K-9 Flu

[Inquisitive Snoop]

I just received this from another group and feel it's an important read, especially for people in the Virginia and surrounding states.

(posted with permission)
By Kali Schumitz
Source: Fairfax County Times
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 2009
UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 2009

Canine flu facts
The main symptoms include cough, runny nose and fever
Sight hounds, such as greyhounds and whippets, are the most susceptible
breeds
Dogs can carry the virus for up to five days before showing symptoms
The virus cannot infect people or other animals
80 percent of dogs will have mild symptoms, up to 5 percent will get
severe illness such as pneumonia
For more information go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/
SOURCE: Dr. Wanda Pool, Deepwood Veterinary Clinic
The dog kennels at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter will be closed for
at least two weeks due to an outbreak of canine flu.
Only two cases have been confirmed through testing, but more than two
dozen dogs at the shelter are showing symptoms of the highly contagious
virus. Humans and other animals cannot get sick from canine flu. There
are about 60 dogs at the shelter.
“We do feel we have it contained and we’ve taken all of the steps we can
to prevent it from spreading,” said Karen Diviney, animal shelter
director.
A smaller kennel area is set up to house uninfected dogs, including those
just coming in to the shelter. While they can’t legally refuse to accept
new animals, Diviney said shelter officials are urging people not to
bring dogs to the shelter if they have any other options.
Michael Lucas, director of animal control for the Fairfax County Police
Department, said officers are temporarily allowing dogs that bite someone
to be confined at a home, vet or boarding facility during the required
quarantine period, rather than at the shelter, to help keep the dog
population at the shelter low.
There are signs that canine influenza is present in the broader community
as well, said Dr. Wanda Pool, chief veterinarian at Deepwood Veterinary
Clinic in Centreville, so dog owners should remain vigilant.
The clinic has confirmed three cases of canine influenza, in addition to
the two from the shelter, one of which was fatal. A 15-year-old whippet
named Bean, owned by a Deepwood staff member, died July 27 due to
complications from pneumonia.
“We’re very, very worried about this in the community,” Pool said. She
said dog owners should be careful about taking their dog to a dog park,
doggie day care or boarding facility.
Canine influenza was first identified in 2004 and has been confirmed in
30 states now. Pool said this is the first time, to her knowledge, that
the virus has been confirmed in Northern Virginia. A vet clinic in
Sterling has also reported one confirmed case, she said.
Like the flu virus in humans, dogs can have a range of symptoms from the
virus and most do not get seriously ill. Older dogs or dogs with other
health problems are more susceptible to develop pneumonia or secondary
infections that can cause more serious illness or death, Pool said.
Humans and other animals cannot get sick from the virus, but can help
spread it if they have been in contact with a dog that is sneezing or
coughing. The virus can live on surfaces or clothing for up to 48 hours,
Pool said.
There is a vaccine available, but it will only lessen the symptoms and
prevent pneumonia, not keep the dog from catching the flu, Pool said.
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[Kate (Tucker's mom)]

I was wondering if anyone out there has gotten their dog a flu shot?

[Inquisitive Snoop]

Speaking for myself I don't get the flu shots so I wouldnt even consider giving it to my dogs/cats. Interesting enough, a friend's son got the regular flu shot a month ago - he's been home all week with the flu. Need I say more?

Diane

[Kate (Tucker's mom)]

Diane, thanks. I'll skip the shot. Kate