K9 Influenza vaccine Information you need to Know

VACCINATION KEY TO FIGHTING CANINE INFLUENZA

Influenza is making headlines in the Veterinary World!

HISTORY :

Canine influenza was first reported 13 years ago when the equine influenza virus H3N8 jumped species and was found in dogs. This virus had been identified for 40 years in horses before becoming a newly emerging pathogen in the dog population. This newly adapted virus was highly contagious and caused serious respiratory infections at dog racing tracks, kennels and shelters. Over the years, sporadic outbreaks of infection, in dogs, have continued to occur since the initial outbreak.

A second new canine influenza virus H3N2 was found in the United State in the Spring of 2015 in dogs in the Chicago Illinois area. This virus was first identified in South Korea, 10 years ago, as a strain of avian influenza. Like the H3N8 virus this virus caused severe respiratory infections in dogs and was highly contagious. While it was localized mostly to the Chicago area confirmed cases of this new strain have now been found in dogs in 46 of the 50 state, including here in Wisconsin. This is largely due to the fact the H3N2 virus is shed for 2-4 days prior to the pet showing signs of disease and that the virus can remain infective for 48-hours on solid surfaces (food/water bowls, collars, leashes, solid dog toys, caging, floors/walls, etc.), 24-hours on soft surfaces (clothing/shoes, plush dog toys, etc) and 12-hours on skin (ie hands)!

Infection with Canine influenza can occur year-round. Neither of these viruses is contagious to people but cats can become infected with the H3N2 form and develop disease. Cats display signs of upper respiratory tract disease including nasal discharge, congestion, lethargy, lip smacking and excessive salivation.

DISEASE:

Dogs have no natural immunity to canine influenza . Virtually 100 % of dogs exposed to either of these viruses will become infected. Of those dogs infected, 80% will develop flu-like illness. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include persistent coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, lethargy, reduced appetite and fever. While most dogs recover (90%), the recovery can be long (3-8 weeks). Serious complications including bacterial infection/pneumonia and death can occur.

TREATMENT :

There is no specific treatment. Treatment is to provide supportive care and make the dog as comfortable as possible. Dogs with a secondary condition/health problem(s) ie. pregnancy, pre-existing lung or heart disease, immune suppression, tracheal disease, etc. are more likely to develop more serious disease/complications and more likely to die from infection.

PREVENTION:

Isolation of infected dogs is important to control the spread of this disease. Dogs infected with the H3N8 virus shed virus for up to 7 days following infection. Dogs infected with the H3H2 strain shed virus for at least 21 days. Therefore it is recommended that all dogs infected with canine influenza as well as other dogs in the household should be isolated for 4 weeks.

Also key to prevent infection is to avoid dogs showing signs of illness – but remember dogs are shedding this virus for days before they show signs of illness and for many days following recovery !!!. The virus is relatively easily killed by disinfectants so you should follow routine infection control procedures. Wash anything that comes into contact with infected animals thoroughly. This includes washing your hands carefully and change clothing/shoes, etc . following the handling of any infected/ill animal. Do not share equipment (ie. cages, bowls), bedding, toy, etc. with, evenly, healthy appearing animals. Good husbandry and nutrition is also important as it will help dogs mount more effective immune responses.

Vaccination against both strains of Canine influenza is now available. It is safe for use in dogs as young as 8 weeks of age. Vaccination may not prevent infection completely but can shorten the course and severity of the disease. Initial vaccination is given as a series of 2 vaccines given 2-4 weeks apart to dogs. It needs to be boostered yearly thereafter. Following the initial series it takes about 1 month to see protection.

Please call the hospital to discuss if vaccination is right for your dog and to schedule an appointment for your pet to receive this important preventative vaccine. These vaccines are included in all of the various K9 Wellness programs we offer. Vaccination now will prevent panic when, we see a local outbreak here.

Fox News Report in regards to the rising concerns over Canine Flu

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2018/01/09/rise-in-dog-flu-cases-has-pet-owners-worried.html