PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A University of Pennsylvania veterinarian says an unusual outbreak of canine influenza virus that took hold of greater Philadelphia in early January appears to be slowing down.
“I can’t say we are out of the woods, but it does seem to be slowing down, so hopefully we will be in good shape soon,” said Dr. Deborah Mandell, a staff veterinarian at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where she is also a professor in clinical emergency and critical care.
Mandell said she and others still advise precautionary measures, however, because CIV can spread quickly among dogs. CIV is not contagious to people.
“Try to avoid doggie day care, dog kennels, dog parks — places where a lot of dogs congregate and are in close contact,” she said, “because it is a very contagious disease. Talk to your veterinarian [about] when they feel that might be lifted.”
Mandell says there is currently just one canine flu-related hospitalization at Ryan Hospital, and the majority of cases are being treated as outpatients.
A two-dose vaccine is available.
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She advises dog owners: If your dog is experiencing flu-like symptoms, let the staff at your veterinarian’s office know first before bringing your pet inside and potentially infecting other animals.
“And if a dog coughs it can travel a fair distance,” Mandell said. “It is so contagious, I mean that’s the problem: It’s just so contagious.”
Sanitizing dogs’ spaces and things they use and play with regularly, is highly recommended.
Most dogs recover from the virus within two to three weeks.