ANIMAL HEALTH UPDATE: Need for Increased Vaccine Access: Canine Influenza H3N2 and Leptospirosis Outbreaks in Los Angeles County

Dear Veterinary Colleagues,

The canine influenza H3N2 (CIV H3N2) outbreak is surging across LA County at unprecedented levels. After spreading in multiple boarding kennels and day care centers since mid-July, it has now been introduced in at least 2 animal shelters. In preparation for the upcoming holidays and anticipated travel, it is important for dogs to get vaccinated for CIV H3N2 and leptospirosis, and owners to be aware of these outbreaks.

We have received notices that dog owners are experiencing difficulties in getting access to these vaccines. To help connect dog owners to practices that offer these vaccines, we ask that if your practice offers CIV H3N2 and/or leptospirosis vaccinations, please complete the survey at the link below so we can include your practice in a resource list to be posted on the Veterinary Public Health website: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CIVLeptoVxProviders.

 Current outbreak status:

Canine Influenza H3N2:

• Over 800 reported confirmed and suspected cases and 7 reported deaths in LA County.
• 2 animal shelters affected.
• Spreading rapidly at pet boarding and daycare facilities located throughout the county.
• Some pets have been infected at dog parks, while on walks, and where they come near other dogs.
• Cases of CIV H3N2 are being reported in the surrounding counties as well.

For more information: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/InfluenzaCanineH3N2.ht

Leptospirosis:

• 150 reported confirmed and suspected cases and 6 reported deaths in LA County.
• Most cases associated with boarding, daycare, dog parks, primarily in West LA and Santa Monica area.
• Some cases associated with exposure on walks around the neighborhood.

For more information: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/Leptospirosis2021.htm

 

Steps to take:

• We anticipate a potential winter surge in both diseases because of increased use of pet boarding, dog sitting, daycare and grooming services during the holiday season.
• County shelters, City shelters, and non-profit groups will have vaccination clinics, but may not be able to meet the demand for vaccination to stop the outbreaks.
• CIV H3N2:
• The most effective tool in stopping the spread of CIV H3N2 is to isolate sick or infected dogs. Sick dogs should be isolated for 28 days from the first day of illness.
• VPH strongly recommends that dogs be fully vaccinated against CIV H3N2 before they enter boarding kennels, dog day care, dog parks, or engage in dog group activities. This vaccine is also advisable for dogs that may occasionally encounter other dogs.
• Fully vaccinated = ≥14 days post-completion of the primary series.
• Educate clients that the CIV H3N2 vaccination is designed to decrease the severity of clinical disease and viral shedding but does not prevent against infection. Therefore, herd immunity in the community is important for outbreak control.
• Leptospirosis:

• VPH continues to consider the quadrivalent leptospirosis vaccine as a core vaccine for dogs in Los Angeles County, however it is of particular importance that dogs are fully vaccinated against leptospirosis before they enter boarding kennels, dog day care, dog parks, or engage in dog group activities.
• Fully vaccinated = ≥14 days post-completion of the primary series.

• Help spread the word in your community. Talk to clients and staff. Use social media or email to educate clients about these ongoing outbreaks.
• If possible, offer vaccine clinic hours at your practice to expedite access to the vaccine
• Add your practice to our list of places offering CIV H3N2 and/or lepto vaccines, and how dog owners can access them: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CIVLeptoVxProviders. We will collect information until November 12^th and then post it on our website.
• Adverse reactions to veterinary vaccines and other concerns should be reported to both the vaccine manufacturer and USDA APHIS: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/veterinary-biologics/adverse-event-reporting/ct_vb_adverse_event

 

Sincerely,

Karen Ehnert, DVM, MPVM, DACVPM

Director

Veterinary Public Health

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

313 N. Figueroa St, Room 1127

Los Angeles, CA 90012

(213) 288-7060

(213) 481-2375 Fax

kehnert@ph.lacounty.gov

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/

 

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