Los Angeles Canine Flu Alert

LOS ANGELES CANINE FLU ALERT

Recently, the Veterinary Public Health & Rabies Control Program was notified about four puppies that tested positive for Canine Influenza by PCR in the South Bay Area. The puppies originally were turned in to a local animal shelter, where they were vaccinated against canine influenza (killed virus), in addition to Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHLPP) and Bordetella vaccines. They were emaciated and tested positive for Demodex. The puppies were then rescued and treated at a local veterinary hospital. They had slight fevers when first examined, and developed a slight cough a week after entering the hospital. PCR testing for canine influenza was performed on pharyngeal and conjunctival swabs collected on the first day of coughing. Their illness was mild and recovery was seen within days. It remains unclear where the puppies contracted the infection. There was no indication of a larger outbreak at the clinic.

In Los Angeles County, there were two outbreaks of canine influenza reported previously. In 2005, five dogs became ill after being boarded, and, in 2007, there was an outbreak associated with a veterinary hospital. The current small outbreak is the first indication that the virus may be circulating in the area since 2007. Canine Influenza causes respiratory illness in dog. Symptoms may include cough, runny nose, fever, pneumonia and occasionally death. Dogs usually become ill 2 to 5 days after being exposed. The illness may last for weeks, but dogs are usually only contagious for 7 after symptoms start. Many infected dogs do not appear ill, but can spread the disease. Since the signs of this infection are similar to “kennel cough” and other respiratory diseases, tests must be performed to make a diagnosis.

Commonly performed tests include:

1. Serology - Obtain samples one week after the onset of signs, and

obtain a second sample 2 - 3 weeks later. A four-fold rise in antibody

titer indicates recent infection.

2. PCR - This test for the actual virus is most sensitive in the

day before, and up to 3-4 days after, the onset of symptoms. False

negatives are common after the dog becomes ill.

Vaccination against canine influenza may have minimized the symptoms in these puppies. Should the vaccine be recommended for all local dogs? We need more information to determine local risk.

You can help! Local veterinarians and others working with animals are reminded that all confirmed and suspect cases of canine influenza should be reported to our program. Complete the attached reporting form and fax it to our office (FAX: 213-481-2375). If you have any questions, please contact us at 213-989-7060.

If you would like more information about Canine Influenza, please see the following websites:

Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health:

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/InfluenzaCanine.htm

American Veterinary Medical Association:

http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp

UC Davis Shelter Medicine Program:

http://www.sheltermedicine.com/shelter-health-portal/information-sheets/canine-influenza

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/

As always, thank you for your assistance with local animal disease surveillance. Your reports help us identify potential local animal health threats, so that action may be taken to safeguard local pets and the community.

Karen Ehnert, DVM, MPVM

Acting Director

Department of Public Health

Veterinary Public Health & Rabies Control

213-989-7060

kehnert@ph.lacounty.gov