Canine Influenza
Canine Influenza
Canine Influenza is a virus that causes upper respiratory symptoms in dogs, such as coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. It was first discovered in 2004 and has been diagnosed in 38 states, including New Jersey and New York. The virus cannot be spread from dogs to humans or other animals. Infection with Canine Influenza virus is not considered a significant risk in otherwise healthy dogs. In rare cases, particularly in young or immune suppressed dogs, the Canine Influenza virus can lead to a more serious pneumonia-like disease, as a result of secondary bacterial infection. A vaccine was introduced in 2009 and is designed to lessen the severity of the disease and decrease the risk of spread between dogs. It does not prevent dogs from acquiring the virus and currently research is not being done to determine if the vaccine needs to be changed yearly, as with the Human Influenza vaccine, to account for strain variation. The vaccine is given in a series of two doses, spaced approximately three weeks apart and is not effective until at least 10 days after the second dose is administered. Outbreaks are most commonly seen in dense populations of dogs, such as shelters and rescues.
Ramsey Veterinary Hospital is not currently routinely recommending the Canine Influenza vaccine. This is based on both the American Veterinary Medical Association's position and our own clinical experience. While we have seen a number of dogs with severe upper respiratory infections, we have not had any dogs test positive for the Canine Influenza virus. We do carry it for those situations where a pet is required to be vaccinated for a boarding facility or other specific circumstances. At this time we feel that it is important to continue to monitor the dogs in our area for a change in incidence, but we do not find that there is medical evidence to support routine vaccination for all dogs. If this situation changes we will update you with new recommendations. Please feel free to call our office with any questions or concerns.