Canine Influenza – local outbreak

 On July 25^th, a veterinarian in the San Gabriel Valley reported a cluster of respiratory disease in approximately 20 dogs.   Vigorous infection control measures have been implemented to control the outbreak.  Two dogs tested for Canine Influenza by serology performed at Cornell University were found to have positive titers (1:32).  The convalescent titer for one of the dogs was 1:1024, a greater than four fold rise in titer which confirmed the diagnosis.  Serologic test results are pending for several other dogs.    

 Canine Influenza has been reported previously in California, including a local outbreak reported in September 2005.   At that time, an Inglewood veterinarian confirmed four cases among dogs that had been at a single boarding facility at various times during August 2005.  Veterinary Public Health conducted extensive surveillance following that outbreak, but did not detect additional cases.  Since that time, no additional cases have been reported.  However, canine influenza may occur much more often than is reported. 

 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.