Influenza...Seasonal, H1N1 or K9 Influenza (H3N8) or Just Kennel Cough?

During winter months we are all too aware of the seasonal flu; this year we are particularly aware of H1N1, a variation of Influenza A which can be transmitted from humans to dogs and cats. We have no current therapeutic preventatives for this cross-species transmission other than supportive care. However, are you also aware of Canine Influenza (H3N8), which was originally detected in Florida in 2003? K9 influenza is not transmissible to humans or cats but is a highly contagious viral disease. Since the virus is relatively new, dogs have no natural  immunity to it; virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected. The presence of one sick dog can spread the virus and infect many other dogs. You would consider your dog at risk for K9 influenza if: they come from a shelter, rescue center, breeding kennel, or pet store; they board at a kennel or go to doggie daycare; attend group training, visit a groomer, dog parks or engage other dogs on daily walks; enter into dog events or even walk in the local PetSmart. We can now protect against infection with H3N8 vaccine, a killed virus vaccine which had no reported side effects during clinical testing. This vaccination is given initially, then boosted 3 weeks later, and then followed up with annual boosters. If your dog is at risk for Bordetella (kennel cough) then it is at risk for K9 influenza. The symptoms can include a cough (soft and productive or dry) which lasts for more than a few days, a fever (can be low to high grade depending on severity of viral disease), nasal discharge (either clear or colored), lack of energy and loss of appetite.

Currently at HVH, Dr. Zehr and Dr. Blair are offering the vaccination, but are not requiring it yet since there have yet to be any reported cases in W.N.C.

 Facts about canine influenza and a new vaccine that’s now available to protect dogs 

            Only the Love is Contagious          

Canine influenza is...
• An emerging threat to the respiratory health of dogs across the US 
    – All breeds and ages are susceptible to infection 
    – Because it’s a new virus, dogs have no natural immunity to it

• Highly contagious and easily spread through: 
    – Direct contact (licking or nuzzling) 
    – The air (coughing or sneezing) 
    – Contaminated surfaces (picked up on the hands or clothing of a person and then spread when another dog is touched or petted)

• Characterized by a persistent cough that may last several weeks, as well as runny nose, watery eyes, and loss of appetite and/or energy

• Usually mild, but can progress to a more severe infection or pneumonia in 10% to 20% of cases, and is fatal in up to 8% of sick dogs

• A concern for owners whose dogs: 
    – Come from a shelter, rescue center, breeder, or pet store 
    – Board at a kennel 
    – Attend doggie daycare or group training 
    – Visit a groomer, dog park, or other places where dogs congregate
   – Participate in dog events and competitions

Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8 is...
• The first vaccine available to aid in the prevention of disease associated with canine influenza

• Proven to significantly reduce the coughing, severity, and spread of canine influenza infection

• Proven safe; a killed virus vaccine developed, manufactured, and marketed by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and conditionally licensed by the USDA 
   – A conditional license is issued to meet a special circumstance such as the emergence of a new virus for which there is no existing vaccine

• Administered in two doses given 2 to 4 weeks apart 
   – One annual booster injection is needed to continue protection

Please contact us to schedule a vaccination for your pet.

For more information on canine influenza, visit http://www.doginfluenza.com
                                                                          http://www.avma.org/public_helath/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp
                                                                          www.sheltermedicine.com/protal/is_canine_influenza_update.shtml 
                                                                          www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-canine-flu-question-and-answer.html