maxim is that two cats living together are happier and healthier than single cats who have only human contact.

BOOK REVIEW: 'WHAT AN OWL KNOWS'

"What An Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds," by Jennifer Ackerman, hardcover to be released June 13.

This encyclopedic, monumental paean to the owls of the world is almost as remarkable as the world-spanning raptor family itself. Integrating the latest scientific findings about their behavior, brains and ecology, as well as cultural attitudes and mythology, Ackerman ultimately confronts us with a call to save these birds and all that sustains them -- and us -- from the Anthropocene extinction crisis that is upon us now.

(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.)