Subject: Canine Influenza Virus Update June 9, 2010
Date: 6/9/2010; 09:55:52
Message#: 101637-6-9-2010-PHUP
Please distribute this information to all veterinarians, animal control officers and animal facility operators in your jurisdiction
Canine influenza virus (CIV) was first recognized in racing greyhounds in Florida in January 2004 and has since been documented in 30 states, including New Jersey. This highly contagious virus causes a clinical syndrome in dogs that mimics “kennel cough.” There is no evidence that CIV can be transmitted from dogs to humans. Attached is a document with guidance on CIV from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS).
During the summer months of the last 5 years the NJDHSS has received reports of CVI outbreaks in kennels, veterinary hospitals, and shelters throughout the State. Veterinarians and operators of licensed animal facilities (kennels, pet shops, shelters and pounds) are asked to be on the alert for this disease and prepared to respond in the event they have an outbreak. If the virus enters a kennel setting, virtually 100 percent of exposed dogs become infected and nearly 80 percent develop clinical signs. Although most dogs will have a milder form of CIV and recover without complications, some may develop severe pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
Veterinarians who are overseeing disease control at animal facilities should review the ventilation, sanitation and infection control practices with operators of these facilities. In the event of an outbreak, infected animals will need to be isolated for 14 days and treated under the supervision of the supervising veterinarian. Those exposed to the virus would need to be quarantined for 14 days and observed for signs of disease.
Suspected and confirmed CIV cases and outbreaks should be reported to the NJDHSS.
Contact Dr. Faye Sorhage or Dr. Colin Campbell, NJDHSS, IZDP for more information or to report cases via phone (609)-826-4872 or email: faye.sorhage@doh.nj.state.us or colin.campbell@doh.state.nj.us.
Additional information on CVI is available from:
American Veterinary Medical Association
http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp
University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine
http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/college/pr/documents/CanineinfluenzaFAQDogowners_001.pdf
University of California-Davis, Koret Shelter Medicine Program
http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_canine_influenza_update.shtml
This information has been distributed to: DHSS Senior Staff; DHSS Staff; LINCS Coordinator Backups; LINCS Coordinators; LINCS Epidemiologists; LINCS Health Educators; LINCS Health Officer Assistants; LINCS Health Officers; LINCS Health Planners; LINCS IT Specialists; LINCS Partnership Coordinators; LINCS Public Health Nurses; LINCS Regional Health Planners; LINCS Team Members; LOCAL Health Officers; LOCAL Public Health; Animal Health Organizations; DHSS Program Staff; Public Health Associations; Public Health Council
Further distribution of this message should be directed to: Animal Health Professionals; Local Boards of Health; and other partners in your region, as appropriate.
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