Canine Influenza (h3n2)
Everything You Need to Know
History
H3N8 Canine Influenza was first diagnosed in the United States back in 2005. In 2009, a vaccine became available for this strain of Flu. More recently, the H3N2 strain has spread from Korea causing the outbreak in the Chicago area. More recently, isolated cases of H3N2 have been diagnosed just across the river in Bellville and Edwardsville, Illinois. One case of H3N2 was also diagnosed in Lake St. Louis, Missouri.
Symptoms
Both forms of Influenza can cause symptoms of fever, loss of appetite, coughing, nasal discharge and lethargy. The H3N2 virus can often be associated with vomiting and diarrhea. The Canine Influenza viruses is not contagious to humans. However, the new H3N2 Influenza can cause symptoms in cats.
Both of these viruses are naive to Missouri dogs. This means that dogs in Missouri have never been exposed. As a result, dogs have not developed immunity. It is likely that someday soon one or both of these viruses will make their way to our community. When this happens close to 100% of unvaccinated dogs will become infected. Of those, approximately 80% are estimated to show symptoms.
Prevention
Both forms of Canine Influenza are most contagious during the early phase of disease prior to clinical symptoms. A dog can shed the new H3N2 virus for over 21 days. This makes it very hard to diagnose, isolate and then control the spread. This is one reason that prevention is such a simple and beneficial tool.
With the recent introduction of a new H3N2 Influenza vaccine pet owners can now protect their dog against both forms of Canine Flu.
At Petropolis
We at Petropolis: Empowered Pet Care suggest that dogs be vaccinated against canine influenza, but we do not require it outside of seasonal outbreaks.
