UPDATED: JUNE 5, 2017
Canine Influenza update: There have been over 12 cases of canine influenza diagnosed as the H3N2 strain by the University of Florida. All the diagnosed pets attended dog shows in Perry, Georgia on May 19-21 and/or Deland, Florida the following weekend or were in contact with dogs that attended those two dog shows.
To date, this has not spread beyond this population of show dogs. While vaccinations are now available for this strain, it does require a series of two vaccinations 2 to 4 weeks apart and the vaccinated dogs are unlikely to have a protective level of immunity for at least 4-6 weeks. Given the limited population affected thus far and the delay in acquiring protective immunity from vaccination, we are not yet recommending vaccination for our normal non-showing pet population. Show dog owners are being advised to keep their pets at home for at least four weeks to decrease the risk of spreading the virus.
Asymptomatic dogs can still be contagious if they have been exposed. We will update this information here and on Facebook should the situation change appreciably. -Dr Baird
Please see this link for information from the University of Florida with more information.
What you need to know……
The canine influenza virus first appeared in 2004 & 2005 in several Florida racing greyhound track facilities. Research since this suggests this virus mutated from the equine influenza virus. Influenza antibodies, however, have been found in samples from the 1990’s, suggesting a milder form likely predates this one. There is no evidence to suggest this virus can be transmitted to humans.
In the years since it first appeared, the feared deadly epidemic never occurred. We did have a scare in Chicago and in Atlanta in 2015 with many cases of influenza, which thankfully was far milder and had less impact than the original strain that was so dangerous at the dog tracks in the previous decade. Interestingly, these 2015 outbreaks were of a different strain, H3N2, so likely more mutation has occurred, or it is a completely different origin, perhaps Asia. To the best of our knowledge, the Canine Influenza Vaccine originally developed for the H3N8 strain, is not effective in preventing this new strain, H3N2. Crowded housing facilitates the spread of the virus from dog to dog, as is typical of most contagious respiratory diseases, so the best prevention is to reduce exposure to other dogs during an outbreak such as occurred in Chicago.
Of those dogs exposed to the virus, it is estimated 20-50% will show no visible evidence of disease. Evidence suggests that perhaps 50% of infected dogs develop antibodies without ever showing any clinical disease at all. The remainder will have symptoms typical of infectious respiratory disease including cough, fever, decreased appetite and lethargy. Approximately 1% of infected dogs will develop serious complications as a result of canine influenza, most typically secondary bacterial pneumonia. These patients do require intensive treatment, preferably early in the course of the disease.
In 2009, a Canine Influenza vaccine was released. The vaccine carries a conditional license by the FDA, indicating that efficacy has not yet been proven although safety studies have been performed in over 700 dogs. The vaccine is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with Canine Influenza virus infection. Although the vaccine is not expected to prevent infection altogether, efficacy trials have shown that the vaccination may significantly reduce the severity and duration of clinical illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. In addition, the vaccine reduces the amount of virus shed and shortens the shedding interval; therefore, vaccinated dogs that become infected develop less severe illness and are less likely to spread the virus to other dogs.
Locally, there have been no reports from our specialty hospitals of any Canine Influenza cases in Hillsborough, Pinellas or Pasco counties. Given the frequency with which pets travel, this certainly could change in the future. At this time, we heartily recommend vaccination only for dogs traveling to areas with known risk of Canine Influenza, particularly if this travel will include exposure at dog shows, boarding or grooming facilities. Since the influenza virus is only causing problems in certain regions within certain states, it is advisable to check with veterinarians in that specific area prior to travel to determine if there is a known risk locally.
The initial dose of vaccine requires a booster 2 to 4 weeks after the first dose is given, and the second dose should be given at least 7 days prior to the dog entering the at-risk situation (boarding kennel, dog show, etc.) , so the vaccine series should be started at least 4 weeks prior to travel.
Links for Canine Influenza ….
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