Source:
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/InfluenzaCanineH3N2.htm
H3N2 canine influenza in Los Angeles County, 2017
VETERINARIANS - Please report cases of Canine Influenza here
Download our H3N2 Canine Influenza handout - English Espa?ol
Update
As of April 7, there have been 34 sick dogs reported, including 5 confirmed by laboratory testing (PCR) and 29 suspected. The sick dogs, plus an additional 8 healthy but exposed dogs, are under quarantine or isolation in 10 locations around Los Angeles County. So far there are no cases reported outside of these locations.
Samples from the several dogs have been submitted to veterinary virologists in order to compare this virus to the H3N2 canine influenza virus that caused the outbreak in dogs in Chicago in 2015.
Background
In March 2017, H3N2 canine influenza was identified in dogs in Los Angeles (LA) County. Most of the dogs were imported from Asia and seen by a veterinarian upon arrival into LA County. The dogs showed signs consistent with influenza such as coughing, sneezing, fever and nasal discharge. A total of 27 dogs were sick with the disease and treated with supportive care. Final testing of two dog revealed a strain of canine influenza (H3N2) commonly found in Asia, further testing is pending. Most of the dogs have recovered.
H3N2 canine influenza usually causes mild disease in dogs and on rare occasions can also infect cats. This strain of canine influenza was first found in the US in 2015 when it caused a large
outbreak in the Chicago area that spread to other parts of the country. Infected dogs start shedding the the virus 2 days before the start of clinical signs, and for 21 days or longer afterward. Transmission of influenza usually occurs through contact with infected respiratory secretions (e.g. coughing, sneezing) as well as from contamination of the environment (e.g. bedding, floors, bowls, collars, leashes).
To date, there is no evidence that humans can become sick with H3N2 canine influenza.
Response from the Department
The Veterinary Public Health Program (VPH) is providing assistance during this outbreak by:
- Enforcing quarantine of all affected dogs to prevent spread of the disease locally.
- Alerting veterinarians in LA County of the outbreak through the Animal Health Alert Network (AHAN).
- Supporting local veterinarians and affected parties by coordinating response.
Recommendations
Pet owners
- If you think your pet has influenza, keep it away from other animals and contact your veterinarian.
- Pets that frequently interact with other dogs (e.g. dog park, groomer) should be vaccinated against H3N2 Canine influenza.
- To prevent spread of disease, do not let a sick pet come in contact with other animals or share its food bowl, leash, toys or other supplies.
- Wash your hands after touching your pet.
Veterinarians/Animal workers
- Report any suspected case of influenza in dogs or cats to VPH using this reporting form.
- If a case is suspected, use proper isolation measures to prevent infection via direct contact or fomites.
- Recommendations for disinfection and biosecurity available here.
More Information
Canine Influenza - Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Canine influenza (Dog Flu) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Canine Influenza - American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Canine Influenza H3N2 Updates - Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center
