Protect Your Dog Against the New Canine Flu!

Progressive Animal Wellness (PAW) of Avon will be hosting a vaccine clinic for the H3N2 strain of the canine influenza virus on Monday March 7, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Canine Influenza H3N2 (CIV H3N2) is the virus responsible for the April 2015 outbreak in Chicago that sickened over 1000 dogs. According to the AVMA and the Cornell University CIV monitoring site, the virus has spread since then affecting over 2000 dogs in over 25 states, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New York and New Jersey. Because 2015 was 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 salon are most at risk.

Until recently, the only CIV vaccine available was only protective against the previous H3N8 strain, not the new strain. Fortunately a new vaccine against CIV H3N2 has just been approved for use in Connecticut. Because PAW feels it is important to provide this vaccine to dogs at risk, they will be offering the initial vaccine and its subsequent booster at the reduced total cost of $40. No appointment is necessary, but vaccines will be limited to the first 50 patients. Pets need not be current patients at PAW, but a current rabies certificate must be provided. Vaccination certificates will be provided.

Progressive Animal Wellness is located in the Fairways Plaza on Route 44 in Avon. For more information visit PAW at www.progressiveanimalwellness.com, connect with PAW on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ProgressiveAnimalWellness), Twitter (@progressivevet), Instagram (@PAW_vet), or call 860-325-2124.