LET'S NOT GO CRAZY OVER CANINE INFLUENZA

John Clifton
October 17, 2009

Frenzy about the H3N8 virus (Canine Influenza) is currently sweeping across the media, causing concern and even panic among many dog owners...

We recommend that you do NOT automatically rush in to your vet to get an H3N8 shot!  There are certain risk factors you should evaluate before making any decisions in this area.

• Is the canine flu ENDEMIC in your area/state? (Sources claim that the virus is currently endemic in Virginia, Colorado, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.)

• Is your dog kenneled with other dogs, or otherwise likely to pick up the virus?

• Is your dog a puppy? --  a senior?

• Have you informed yourself of the actual risks associated with the disease? 

• How curable is the disease?  What's the mortality rate?

• How effective is the vaccine?

HERE IS AN ARTICLE FROM THE ALTAVISTA JOURNAL (Altavista, VA) that you will find illuminating, and even reassuring (Note that Virginia is NOT listed here as an endemic state on the date of publication.) 

Vaccination Not Recommended for Canine Influenza Wednesday, September 23, 2009 8:56 AM EDT   Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory viral infection that occurs in dogs. The first outbreak occurred in racing greyhounds in Florida. At this time canine influenza is endemic (very prevalent) in only four states. Virginia is not considered an endemic state, as there are only a few laboratory confirmed cases in northern Virginia, according to a recent report from the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association dated Sept. 11, 2009. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that all dogs exposed to the virus become infected. Eighty percent of dogs that are exposed to the virus develop clinical signs of the disease including coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Twenty percent do not exhibit clinical signs, but can shed the virus and spread the disease. The mortality rate is thought to be between 1-5 percent or slightly higher and would more often be seen in dogs developing pneumonia. To treat the dogs effectively, they should be tested for the virus. Once canine influenza viral infection is confirmed, appropriate treatment can be started. A recent conversation with David L. Panciera, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM, professor of internal medicine in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, conveyed that vaccination is not currently recommended for dogs in Virginia. The vaccine is intended for the protection of dogs at higher risk of exposure to canine influenza such as show dogs, racing dogs, and dogs that may board in endemic states. The vaccine, approved for licensure in May, may not altogether prevent infection, but may significantly reduce the severity and duration of clinical illness. If canine influenza virus becomes more prevalent in our area, recommendations for vaccination may change. Chatham Animal Clinic Lisa B. Shorter, D.V.M. Melissa Smith, D.V.M. E. Lynn Beard, D.V.M. Paul D. Erwin, D.V.M.

Please refer to the following for additional and accurate information:

http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp

http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_guidelines.asp

http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/aug09/090801c.asp

http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=184&NAME=Canine_Influenza

 

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