Community Corner

Canine Influenza Cases Reported in Fairfax County

Editor's Note: 
After this story published on Sept. 5, a spokeswoman for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter said it was the canine pneumovirus, not canine influenza that killed one dog and sicken several dogs in July, forcing the facility to stop taking dogs. Original reports from the shelter indicated the dogs may have died from canine influenza. 

A dog's cold, wet nose becoming a runny nose may be a cue to get to an animal hospital for treatment of a potentially fatal canine disease.  
Fairfax County veterinarians say cases of canine influenza, a respiratory disease spread between dogs only and not humans, have already been reported in the county.  
An outbreak of canine influenza prompted the Fairfax County Animal Shelter to stop accepting dogs earlier this summer after one dog died of the virus, according to a WJLA report. 

A total of 12 dogs were treated for the virus. The shelter was able to resume intakes in late July. 
In addition to a runny noses, other signs of the disease are coughing, sneezing and a fever. 

Sully Animal Hospital in Centreville is offering free influenza exams to new patients to slow the spread of the disease.

Hospital staff said they recently sent a letter to all their patients, warning them of the local canine influenza outbreak. 

The best way to prevent canine influenza is by vaccinating dogs who aren't infected, hospital staff said.  There is specific shot for canine influenza; the bordetella (kennel cough) and distemper vaccines won't prevent canine influenza, doctors sad. 

The vaccine is initially administered in two doses given several weeks apart.  After that, a booster shot should be given annually to prevent infection. 
Flu vaccinations are available at the hospital for $24. 




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