Canine Influenza Hits our area

We have all been inundated with news of the deadly swine flu outbreak over the last few weeks and months and unfortunately, we now have another flu on our hands that affects our furry friends.  The H3N8 virus, otherwise known as Canine Influenza (CIV), has wreaked havoc on the Northern Virginia area closing down the Fairfax Country Animal Shelter.  Currently, there is one case in Frederick under suspicion but it has not been confirmed as CIV. 

CIV is actually an equine influenza that has jumped species.  It is possible for dogs to catch the sickness from horses and even from humans who are around horses.  It is fatal only 1%-5% of the time and symptoms include lethargy, fever, loss of appetite or respiratory infection.  All of which can lead to hemorrhagic pneumonia.  Symptoms exhibited by infected dogs mirror that of kennel cough.  If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, we urge you to schedule a check up immediately.

The North Laurel Animal Hospital will now be requiring all dogs entering the facility for boarding to be immunized against CIV.  The recently developed vaccine includes two stages, one initial vaccine and another three weeks later.  Vaccinations will be available here at the hospital for any dogs not previously vaccinated.

More helpful information on the CIV outbreak can be found in these links:

1. Discovery Channel article
2. Washington Post article on the Fairfax Kennel Closing
3. www.doginfluenza.com

Additionally, the following is a link detailing the new CIV vaccine, it’s testing and other CIV information:

1. Baltimore Sun Article

If you have any questions about immunization or CIV, please call our friendly staff at (301) 953-7387.