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Source: http://windsorite.ca/2018/01/rare-dog-flu-discovered-in-windsor-and-essex-county/
Rare Dog Flu Discovered In Windsor And Essex County
Monday January 8th, 2018
Posted at 12:04pm
City News
A rare form of influenza, H3N2 canine influenza, has been identified in two dogs in Essex County.
The dogs were imported from South Korea in late December and were showing signs of respiratory disease the following day when they were examined by a veterinarian, according to officials with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
A small number of dogs that had close contact with the affected dogs also have mild respiratory disease, but test results from those animals are not yet available.
Officials say this is the first known instance of H3N2 canine influenza in Canada. The virus is widespread in some parts of Asia and is causing outbreaks in various locations of the United States, especially in shelters. Canine influenza virus is of concern because it is highly transmissible between dogs, particularly in areas such as Canada where dogs do not have natural immunity from previous infection and where canine influenza vaccination is rare.
The investigation and response are ongoing, and at this point, the concern mainly involves the imported dogs and their close contacts. Affected and exposed dogs are being confined by their owners to help prevent further spread. However, Health Unit officials say dog owners in Windsor and Essex County should be vigilant and watch for signs of respiratory disease in their dogs, particularly dogs that frequently have contact with other dogs...
Rare Dog Flu Discovered In Windsor And Essex County
Monday January 8th, 2018
Posted at 12:04pm
City News
A rare form of influenza, H3N2 canine influenza, has been identified in two dogs in Essex County.
The dogs were imported from South Korea in late December and were showing signs of respiratory disease the following day when they were examined by a veterinarian, according to officials with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
A small number of dogs that had close contact with the affected dogs also have mild respiratory disease, but test results from those animals are not yet available.
Officials say this is the first known instance of H3N2 canine influenza in Canada. The virus is widespread in some parts of Asia and is causing outbreaks in various locations of the United States, especially in shelters. Canine influenza virus is of concern because it is highly transmissible between dogs, particularly in areas such as Canada where dogs do not have natural immunity from previous infection and where canine influenza vaccination is rare.
The investigation and response are ongoing, and at this point, the concern mainly involves the imported dogs and their close contacts. Affected and exposed dogs are being confined by their owners to help prevent further spread. However, Health Unit officials say dog owners in Windsor and Essex County should be vigilant and watch for signs of respiratory disease in their dogs, particularly dogs that frequently have contact with other dogs...
usually occurs, although serious (including fatal) infections and/or complications can develop.