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The sometimes deadly dog flu, canine influenza A H3N2, a type of bird flu that adapted with the ability to infect dogs first appeared in parts of Asia in 2007.
In April of 2015, the first case of Canine H3N2 was found in the United States. Although it’s unknown how the virus made its way here, the outbreak first began in Illinois where an estimated 2,000 dogs have been infected.
Over the next several weeks, the flu spread to surrounding states in the Midwest and made its way as far south as Alabama, Georgia, and Texas and as far west as California. For several months, it seemed as if the spread of the flu had been contained – until now. Cases of the H3N2 dog flu have now been confirmed in both Washington and Montana, proving that the highly contagious virus is still a concern.
The deadly flu has now been confirmed in 18 different states: Illinois, Alabama, California, Texas, Massachusetts, New York, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Jersey, Iowa, Indiana, Georgia, Ohio, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Carolina, and now Montana and Washington.
The flu is spread from dog to dog (and now, to cats) much in the same way the human flu is spread – through direct contact, through coughing and sneezing, through contact with contaminated objects and surfaces, etc. The flu is not contagious to humans.
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dana
Sep 6, 2016 at 7:37 am
tested in a laboratory.
“Currently, a canine flu vaccine does exist, but it’s effectiveness against the H3N2 virus is not yet proven.”
Nancy
Jul 22, 2015 at 10:44 am
This flu was brought in from Korea and China. We have too many rescues going overseas and bringing in sick animals who are not being properly isolated and vetted before being put into foster care, homes and being shipped to other rescues. That’s how this flu is being spread so quickly. It is not “unknown” as this article states. Other articles are not in fear of being politically correct and neither is the CDC. This flu is not lethal to most mature, healthy dogs, though it makes them very sick. It IS lethal to pups who have immature immune systems and older dogs (and cats) who have compromised immune systems. We have also had cases of Rabies and screw worm brought in by rescue dogs, as well as strains of Parvo we didn’t previously have in the United States.
I am not against rescue. It’s a needed service. I AM against the lack of health protocols followed by numerous rescues. Health should always be THE top priority in purpose bred animals and rescue/shelter animals. Standard practice for both breeders and vets is a minimal isolation of new animals for 2 weeks, which is the incubation period of most viruses. It isn’t just about whether the animal itself is sick, but also if it is carrying any of those viruses on its fur. Those carried viruses can remain active on the fur and paws for 2 weeks, the same as if the animal was sick.
That isolation period should be standard practice for ALL businesses who provide animals to the public for pets. Breeders who import dogs and pups have to follow very stringent regulations on health testing and all shots up to date prior to shipping and all animals held in isolation upon arrival to the U.S. Because of the Rabies brought in it is now required that dogs are supposed to be old enough (16 weeks) to have had their first Rabies shots and it has to have been given 30 days prior to shipping. That means they have to be 5 months old to be shipped. Rescues are dodging that particular protocol by having animals flown in on private jets instead of commercial flights.
Roberta Dill
Jan 16, 2016 at 11:02 am
I am definitely pro rescue. However, there are so many dogs in the USA that need to be rescued why go overseas? I currently have 3 rescued cats and 2 rescued dogs. The dogs were rescued puppy mill breeder dogs and I cannot think of any animals that need rescuing more desperately than these sweet, grossly abused animals! I would absolutely recommend that anyone interested in rescuing a dog should look into the many rescue organizations in this country!
Same is true for cats. There are innumerable rescue sites for any animal which mey interest you.
In addition, to my knowledge, these organizations will spay/neuter and have the animal up to date on their vaccines prior to releasing them for adoption. Check the Internet for breed specific groups.
amac
May 26, 2015 at 6:03 pm
Currently, a canine flu vaccine does exist, but it’s effectiveness against the H3N2 virus is not yet proven.
A test for the H3N2 virus has been developed and is available from a veterinarian. If your dog shows any signs of the flu or if you suspect he’s been exposed, talk to your veterinarian.
copied from the article..
.is this not a vac for this flu??
Kathi Richards
May 26, 2015 at 5:29 pm
The vaccine is for another strain and has no effect on this strain. The vac is for H3N8. There are homeopathic remedies which do shorten the duration of this virus. Remember it is a VIRUS so antibiotics won’t do anything for it other than make your dog more susceptible to other illnesses.
Check this article by Dr Falconer vitalanimal.com/dog-flu-hits-texas and this one too vitalanimal.com/dog-flu-vaccine-epidemic. He has a couple more articles on it also.
saint boudreau
May 26, 2015 at 4:58 pm
Being a student of life on earth thru time I recognize disease is a natural and necessary part of ‘Life’s eco-system. As a teenager I made a prediction that the overuse of antibiotics from oral to hand wash would destroy our own good bacteria and leave us victim to the others.
That the constant vaccinations to keep us save in a bubble of money making chemicals to prevent all harm, would in time destroy our own natural immune system a system wise life herself has devised over millions of years and all life has flourished and human life with all those diseases present has flourished and overpopulated Earth. It has begun we over vaccinate our dogs to enrich vets and chemical corporations now they have constant immune disorders cancers ,rashes. and short lives. Human diseases vaccinated for are returning humans have many immune disorders chronic and more chemicals are purchased. And each time morons that are not students of life call for more chemicals.
I believe the average human intellect is beyond redemption if you believe you are above average read, study disease study life thru time. You may be able to save your dogs and your kids.
doris scientist
May 28, 2015 at 10:37 am
You maybe “a student of life” but you know zero about science. I bet you are a conscientious objector aren’t you? Vaccines are safe and save millions of lives.
Ash
May 24, 2015 at 9:00 pm
I believe dogs and kids should get vaccinated cause at least u know they are protected kids have to be vaccinated to enter school and dogs should be vaccinated to protect them from infected animals they wouldn’t have it so bad if they get vaccinated
Ed
May 24, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Question…………can humans be carriers and bring it home to their pets?
Mikaylah
May 28, 2015 at 10:00 am
I believe so, Ed. According to other articles, we can.
Kat
May 24, 2015 at 6:33 am
Your dog got a kennel cough and bordatella not this flu. There is no vaccine for this flu.
Lindsey
May 23, 2015 at 9:58 am
This flu has deffinatly reached Missouri. I’ve had two dogs about a year old die with this, within a week of each other. Not knowing this was a flu. I was thinking they had parvo in which I’ve dealt with before. But I knew they were to old to be getting the parvo virus. Hope humans can’t get it. Because I cuddled my puppy till he took his last breath. Just so he wouldn’t feel alone.
Geri Greene
May 24, 2015 at 3:04 pm
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Living in MO, I was wondering when they would announce it has reached us. I just adopted a rescue Pom and hope I got her home and safe in time.
Nancy
Jul 22, 2015 at 10:24 am
It isn’t zoonotic (humans can’t get it) but it can be carried by humans on your skin, clothing and shoes just like Parvo and other viruses can. This flu can also spread to cats, unlike other canine flu.
Ky
May 22, 2015 at 7:19 pm
Teresa_virus’s mutate. i do not vaccinate my dog but rather feed raw, keep it’s immune system intact and titer for rabies. and when the titer numbers fall low_there is cellular memory that comes into play to activate its immune system. constant vaccines, from my readings, actually ruin a dogs immune system and i have known more than one dog to go to the vet, get a wonderful bill of health, get vaccinated the next day by the same vet and drop dead in 36 hrs. Hear about vaccine that killed over a hundred dogs before it was pulled? read more. bird, swine and simian serums i do not need in my dog. nor d i need the garbage foods put out by companies claiming to be a complete diet. a load of crock
Margaret Sturman
May 23, 2015 at 3:36 pm
I agree with you KY, we have a holistic vet who believes in using the Titer test, feeding raw and strengthening the immune system. I decided to do that after we lost our Barney to cancer. There must be a reason why so many dogs succumb to cancer and so many other diseases. The annual vaccines are unnecessary when many of them last for a lifetime. Anyone who’s feeding their animals commercial food and giving them all those shots every year is asking for trouble. My girls have been with us for about 7 years now. No illnesses and no emergency vet visits. They are happy and healthy.
Mike
Feb 2, 2016 at 9:57 am
You’re so full of crap. Antivax nonsense.
TERESA
May 22, 2015 at 3:26 pm
That’s BS! MY DOG GETS THE CANINE FLU VACCINE EVERY YEAR, ALONG WITH THE REST OF HER VACCINES.
Kat
May 24, 2015 at 6:31 am
You get kennel cough not this canine flu. There is no vaccine for this.
Carol
May 26, 2015 at 5:17 am
Y’all didn’t read this article very carefully. It said there IS a vaccine for canine flu, it’s just hasn’t been proven to be effective against the virus yet. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t work, it just means it hasn’t been officially tested in a laboratory.
“Currently, a canine flu vaccine does exist, but it’s effectiveness against the H3N2 virus is not yet proven.”
Betty
May 28, 2015 at 6:12 pm
You’re exactly right, Carol.
Carol
May 24, 2015 at 11:11 pm
Teresa, this is a new strain of flu that they don’t have a vaccine for, yet.