WASHINGTON — As a strain of canine influenza spreads through the Midwest, local dog owners are perking their ears and wondering: Will it come here?
“I think it’s a distinct possibility that it could get here,” says veterinarian Katy Nelson, also known as Dr. Pawz.
While there aren’t local reports yet, the strain, which appears to have started in Chicago, is reason for dog owners to pay attention and consider their options.
“The virus that we’re seeing is different than any one that we’ve had here in the U.S. before. They’ve traced it back to South Korean and Chinese populations. [We’re not] 100 percent sure how it got here. But we have to think Chicago O’Hare had to have something to do with it and people who travel with their pets,” says Nelson.
So far the virus, identified as H3N2, has sickened more than 1,100 dogs in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Like with the flu in humans, the canine version causes cough, runny nose and fever. In more severe cases, a small number of dogs have died.
While a canine flu vaccine is available, it doesn’t include this new strain. Nelson says it’s possible a vaccinated dog could still benefit from cross immunity and better fight the virus if they become exposed, similarly to people.
A canine flu vaccine isn’t a typical vaccine given to dogs, like rabies or parvo/distemper. Pet owners in the D.C. area should specifically bring it up with their veterinarians to discuss whether it’s appropriate.
High traffic pet areas, where lots of dogs are going in and out, are more likely to be of concern during an outbreak. In Chicago, Nelson says, dog owners are being told not to take their dogs places unless it’s necessary.
In Chicago, many dog day cares, popular in more urban environments, say they’ve been hit hard.
The good news is, this flu hasn’t been shown to transmit to humans. It’s a dog’s illness. But Nelson reiterates that good hygiene with pets will help keep them safe as well as keep owners safe from zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted from animal to human.
Examples of parasites and bacteria that animals can transmit include:
“So, just washing your hands, not making out with your pets. Don’t let your dog who just licked his bum stick his tongue in your mouth. These are just common sense things, but using really good hygiene is always highly encouraged.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
