Bivalent Canine Flu Vaccine Now Available

Canine Influenza first surfaced in Florida about 10 years ago. It was a single strain labeled H3N8. Human influenza is the H1N1 strain. These strains are species specific so canine influenza does not infect humans although it is highly contagious among dogs. We have been quite lucky here in the St. Louis area to have not had an outbreak. Unfortunately tree years ago there was an outbreak of respiratory disease in Chicago in over 1000 dogs. Investigation revealed a number of pathogens including Bordetella bronchiseptica and two serotypes of canine influenza. Not only were there cases of the United States H3N8 strain but also a new to us from Korea H3N2 strain. This outbreak caused concern and so many boarding facilities in the St. Louis area began to require Canine Influenza Vaccine prior to entry into their facilities. Unfortunately the only vaccine available was for our domestic H3N8 influenza. It does NOT protect for H3N2. Recently a new vaccine that protects for both strains has become available. We now stock this vaccine and recommend its use for dogs having significant exposure risks such as dog parks, dog shows and other events, groomers and kennels. Call our office at (314)383-4677 and we will answer any questions you may have regarding canine influenza and vaccination.