New Jersey: Dog Flu Puts Bergen County Animal Shelter Adoptions On Hold

[Shiloh]

Source: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/10/09/dog-flu-puts-bergen-county-animal-shelter-adoptions-on-hold/

Dog Flu Puts Bergen County Animal Shelter Adoptions On Hold
October 9, 2011 10:49 AM

Reporting Monica Miller
Bergen County Animal Shelter, Canine Influenza, Mariela Pazos

TETERBORO, NJ (WCBS 880) ? Canine Influenza, otherwise known as dog flu, has temporarily put adoptions on hold at a New Jersey animal shelter.

LISTEN: WCBS 880′s Monica Miller reports

Bergen County Animal Shelter?s chief veterinarian Mariela Pazos says they are experiencing a high number of dogs showing signs of upper respiratory infections and have identified canine influenza as a possible cause.

 

[Emily]

Re: NJ: Dog Flu Puts Bergen County Animal Shelter Adoptions On Hold

Re: NJ: Dog Flu Puts Bergen County Animal Shelter Adoptions On Hold

Here's the animal shelter statement. They don't mention confirmation of influenza by testing. Whatever the cause, this shows how important it is to promptly seek veterinary care for your pet when they show signs of illness including URI's. And they advise warning the veterinarian that the dog may have a highly contagious disease prior to going to the clinic. (The vet may have those patients avoid the waiting room.)

http://www.bergenhealth.org/animal/resources/CIV%20website%20statement.pdf

October 5, 2011
Dear Bergen County Animal Shelter Visitors,
We currently have a higher than normal number of dogs showing signs of upper respiratory infection (URI) and we have identified Canine Influenza as one of the possible causes.
Canine Influenza is a relatively new disease caused by a ?flu? virus (similar to the human flu). Although it is overall not a serious disease, it can be very contagious. A few cases can also progress to significant illness and pneumonia.
It is spread through direct contact between dogs (licking, nuzzling) even while dogs are not currently coughing or showing any other signs of illness.
As a precautionary health measure and to reduce risk to the communities? pet population, we are currently not carrying out any dog adoptions. In addition, we recommend that anyone who owns a dog or frequently comes in contact with dogs not visit the shelter until otherwise stated on our website. We expect this to continue until approximately the middle of October.
This disease affects only dogs and does NOT affect humans. If your dog has been at the shelter anytime from September 15th until now, please do not allow your dog to interact with other dogs.
If your dog develops any coughing, sneezing, or shows any signs of disease, please call your veterinarian before bringing you dog to the hospital and inform them that he/she may have been exposed to Canine Influenza.
Our dogs will continue to be monitored and treated by the shelter veterinarian on a daily basis. Currently all the dogs affected are stable and responding to supportive treatment; antibiotics, fluids, homecooked meals and lots of TLC!!!
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation
Dr. Pazos