CANINE INFLUENZA UPDATE
On August 3, 2017, Veterinary Public Health (VPH) was notified that a dog living in the San Gabriel Valley tested positive for canine influenza H3N2 by PCR. The dog developed a cough on July 29th after boarding at a kennel in the area. The veterinarian tested the dog for influenza when seen on July 31st, even though the symptoms were mild. VPH began efforts to contain the disease after learning from the boarding facility that at least 11 other dogs developed coughs after being at the facility during the last half of July.
The source of this outbreak is currently unknown. VPH investigated an outbreak of this virus among imported dogs and a single case in a dog rescued from San Bernardino County last spring. During those investigations, dogs were quarantined at 108 different sites around the county, which contained the disease spread. Since that time there were no additional reports of confirmed infection locally. However, there were reports nationally of the virus spreading in multiple states following various dog shows. Considering the spread of infection elsewhere in the nation and continued import of dogs from Asia, there is a risk that this virus will be repeatedly introduced into our area. Thus, Veterinary Public Health continues to recommend that dogs that interact frequently with other dogs should be vaccinated against canine influenza, including H3N2.
The vaccine is available on a walk in basis at Hawthorne Dog and Cat Hospital.