Hi all,
I would like to share some startling information with you regarding the spread of the Canine Flu. This information is for the United States only (as of yet), but this virus is enzootic in the NORTHEAST so I would assume it could jump the border into Canada. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT.
I'll try to be brief
- The Canine Flu is the H3N8 virus which was originally an Equine virus that mutated and jumped species. It was first diagnosed on the greyhound tracks in Florida in March 2003.
- Strain has not mutated since 2004 (at least that's a bit of good news)
- Confirmed cases in 30 states, worst states....FLORIDA, NORTH EAST, UTAH.
- 100% of dogs are infected as dogs have no natural immunity to this virus.
- 80% show clinical signs of general malaise, COUGH, sneezing, ocular discharge and fever.
- Cough is softer than the traditional "kennel cough" and cough lasts MUCH longer than with kennel cough (Bordetella)
- Infected dogs SHED and SPREAD the virus days before the first clinical signs appear and remember that 20% of dogs show no clinical signs. WE CAN'T PREDICT WHICH DOGS ARE SHEDDING!
- 20% of cases progress to pneumonia. 8% mortality rate so 8% of dogs die. That means 8 out of every 100 dogs infected DIE.
- Heaviest affected are the YOUNG HEALTHY dogs. This is very similar to the H1NI which attacks young healthy teenagers and adults.
- HIGHLY HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS. Aerosolized. Remains in the environemnt for 48 hours on clothes, bowls, etc. YOU CAN CARRY THIS HOME TO YOUR DOG.
- Remains viable on human skin for 8-12 hours. WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY. USE HAND sanitizer when working with multiple dogs, say in a an outdoor setting.
- Entire hospitals and shelters have had to close for days to weeks at a time, this virus is so contagious and problematic.
- HUGE PROBLEM in Atlanta, GA and Fairfax, VA just to name a few of the hotbeds right now.
- ANY dog that is exposed to a boarding, shelter, dog show, dog park, grooming parlor environment should be considered a candidate for the vaccine. Basically any dog that is around other dogs....for instance my dog goes with me to work....therefore she will be getting vaccinated.
Now for some important news regarding the new vaccine:
- Vaccine has been available for 3 months.
- This is a killed vaccine.
- Safe for puppies >6 weeks of age.
- 2 injections....3 weeks apart.Then booster annually thereafter
- Full immunity 30 days AFTER FIRST INJECTION. PLAN ACCORDINGLY, especially with the holidays and all these dogs being boarded.
- So far no adverse effects reportsed
- Field studies done with 1,500 injections, over 700 dogs with over 30 breeds.
- As with most vaccines, does NOT prevent the disease but DRAMATICALLY reduces the severity of the disease and the incidence of mortality.
In recap, I can not legally advise you what to do, but I highly recommend consulting your regular veterinarian to determine if your dog should be vaccinated. I hope you find this information useful. If you have any questions, feel free to message me privately at amdilillo@amcollege.us
Thank you for your attention!
Angie DiLillo, M.Ed., DVM