Rabid Iraqi dog brought to U.S., warning issued

updated 12:10 p.m. ET Oct. 3, 2008

NEW YORK - Federal health officials have issued a public health warning against rabies after an Iraqi puppy with the disease arrived in the United States.

The dog was part of a rescue operation to unite American soldiers with abandoned animals they adopted.

Named Crusader, the puppy was among 24 dogs and two cats that arrived in Newark in June, according to The New York Times.

The shipment was part of an international rescue operation called Operation Baghdad Pups, organized by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International.

After being diagnosed, Crusader was euthanized. The other animals shipped around the country were tracked down and are being held for six months in quarantine. So far, none has become sick.

More from msnbc.com In slump-hit areas, suicide rates on the rise Brokaw:  The night the wall came down Cosmic Log: How the Maya lived Is the swine flu shot as safe as regular vaccine? Scoop: Letterman extortion case heads to court Signs of the sacrifices of military life On Twitter: Breaking news updates | Weird and wild

MORE FROM CONFLICT IN IRAQ

Conflict in Iraq Section Front

Iraqi parliament passes key election law U.S. military: 2 American pilots die in Iraq Kirkuk focus of Iraq election law deadlock Conflict in Iraq Section Front   Add Conflict in Iraq headlines to your news reader: