Dog flu breaks out at Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — Adoptions at Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando have been suspended after two dogs were diagnosed with H3N2, known as dog flu.

Officials said 29 dogs have symptoms related to the virus.

The shelter was shut down Wednesday while the dogs were treated.

The animals will be contagious for the next three to four weeks, so during that time, no one will be able to adopt or surrender pets

Watch: Dog Flu Fast Facts

Workers said they expect all the dogs to recover, but treatment will take a few weeks.

They ask anyone who has adopted a dog at the shelter since June 7 to contact them for a reduced fee vaccine.

“When they cough or when they sneeze 10 to 20 feet, they can spread the virus,” said Dr. Julie Anderson of the Pet Alliance. “So far, all of our dogs are doing very well, but they are at an increased risk of developing bacterial phenomena.”

The vaccine is a two-injection process that takes between three to four weeks to establish immunity.

The shelter said anyone whose dog is coughing and lethargic to visit a veterinarian for testing and antibiotic treatment.

“If you notice your dog coughing or your dog’s a little lethargic, kind of like you would be if you had the flu, we would like to ask you to call us,” said Stephen Bardy, the executive director of Pet Alliance.

Dog flu is highly contagious, but treatable, officials said.

The adoptions are suspended until further notice, but the Sanford location is open for dog and cat adoptions.

The Pet Alliance will be holding a clinic Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. Owners can bring their dogs to get them vaccinated for $10 dollars for the first shot, then in three weeks pay another $10 for the second shot

Things to know about the H3N2 Virus:

What is H3N2 Canine Influenza Virus?

H3N2 canine influenza virus (H3N2 CIV) is a very contagious influenza virus that infects dogs. This virus  emerged in the US in 2015. H3N2 CIV has also infected cats in shelters, but this may not be a common occurrence. There is no evidence that this virus can infect people.

What does H3N2 CIV cause?

H3N2 causes a respiratory infection in dogs that looks like “kennel cough.” Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, and frequent coughing that can last for 2 weeks or more. Dogs may have a fever, decreased appetite, and lethargy during the first few days of illness. Some dogs develop pneumonia and may require hospital care.

The virus is easily killed by most disinfectants, handwashing with soap and water, normal laundering of clothing and bedding, and washing food/water bowls and toys with soap and water.

How do dogs get H3N2 CIV infection?

H3N2 is spread by direct contact with a sick dog and by contact with an environment or people that are contaminated with the virus. Coughing dogs produce virus-containing mists that can travel 20 feet or more in the air, facilitating virus dissemination over distances.

How are H3N2 CIV-infected dogs treated?

Fortunately, most dogs recover in about 2 weeks without complications. Since canine influenza is a viral infection, treatment is mainly supportive. Secondary bacterial infections are very common and can be treated with an antibiotic such as doxycycline. However, some infected dogs progress to pneumonia within the first week of illness. These dogs may have a fever, not eat, are lethargic, and have rapid or labored breathing. The pneumonia can be life-threatening without proper veterinary care in a hospital.

Is there a vaccine for H3N2 CIV?

Just like human flu vaccines, the H3N2 vaccine may not completely prevent infection but will make it less likely. The H3N2 vaccines contain killed virus so they cannot cause disease. Two doses of vaccine must be given for optimum immune response – the doses are administered over a 2-to 3-week period and establish immunity within 1 to 2 weeks after the second dose.

Is diagnostic testing necessary if I strongly suspect canine influenza?

Yes. Diagnostic testing must be performed to rule out infection with other more commonly occurring respiratory viruses and confirm infection with H3N2. The best diagnostic test for respiratory pathogens is PCR performed on swabs collected from the nose and throat of sick dogs.

Cox Media Group