An Excerpt from the PVMA Newsletter & PSA From Your NWNVH Staff
On Friday June 21st, the Oregon Humane Society reported that three dogs in their care tested positive for H3N2 Canine Influenza. These dogs were part of a larger second-chance transfer from a shelter in Oakland, CA and no one was aware of infected dogs until after the transfer took place. The infected dogs had not been in contact with any other shelter dogs and were quarantined once OHS was notified of exposure to positive dogs. They are now at an off-site facility for further quarantine and continued treatment.
The Oakland animal shelter has since reported an outbreak of canine flu among their dogs and warned dog owners to steer clear of their facility. Fifty-five of the shelter dogs have contracted CIV, but since it is a contagious disease, all of the dogs are likely affected even if they are not yet showing symptoms.
Dogs at-risk include but are not limited to those that visit dog parks, dog-daycare, dog shows, grooming, boarding, travel (car, air, etc.), and rescue animals. Dogs with pre-existing heart disease or lung disease, senior dogs, and brachycephalic breeds are also at a significant risk.
These at-risk dogs should be vaccinated with an initial 2-dose series of a bivalent vaccine, 2-4 weeks apart. Full adaptive immune response does not occur until 7-10 days after the SECOND vaccine. Boosters should be given annually. In cases where dogs have not received their boosters within 13 months of their last influenza vaccine, the initial 2-dose series should be repeated. The CIV vaccine reduces clinical severity, degree of infection, illness, and viral shedding of infected dogs.
NWNVH Canine Influenza Emergency Vaccine Clinics
In light of this recent and concerning news, Northwest Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital will be hosting a series of vaccine clinics in the coming weeks for at-risk dogs. We have serious concerns that the potential for a large-scale outbreak in Portland is very high. As such, we will be hosting four vaccine clinics over the next two weeks by appointment only. These clinics are open only to healthy animals that have had a wellness exam in the last 12 months. An exam will not be required. If your dog is ill or has not had an exam in the last 12 months, please call us to schedule a wellness exam with a veterinarian prior to receiving the vaccine.
Pop-Up Vaccine Clinic Dates
Tuesday, July 2nd from 2:00-5:30pm
Friday, July 5th from 2:00-5:30pm
Monday, July 8th from 1:00-5:30pm
Friday, July 12th from 2:00 – 5:30pm
Again, we would like to reiterate the importance of vaccinating your dog against this highly contagious virus. Canine influenza is often spread unknowingly, as dogs actively shed the virus for 48 hours before signs and symptoms begin to appear.
If you are concerned that your dog may be infected, or if you would like to schedule an appointment to have your dog vaccinated at one of our pop-up vaccine clinics, please contact us immediately at 503-227-6047.
If you would like to vaccinate your dog and they are past due for a wellness exam, please request a separate appointment online or by phone as soon as possible.