PAW of Avon Protects Canine Community from New Dog Flu and Raises $720 for ASPCA

Progressive Animal Wellness (PAW) of Avon hosted a vaccine clinic for the new Canine Influenza H3N2 (CIV H3N2) strain March 7th, to raise awareness of and to help protect the local canine community, from the new dog flu

Danielle Earle, CVT welcomes Beckham, a French Bulldog from West Hartford

strain that is sweeping our nation. At the clinic, the CIV H3N2 vaccine and its subsequent booster were offered at a reduced total cost of $40 (normally $38 each) and all proceeds were donated to the ASPCA. In all, eighteen canines received the vaccination, raising seven hundred and twenty dollars for the ASPCA.

Canine Influenza H3N2 (CIV H3N2) is the virus responsible for the April 2015 dog flu outbreak in Chicago that sickened over 1000 dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Cornell University CIV monitoring site, the virus has spread since then affecting over 2000 dogs in over 25 states, including Massachusetts, Maine, New York and New Jersey. With 2015 being the first year the H3N2 CIV strain was seen in the United States, nearly all dogs currently lack immunity.

While this virus has shown less than ten percent mortality, recovery can take two to three weeks and dogs remain contagious during that time. Eighty percent of infected animals will show some clinical signs of infection including lethargy, fever, decreased appetite, runny nose and cough. Signs of a severe infection include a high fever and clinical signs of pneumonia including difficulty breathing and supportive measures for recovery can prove costly. CIV is contagious and spread by nose to nose contact or contact with infected droplets from coughing or sneezing. Dogs that are frequently in a group setting such as daycare, kennel, or grooming salons are most at risk.

Dr. Corey Shagensky, Owner and Veterinarian at PAW in Avon, and Danielle Earle, Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), vaccinate Jake a 6 year old Black Labrador Retriever from Canton.

Until now, the only CIV vaccine available was not effective against the new strain. Fortunately the new vaccine against CIV H3N2 has just been approved for use in Connecticut.  PAW feels it is important to provide this vaccine to dogs at risk. For pet owners who missed the clinic, PAW welcomes you to make an appointment to have your canine vaccinated or encourages you to contact your veterinarian.

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