10/08/2021
Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) Outbreak - New cases in California (as well as FL, IN, NY, OH, PA, SC, & TX)
CIV also known as Dog Flu is a newer virus (less than 20 years old) that dogs have little to no natural immunity to. CIV has 2 strains (H3N8 and H3N2) that terrified the animal community in California in 2017 and in the last 2 months despite a bivalent vaccine that is readily available. This respiratory disease is highly contagious with 80-90% of dogs exposed will become infected, and for about 2 of every 25 dogs, that infection will be fatal.
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR PET:
- Vaccinate your pet yearly especially if he/she attends dog parks/beaches, groomers, boarding facilities, or has a weakened immune system.
-Never let your pet drink out of community water bowls or share food dishes with other pets without properly cleaning them in between.
-Know the symptoms: loss of appetite, dry or wet cough, thick runny nose, fever, lethargy and call your veterinarian immediately and isolate your pet if you are concerned your pet has become infected.
**DOG FLU CANNOT BE SPREAD BETWEEN HUMANS AND PETS**
Sources to check out:
CDC Key Facts on Dog Flu:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/other/canine-flu/keyfacts.html
Cornell University Outbreak Map: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/veterinary-support/disease-information/canine-influenza-h3n2-updates
