Canine Influenza Virus

Canine influenza virus (CIV) was confirmed in a dog at the St. Paul location of the Animal Humane Society this past week. CIV is a highly contagious respiratory tract disease that mimics kennel cough. However, unlike many cases of kennel cough, the dog needs veterinary care. While there is no vaccine for this strain, dogs can be treated using antibiotics. Symptoms to watch out for include:

• cough;
• sneeze;
• runny nose;
• nasal discharge;
• loss of appetite;
• lethargy; and/or
• fever.

If a dog in your care is showing any of these symptoms, please reschedule your spay or neuter surgery and contact your veterinarian for information about diagnosis, appropriate treatment and prevention. Please feel free to contact MN SNAP with questions at [email protected].