Should I be worried about Canine Influenza Virus?

Should I be worried about CIV?

What is Canine Influenza Virus?

Canine Influenza Virus, also commonly referred to as CIV, is a highly contagious virus that causes a severe respiratory infection. There are currently two strains that have been identified: H3N8 and H3N2. There are vaccines available for both strains of canine influenza virus and available at Fry Road Animal Clinic.

The virus needs direct contact from dog to dog to be transmitted. A contagious dog may seem healthy but already be infected and spreading the virus. H3N8 vaccine only protects against that specific strain and does not offer protection from H3N2 strain and vice verse.  The kennel cough (bordatella) vaccine provides no protection against canine influenza virus.

Clinical signs of CIV can include a mild cough, sneeze, lethargy, in appetence, and/or nasal discharge. Severe cases of canine influenza virus can lead to pneumonia and even death.

“In the contiguous United States from 2006 to 2014, CIV H3N2 was reported in 36 states. From March 2015 to July 2016, CIV H3N2 was found in 30 states.” ¹

Areas with high traffic such as boarding facilities, groomers, dog parks, doggie day care, dog shows, and training facilities are at a higher risk. Some facilities do require dogs to be vaccinated so make sure to confirm beforehand with that establishment’s vaccine policy.

Call us to schedule your appointment or if you have any questions or concerns please contact our office at 281-579-0602.

 

¹ Canine influenza virus monitoring effort: testing summary 5/23/2015 – 7/11/2016. Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center. https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/docs/CIV_Monitoring_2016-07-11.pdf. Web, 29 Mar. 2017.

Rishniw, Dr. Mark, ACVIM. “Canine Influenza – VeterinaryPartner.com – a VIN Company!”VeterinaryPartner.com. Veterinary Information Network, 17 Apr. 2015. Web. 29 Mar. 2017.

https://www.zoetisus.com/products/dogs/CanineInfluenzaVaccineH3N2/