Please be aware that Los Angeles county is currently experiencing an outbreak of Canine Influenza. Please let clients know if they plan on boarding their pets over the holidays that they may want to ensure their dogs are up to date on vaccinations and consider dogs with upper respiratory signs and fevers as potentially infected with Canine Influenza.
CANINE INFLUENZA H3N2:
- Over 800 reported confirmed and suspected cases and 7 reported deaths in LA County.
- 2 animal shelters affected.
- Spreading rapidly at pet boarding and daycare facilities located throughout the county.
- Some pets have been infected at dog parks, while on walks, and where they come near other dogs.
- Cases of CIV H3N2 are being reported in the surrounding counties as well.
It is recommended to vaccinate unaffected dogs who will be exposed to other dogs (boarding, shows, dog park, grooming, or if they have been exposed to any dog that is coughing etc.) with the new H3N2/H3N8 influenza vaccine. This is a series of 2 vaccines given 3 weeks apart. If the dog is already coughing, it is too late for the vaccine to be effective.