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Puppy Rescued From Baghdad Had Rabies

National alert follows dog's death; other pets on flight seized

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 3, 2008 1:46 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Twenty-four animals flown to the US from Iraq have been taken back from their adoptive homes after the CDC learned a puppy on their flight had rabies, the New York Times reports. The dogs and cats, befriended by troops in Iraq, were vaccinated only days before being exposed to the fatal illness, sparking a national warning because of the possibility they could have spread the disease to humans.

After the animals' arrival in Newark in June, a black Lab became sick and had to be euthanized. The other pets had already reached their new homes around the country by the time rabies was confirmed; the CDC is now holding them in quarantine for 6 months. Thirteen humans have also been told to seek preventive treatment, but no one of any species has fallen ill.

Melissa Moore has adopted the dog that her daughter befriended in Iraq through the program Operation Baghdad Pups program.
Melissa Moore has adopted the dog that her daughter befriended in Iraq through the program Operation Baghdad Pups program.   (AP Photo/Mike Derer)
In this June 6, 2008, file photo New Jersey state Assemblyman Neil Cohen holds a mixed breed dog named, Rocky, that was transported from Iraq as part of Operation Baghdad Pups.
In this June 6, 2008, file photo New Jersey state Assemblyman Neil Cohen holds a mixed breed dog named, Rocky, that was transported from Iraq as part of Operation Baghdad Pups.   (AP Photo/Mike Derer, File)
An Iraqi dog imported to the US had to be euthanized and was later diagnosed with rabies.
An Iraqi dog imported to the US had to be euthanized and was later diagnosed with rabies.   (?David Boyle in DC)
Jeff Forest holds Nubs after the dog arrived at San Diego's Lindbergh Field Friday, Feb. 22, 2008. Nubs was adopted by Marine Corps Major Brian Dennis, who befriended the dog in Iraq.
Jeff Forest holds Nubs after the dog arrived at San Diego's Lindbergh Field Friday, Feb. 22, 2008. Nubs was adopted by Marine Corps Major Brian Dennis, who befriended the dog in Iraq.   (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
U.S. army Cpl. Paul Floyd, 21, pets his company's adopted puppy in Quarghuli Village, about 12 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007.
U.S. army Cpl. Paul Floyd, 21, pets his company's adopted puppy in Quarghuli Village, about 12 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007.   (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
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Meet the pets brought back in June
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Iraq • pets • SPCA • dog • cat • Operation Baghdad Pups • rabies

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