Canine Influenza Outbreak in the Chicago Area
Canine influenza has been diagnosed in the Chicago area and has spread into Wisconsin and Indiana. The outbreak has been linked to an increase in dog boarding related to spring vacations. It is anticipated that the outbreak will continue to spread. Cornell University is reporting that the outbreak is caused by a virus closely related to the Asian strains of influenza A H3N2 currently in circulation in Chinese and South Korean dog opulations. This virus can also infect cats. There is no evidence that this virus is transmissible from dogs to people. Canine influenza virus (CIV) is a highly contagious respiratory disease of dogs. The disease has two forms. The mild form is characterized by a moist cough that persists up to 30 days along with fever, reduced appetite, and sneezing. The severe form is characterized by a high fever and pneumonia. The reported fatality rate is less than 10%. A canine influenza vaccine is available and persons who board their dogs (including daycare), visit dog parks, or whose dogs are exposed to other dogs should discuss vaccination with their veterinarians. It is commended that persons operating boarding or day care facilities for dogs require all dogs to be currently vaccinated no less the 4 weeks prior to entry into the facility. All suspected or confirmed outbreaks of CIV should be reported to the local health department where the animal or facility is located. A directory of local health departments is posted on the NJDOH website: www.localhealth.nj.gov PREVENTION: Dog owners should be aware that any situation where dogs come into contact with other dogs increases the risk of spread of communicable diseases, including CIV. Good infection control in kennels and other places where dogs congregate will reduce that risk. To prevent canine influenza the following is recommended:
Veterinarians, animal control officers and animal facility operators are required to report all suspected or confirmed outbreaks of CIV to the local health department where the animal or facility is located. A directory of local health departments is posted on-line: DIAGNOSIS AND LAB TESTING: The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory (AHDL) can assist veterinary practitioners with the diagnosis of CIV. Nasal swabs and serum samples can be collected to diagnose CIV. PCR testing is recommended during the first 4 days after disease onset. Serology is a more accurate test in dogs that have been ill for longer than 7 days and in cases where the PCR test is negative but the index of suspicion is high. Antibodies to canine influenza virus may be detected as early as 7 days after onset of clinical signs. Paired acute (sick for <7 days) and convalescent (10 to 14 days later) serum samples are preferred for diagnosis of recent active infection. Convalescentphase samples should be collected at least two weeks after collection of the acute-phase sample. If an acute-phase sample is not available, testing a convalescent-phase sample can reveal whether a dog has been infected with or exposed to CIV at some point in the past. For dogs that have died from pneumonia or other conditions in which CIV is suspected, necropsy and additional diagnostic tests are available. Veterinarians can submit diagnostic specimens from suspect CIV cases to the AHDL for the following diagnostic testing (serology and PCR): Test AGID -- Determination of Exposure -- 1 ml whole blood or ½ ml serum -- $6 -- 1-2 business days HI# -- Seroconversion/titers -- 1 ml Serum -- $15 -- 2-4 business days PCR -- Detection of viral RNA -- Swab*: nasal, tracheal/pharyngeal -- $35 -- 2 business days * Do not use swab with Amies medium or other bacterial culturettes. Synthetic swabs (Dacrontipped, rayon-tipped, and nylon-flocked) produce reliable results on PCR test. # HI test detects antibodies to H3N8 canine influenza only. The NJDA, AHDL specimen submission form and the fee schedule are available for use by veterinarians here: www.jerseyvetlab.nj.gov The AHDL can be reached at (609) 406-6999 if you have any questions or need information on testing. Biopsy kits are now available for convenient submission of biopsy specimens to the AHDL by veterinarians. Laboratory specimen(s), along with a laboratory submission form, may be sent to:
(If sent via courier service or dropped-off): (If sent via U.S. Postal Service): NJ Department of Agriculture Additional technical guidance on CIV is posted on the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) website: https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/FAQs/Pages/Control-of-Canine-Influenza-in-Dogs.aspx
|