Veterinary Division
Timeline
- 4/30/19 - The Animal Welfare Section of the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services received a report of a dog in Holly Springs, NC that tested positive for Canine Influenza. These are preliminary tests; the strain has not yet been typed. There is no history of this dog being in a boarding kennel, dog daycare, dog park or animal shelter. Updates will be provided if we receive additional information.
- 6/20/17 – The Animal Welfare Section of the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is forwarding the information below. AWS does not endorse this company or its product but the information concerning this disease and its management in animal-dense facilities is timely.
"As you requested, I have attached a brief description of the FREE WEBINAR sponsored by the IBPSA with Dr. Melissa Bourgeois, DVM PhD, DACVM (virology and Immunology). The time is 1pm Central (so 2pm Eastern). This webinar would be a great way for Kennels, DayCares, Groomers, Dog Sitters, and all types of Animal Care Facilities to better understand the flu and how to prepare, protect ,and manage.
Description of WEBINAR:
As reports of the highly contagious canine influenza or “dog flu” continue to rise, IBPSA wants to help make sure our IBPSA Members and all pet care professionals including pet boarding facilities, doggy daycares, pet sitters, pet salons, and dog walkers have the information you need to help keep the pets in your care as safe and healthy as possible.
WHAT
Dog Flu Facts Free Webinar
WHEN
Thursday, June 22, 2017 @ 1PM Central
WHO
Guest presenter Dr. Melissa Bourgeois, DVM, PhD, DACVM (virology, immunology), has served as an associate service fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, become a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists (ACVM) in virology (2011) and immunology (2013) and, since July 2015, worked for Merck Animal Health as a senior drug safety specialist.
To register, they can use the website:
www.ibpsa.com/dogflu"
- 6/12/17 – Courtesy of NCVMA, "There have been confirmed cases in Carteret, Rockingham, and Wake County, as well as in Davidson, NC. There is also a suspicious case in Wilmington, NC. Symptoms are there, but confirmation is pending. All infected dogs either contracted the virus at a dog show or contracted it from a dog from a show. Dog shows in Perry. Ga, Florida and Missouri have been the initial source of the virus in cases seen. To date, we know of two confirmed deaths from the virus, one in the Raleigh area, the other in Morehead City."
- 06/02/17 – A second canine death from Canine Influenza has been confirmed. This case is on the east coast of NC and is associated with exposure from the previously mentioned dog show Florida.
News
Signs of canine influenza
The signs of canine flu are cough, runny nose and fever and are similar to other respiratory problems. Other signs can include lethargy, eye discharge, reduced appetite and low-grade fever. Most dogs recover within two to three weeks. However, secondary bacterial infections can develop, and may cause more severe illness and pneumonia. Anyone with concerns about their pet’s health, or whose pet is showing signs of canine influenza, should contact their veterinarian.
The virus is highly contagious and easily spread from infected dogs to other dogs through direct contact, nasal secretions (through coughing and sneezing), contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes), and people moving between infected and uninfected dogs.
There is a canine flu vaccination, but it may not be effective against all strains. Pet owners should contact their veterinarian to determine if vaccination is advisable.
Human Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there is no evidence of transmission of canine influenza viruses from dogs to people and there has not been a reported case of human infection with canine influenza. Also, this strain of influenza is different from avian influenza that has caused the deaths of birds in the Midwest.
Resources for pet owners
Boarding and Shelters
Boarding and shelter facilities should review their current intake, isolation, veterinary care, monitoring and sanitation protocols with their facility veterinarian to be sure they are taking adequate measures to control the spread of this virus.
Resources for Shelters & Boarding facilities
Resources for Veterinarians
Canine influenza is not a reportable disease, though veterinarians are encouraged to report cases to AWS so the Section can monitor the situation.
Phone: 919-707-3280
Email:
agr.aws@ncagr.gov |
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