11/09/2024
Canine Influenza
As some may remember, we posted about Canine Influenza last year when the state had reached out due to an outbreak in the northern panhandle. That scare did show why it is important to vaccinate against a virus, prior to having an issue, since that is how we eliminate outbreaks to begin with. Recently we got to learn more information about Canine Influenza, and the benefits of the vaccine, through continuing education.
As of this point on we will be considering the Canine Influenza a core vaccine. What this means is we will be highly recommending this vaccine for every single canine patient.
Here is why:
In 2004, the H3N8 caused an outbreak when a horse influenza mutated into a canine, allowing it to spread from dog to dog. In 2017, we were able to eliminate the H3N8 virus in the United States due to the vaccine. However, we still have the H3N2, which came to the United States in 2015. In 2017, one single rescue dog infected 1693 canines, that were recorded.
The H3N2 is not a seasonal virus, and it can have reoccurring outbreaks all year long. Especially when we have rescue leagues that are transporting animals, or even more people traveling with their pets.
This is an AIRBORNE virus. This means if there was an infected dog in an elevator before you, the virus is in the air of the elevator. Same goes for doggie day care, boarding, grooming, dog parks, dog shows, or even outside in your back yard. If your neighbor’s dog has it and it is outside your dog has been exposed.
Since it is airborne, it can be spread from contact as well. If a person encounters an infected dog, and then wears that clothing into their house, they have just exposed their dog. The same applies for other animals, or objects as well.
This is not a cold and should be taken very seriously. Unlike “kennel cough”, canine influenza will move to the lower airways. Symptoms can be a wet or dry cough, thick nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, ocular discharge and lack of appetite.
The canine influenza vaccine (CIV) can be given as early as 8 weeks of age. The first time they get this vaccine it does require a booster. Then it is just yearly from there on. We highly recommend calling today to get your dogs vaccinated if they are not already.
