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Simon, a yellow Labrador Retriever mix, undergoes a wellness evaluation at UW Veterinary Care (UWVC). Dogs like Simon can now come to UWVC to get vaccinated for the H3N2 Canine Influenza Virus strain that caused an outbreak in the Midwest in spring. (Photo: Nik Hawkins)
In spring 2015, the Chicago area dog population was hit with a new, more potent strain of canine influenza virus (CIV) named H3N2. It caused more than 2,000 cases of respiratory illness in dogs and several deaths.
Like its relative, H3N8, which has been affecting dogs with a milder form of respiratory illness since 2005, H3N2 CIV is spread through dog-to-dog contact, indirectly through infected items such as shared dog toys, and through the air via coughs and sneezes. Since the Chicago outbreak, more than 20 states, including Wisconsin, have reported cases of H3N2 CIV in their dog population.
“Dogs in boarding facilities, dog daycare, animal shelters, canine sporting events, and veterinary medical care facilities are at a higher risk of contracting either of these diseases,” says Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez, head of the UW Veterinary Care (UWVC) Primary Care Service and clinical instructor in the Department of Medical Sciences at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM).
Elizabeth Alvarez
However, this week two major veterinary pharmaceutical companies announced the availability of a vaccine with a conditional license for the prevention of H3N2 CIV. UWVC will have a supply of this new H3N2 vaccine on hand for current canine primary care patients starting this week, the week of December 7, 2015. Clients who wish to make UWVC their pet’s primary care provider must schedule a wellness examination for their dog with the UWVC Primary Care Service before receiving the vaccination.
Dogs six weeks and older may receive the vaccine. Two to three weeks following the initial vaccine, dogs must receive a booster, which will provide full immunity after two additional weeks. Annual vaccines are recommended after that.
To make a CIV vaccination appointment for your dog, call the UWVC Small Animal Hospital at (800) 386-8684.
“Remember, CIV is just one of several pathogens that cause Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease, so work with your veterinarian to keep your dog current on all necessary vaccinations,” says Dr. Sandi Sawchuk, UWVC primary care veterinarian and clinical instructor in the Department of Medical Sciences.
