Canine Influenza Virus Outbreak in Palm Beach County

50-60 dogs positive for canine influenza at Big Dog Ranch

By WPTV -Staff

Published: Jun. 23, 2021 at 12:06 PM EDT

https://www.wflx.com/2021/06/23/50-60-dogs-positive-canine-influenza-big-dog-ranch/

Multiple dogs at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Grove have tested positive for canine influenza, a highly contagious respiratory disease.

The details were confirmed Wednesday by founder Laurie Simmons and the shelter's spokesman Chase Scott.

Scott said Big Dog Ranch Rescue took in a dog after it was surrendered by a Palm Beach County owner.

That dog later tested positive for canine influenza three days later, which Simmons said then spread to 50 to 60 dogs that are currently sick.

"(The surrendered dog) appeared to be healthy, was updated on vaccines, already spayed. So instead of putting it in quarantine, where we normally put all our shelter dogs coming in, we put it directly into our adoption buildings," Simmons said.

She said four adoption buildings at the facility have been on lockdown since June 8.

"It's like way bigger than anything we have ever seen," Simmons said.

She doesn't believe that any dogs adopted before June 8 were affected by the virus.

Currently, puppy cabins, which are separate and isolated from the affected areas, are the only areas where dog adoptions are being allowed.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Simmons said they will administer canine influenza vaccines to dogs that have not been affected by the disease starting Thursday.

"This is a highly infectious virus. If you are in contact, and the dog coughed on you, saliva on you, it can be carried on your clothes, your skin, your shoes and lives on surfaces for up to 48 hours," Simmons said. "If you are walking your dog, another dog coughs on the grass, your dog sniffs that spot, it can get the virus that way also."

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

"We have multiple confirmed cases not only in the dogs at the Big Dog Ranch shelter, but also in pet dogs out in the community, so it is good evidence the virus is here in Palm Beach County," Crawford said.

Dr. Cynda Crawford explains that canine influenza can spread very easily among dogs.

She said this marks the first return of the canine influenza virus in Florida since a big statewide outbreak in the summer of 2017.

Health experts say there is no evidence of the spread of canine influenza from dogs to people, and there have not been any cases of human infection with the canine influenza virus in the U.S. or world.
_________________________________________________________________________________

The signs of this illness in dogs are the following:
Cough
Runny nose
Fever
Lethargy
Eye discharge
Reduced appetite

 
The CDC says most dogs affected by canine influenza recover within two to three weeks and only a small percentage die from the disease.

Sourced: https://www.wflx.com/2021/06/23/50-60-dogs-positive-canine-influenza-big-dog-ranch/

For more details about this outbreak,  watch WPTV's video report. 

 https://youtu.be/i_iUDlvA1EA

Dog Flu! What should I do? Get the facts about Canine Influenza Virus!

Recent public attention regarding the Canine Influenza Virus “dog flu” has lead many of our clients to ask questions about the disease, its prevention and the potential risk of the virus to their pets.

 This new virus is different from the previous strain of dog flu, H3N8, that's been circulating in the United States since 2004. The new strain, known as H3N2, is believed to have originated in China and Korea and was brought into the U.S. by an infected animal. Cases have been seen in highly trafficked cities such as Chicago and has recorded incidence of spreading.

 Based on clinical signs, there is no way to distinguish this new canine influenza from other respiratory diseases.  The incubation period is 1-3 days from your pet’s exposure to the onset of clinical signs which can include symptoms similar to the human flu such as coughing, nasal discharge, fever, loss of appetite, as well as a variety of other symptoms.

 The virus is spread through nose-to-nose contact with other dogs, which can occur at doggy day cares, animal hospitals, dog parks, groomer etc. Objects that have come in contact with infected animal such as clothing can also spread the virus. While a few pharmaceutical companies have started working on a vaccine for this latest “dog flu” strain (H3N2), it will likely be months before it becomes available.

 However, there is a vaccine for the H3N8 canine influenza strain.  Experts do not know for sure if this vaccine protects against the newest “dog flu” strain. Though, due to its highly contagious nature and potential for significant health risks to your canine family member, as a precautionary measure, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital now requires an influenza vaccination for all boarding dogs and elective surgical procedures.

 The vaccination requires a series of two injections, 2 to 4 weeks apart.  In an effort to lessen the financial burden in our practice we are waiving the office visit charge for both injections if seen during our clinic or vaccination appointment hours. 

Walk-in Vaccine Clinic hours are

Monday-Thursday and Saturday between 3:00p- 6:00pm in our Annex. Appointments can be scheduled  Monday-Saturday from  8:00a-12pm .

 Please remember, cross protection between the vaccine and the new flu virus strain is not proven but we firmly believe that this protocol is the best protection for your pet.

 The experts at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital are always available to discuss any questions and concerns you have about your pet's health!

Learn more about CIV and it's trek around our world.

What you need to know about Canine Influenza Virus!!

What you need to know about the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), “dog flu”!

What is this “dog flu”?

Dog Flu is a severe, highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs caused by an influenza A virus. In the U.S., canine influenza has been caused by two influenza strains. Our current vaccine protects against one of these two strains. No vaccine exists yet for the second influenza strain.

How could my pet catch this “flu”?

The “flu” is transmitted through nose-nose contact with other dogs. Interactions between pets at doggy daycares, animal hospitals, dog parks, groomers etc, are all opportunities for the infection to spread. Additionally, objects such as fabrics that have come in contact with the virus can spread the bug.

What happens if my dog gets it?

Clinical signs of “dog flu” and other respiratory infections such as “Kennel Cough” are identical though flu symptoms are more severe. Treatment for the “flu” in a healthy animal consists primarily of supportive care such as fluids and rest. However, a secondary infection can occur due to a pet’s compromised immune system requiring a broad spectrum antibiotic and more intensive hospitalized care.

Will the vaccine prevent my dog from getting sick?

The current “flu” vaccine does not prevent infection of all strands of the influenza virus however; it is proven to protect against our most common strand and it is believed to lessen viral shedding when a dog is infected. It is also know to reduce the severity of the infections and therefore the duration of the influenza viruses.

How can I protect my pup?

A strong immune system supported by a balanced diet and the current “flu” vaccine is the best way to protect your pet from the canine influenza virus (CIV)-“dog flu”