2011
In June 2011, the
Veterinary Public Health & Rabies Control Program was
notified about four puppies that tested positive for
Canine Influenza by PCR in the South Bay Area. The
puppies originally were turned in to a local animal
shelter, where they were vaccinated against canine
influenza (killed virus), in addition to Distemper,
Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHLPP)
and Bordetella. They were emaciated and tested positive
for Demodex. The puppies were then rescued and treated
at a local veterinary hospital. They had slight fevers
when first examined, and developed a slight cough a week
after entering the hospital. PCR testing for canine
influenza was performed on pharyngeal and conjunctival
swabs collected on the first day of coughing. Their
illness was mild and recovery was seen within days. It
remains unclear where the puppies contracted the
infection. There was no indication of a larger outbreak
at the clinic.
2007
In July
2007 a veterinarian in the San Gabriel Valley reported a
cluster of respiratory disease associated with the dog
boarding section of their facility. A total of
approximately 40 dogs became ill over a period of 3
weeks. Exposure to canine influenza was confirmed
by serologic testing in 5 of the cases. Vigorous infection control measures
were implemented to control the outbreak. Most of the
dogs had mild symptoms, although four dogs developed
pneumonia. This outbreak appeared to be triggered
after a puppy from Colorado, sick with pneumonia, was
brought into the clinic. The canine influenza vaccine
was not available in 2007, so none of the dogs had been
vaccinated.
2005
In September
2005, an Inglewood veterinarian confirmed four cases among dogs that had been at a single boarding facility at various times during August
of that year. Veterinary Public Health conducted extensive surveillance
for 6 months following that outbreak, but did not detect
additional cases.
Canine Influenza causes a respiratory illness, with symptoms including cough, runny nose, fever, pneumonia and occasionally death. Dogs become ill 2 to 5 days after being exposed. The illness can last for weeks, but dogs are typically contagious for only 7 to 10 days. Many infected dogs may not show any signs, but are able to spread the disease.
Since dogs with Canine Influenza may present with symptoms similar to other common canine respiratory diseases, testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis. Acute ill dogs may be tested by PCR, while those that have been ill for several days would need to be tested by serology.
To determine whether canine influenza has become established in Los Angeles County, Veterinary Public Health is again requesting veterinarians to report any confirmed or suspect cases of Canine Influenza by faxing in a completed
Canine Influenza Reporting Form. In addition, report any outbreaks of canine respiratory disease, whether or not a cause has been identified.
Article summarizing
Challenges of Diagnosing Canine Influenza (H3N8)
infection 11.10.11
Canine Influenza Case Reporting Form
2010
Canine
Influenza Testing Information
2011
Canine Influenza Information for Dog Owners
2007
Nationwide
Canine Influenza Statistics - Cornell Animal Diagnostic
Laboratory
AVMA Information on Canine Influenza
