HEALTH ALERT
from the Arlington Humane Society
December 15, 2015
A new strain of the influenza (flu) virus H3N2 has been isolated in dogs and also cats.
This new flu virus originated in China and is now infecting dogs in this country. This new
virus is totally different than the H3N8 which we have been vaccinating against for 5+
years. This new virus has been documented in 26 states, including Texas. The virus was
first isolated by the University of Wisconsin and Cornell University in March of this year
(2015). The USDA just released the H3N2 vaccine for dogs in November 2015. Merck
Animal Health is the manufacturer of the vaccine and can provide more technical data on
the virus and currently affected areas. This virus also infects cats; however, at this time
there is no vaccine for cats.
Symptoms of the flu are coughing, runny nose and a low grade fever. H3N2 virus in
highly contagious, even more so the Canine (Kennel) cough. Most of the infected dogs will
demonstrate symptoms and be contagious for 2-3 weeks and should be monitored for any
complications. Twenty percent of the infected dogs will develop secondary infections such
as pneumonia which may be life threatening. Up to ten percent of these may be fatal. If
you see any of these symptoms contact your veterinarian immediately.
If your dog is sick do not take him/her anyplace where there are other dogs. Again, this
virus is highly contagious. Your veterinarian will probably examine your dog outside the
clinic (in your car) as they do not want to infect other dogs in their hospital. That’s how
contagious the H3N2 has been demonstrated to be.
Currently it takes two (2) doses of the H3N2 vaccine, approved in Texas last week,
spread 2-4 weeks apart to provide strong immunity for your pet. So if we vaccinate today
and give a booster in 2 weeks we will have full immunity approximately 7 days after the
booster is given. This means that it will take approximately 3-4 weeks in order to protect
your dog from being infected with the H3N2 flu virus.
We recommend that all dogs immediately start the H3N2 vaccinations. This way they
will be protected within 3 weeks. Hopefully this will put us ahead of the expected
onslaught of the virus in the local dog population. This virus is currently epidemic in New
York, New Jersey and Chicago. We are seeing cases in Austin where at least one kennel
had to close and we have suspected cases which are being tested in North Dallas. This
virus is definitely here and all dogs need to be vaccinated.
The Arlington Humane Society has the new H3N2 vaccine available at our low-cost
vaccination clinics ($17). Call the Society 817-468-0444 for a clinic schedule or contact your
personal veterinarian.