Canine Influenza Virus

Resurgence of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)

On June 25^th, 2021, the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association reported cases of the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) in North Carolina, as well as an outbreak at a dog rescue facility in Florida. Both strains (H3N8 and H3N2) have been reported. There was a similar occurrence in 2017 when cases of CIV were reported in North Carolina - stemming from pets that had attended dog shows in Georgia and Florida. The outbreak sadly resulted in two deaths in North Carolina, in which the dogs quickly developed pneumonia. 

The signs of CIV include a moist cough, runny nose, eye discharge, lethargy, and a reduced appetite. In more severe cases, dogs may develop a high fever and pneumonia (possibly due to a secondary bacterial infection). Infected dogs should be isolated from other dogs for 2 weeks.


Dogs that are exposed to other dogs in boarding, daycare, dog park, and dog show environments are at greatest risk of infection. The virus can also survive in the environment for 2 days and be viable on hands and clothing for up to 24 hours. Canine Influenza Virus is contagious to other dogs but there is no evidence that it can be transmitted to humans.  For those who wish to vaccinate their dog(s), there is a single vaccination available for both strains of CIV (H3N8 and H3N2). A booster vaccine is required 2-4 weeks after the first CIV vaccine to provide any benefit. If your dog has been vaccinated in the past 36 months, only one shot is required.

With the safety and care of our patients in mind, we will again require the CIV vaccine for all boarding and surgery patients. We are working to contact those with existing boarding and surgery reservations to discuss the status of your pet's CIV vaccine and schedule an appointment if needed.  

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available to us. Please give our office a call if you wish to schedule an appointment for the vaccination or have any additional questions. If you are boarding your dog at another facility in the upcoming months, please check with that facility on their CIV requirements. To learn more about the prevention and transmission of Canine Influenza Virus, please visit the American Veterinary Medial Association for more information.

For more information, please see:

http://www.ncagr.gov/vet/aws/canineflu/

https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx

https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/CanineInfluenza.aspx

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canineflu/keyfacts.htm