North Carolina is known for its beautiful lakes, many of which are a short drive from Cary. I personally take advantage of the gracious invitations from friends to escape to a couple of these magical places: Lake Gaston and Hyco Lake.
Unfortunately, this week has been marred by the news that the Canine Influenza, H3N2, first noted in Chicago in March of 2015 (see CCAH blog “flu” or” influenza” on this website side column) that afflicted over 1600 dogs, has appeared in North Carolina. It also has been reported in Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, and New York City. http://www.ncagr.gov/vet/aws/canineflu/
There is no vaccine to protect against this new virus and dog fatalities may be up to 10% in exposed animals. There is no risk to humans at this time.
ISN’T THERE A VACCINE FOR CANINE INFLUENZA?
As noted previously, the current H3N8 flu vaccine lowers risk – but it does not prevent the H3N8 flu. This vaccine does not appear to offer any direct protection to the H3N2 flu variety, but it may offer some cross protection.
SHOULD MY DOG BE VACCINATED WITH THE H3N8 VACCINE?
The H3N8 flu strain is still a risk. For active, social dogs involved in dog park socials, day care, grooming, or freely socializes with neighborhood dogs it should be a vaccine consideration.
CAN CATS GET THIS DISEASE?
Yes, there have been reports of sick cats with the H3N2 influenza virus in some shelters.
WHAT IS THE INCUBATION PERIOD OF THIS FLU VIRUS? Where is it in North Carolina?
Two to four days, and that is also when the virus is most contagious to other pets. It has been reported in Asheville, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro.
PLEASE REVIEW THE SIGNS OF THE INFLUENZA VIRUS?
Low grade fever, eye discharge, depression, lack of appetite, nasal discharge, cough, and in rare cases pneumonia.
IS THE FLU VIRUS IN DOGS UNDER-REPORTED OR PERHAPS IS THERE A HIGHER NUMBER OF DOGS INVOLVED?
Yes, because this disease is not required to be reported to authorities, nor are pet owners required to test.
HOW LONG IS A DOG CONTAGIOUS?
Up to 20 days, with a cough persisting in some dogs for months.
IS THERE A TEST FOR THE H3N2 VIRUS?
YES, several laboratories (Idexx, Cornell, and Iowa have tests) that can test nasal secretions in the first four days of exposure. After that nasal swabs are less reliable, and then two blood samples submitted three weeks apart are recommended to confirm diagnosis.
SINCE THE VIRUS HAS BEEN REPORTED IN NORTH CAROLINA, WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN?
Watch closely for reports of sick dogs in the area. For the moment, it is likely more stringent recommendations may be suggested by the Creature Comforts Team if the situation migrates to our area. That would mean no dog parks, no visits to pet stores, and perhaps avoiding dog day care, boarding, and grooming (unless mobile comes to your home). In the event of an outbreak in Wake County, even skipping group dog training classes may be needed. Private lessons may be preferred.
Betsy T. Sigmon DVM, Diplomate ABVP Canine & Feline Practice
Creature Comforts Animal Hospital
Cary, NC
Creature Comforts salutes Michelle Widmann for Rescue Recognition for volunteering with Saving Grace Pet Adoption in Wake Forest. She fostered “Megamind” during his recent health issue with a jaw infection.
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