New Dog Vaccine for Influenza Virus

To enjoy a healthy winter, your dog may need a flu vaccine. And now there is a new influenza vaccine available for dogs.

A leading vaccine manufacturer gained United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval to launch Vanguard® CIV H3N2/H3N8, the latest canine influenza virus (CIV) vaccine.

In an efficacy study, dogs that received the Vanguard CIV H3N2/H3N8 vaccine were protected from influenza after CIV H3N2 exposure and also appeared to have a reduced number of days that dogs were capable of spreading the CIV H3N2 virus.

Canine influenza virus is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs.

It can also be spread when dogs come into contact with contaminated objects, such as toys, and clothing, and remains viable for up to 48 hours.

In some cases, influenza can cause severe pneumonia and even death in dogs.

This new bivalent vaccine helps protect dogs against the two prevalent strains of the flu virus in the United States, CIV H3N2, and CIV H3N8.

These dog flu strains have been reported in 38 states.

“Dogs that attend daycare, visit the dog park or stay at boarding facilities are all at risk for contracting either strain of CIV,” said Stephan Carey, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Assistant Professor, Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Past President of The Veterinary Comparative Respiratory Society.

“There is no way to predict whether it will be CIV H3N2 or CIV H3N8 that infects your area, so it is better to help protect against both strains; this bivalent vaccine allows you do to that efficiently,” said Dr. Carey.

Dogs need vaccinations against both to help provide complete protection.

CIV H3N8 was first identified in racing greyhounds in Florida in 2004. CIV H3N2 was first detected in the United States in March 2015 in Chicago flu outbreak.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) cautions pet owners to isolate their dogs from any dog that is coughing or shows signs of respiratory illness and should consult a veterinarian.

As with other infectious diseases, the AVMA also advises pet owners to take extra precautions with puppies, elderly or pregnant dogs, and dogs that are immunocompromised.

In addition, the AVMA suggests that pet owners speak with their veterinarian regarding both their dog’s risk for canine influenza and the appropriateness of vaccination.

As more dogs across the United States are vaccinated, underlying immunity to CIV should increase in the canine population. This can help to decrease the capability of both strains of the virus to spread through the population and thereby help prevent outbreaks.

To learn more about Vanguard CIV H3N2/H3N8, visit www.vanguardciv.com

Zoetis is the leading animal health company.

Zoetis contact,  Colleen White, 973-822-7203 [email protected].