Canine influenza outbreak suspected in Hennepin, Anoka and Washington Counties

The Board of Animal Health has officially quarantined animal shelters in Hennepin, Anoka and Washington Counties this afternoon, after receiving a report of nearly 200 suspected cases of canine influenza. The Board has recommended vaccination for all dogs in their care.

Please be on alert for canine influenza symptoms in your patients and take extra precautions to keep the virus from spreading in your vet clinic.

How veterinary facilities should handle dogs during this suspected canine influenza outbreak

• Patient physical contact should be limited to only what is necessary, and staff should always wash their hands before and after handling patients.
• If an animal appears healthy and has had no known exposure to other dogs with suspected or confirmed canine influenza, staff can exercise normal precautions.
• If an animal presents with clinical signs consistent with canine influenza virus infection, staff should put on additional personal protective equipment (PPE), including facemask, gloves and a gown or lab coat. Take off and/or discard the PPE after the animal has left the facility.

How exam rooms and treatment areas should be cleaned and disinfected

• Standard cleaning and disinfection products and protocols can kill canine influenza virus. Be sure to follow the correct contact time and dilution instructions for the products you use.
• Focus cleaning and disinfecting on high-contact and high-touch surfaces such as phones, doorknobs, keyboards, exam room tables and counters, and equipment.

Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that can present with a cough, low grade fever, anorexia, lethargy, fever, sneezing, nasal discharge, and/or dyspnea. Dogs may develop a more severe form presenting with a high-grade fever and tachypnea and may develop a secondary pneumonia. No human infections of canine influenza have ever been reported.

Non-negative test results for canine influenza must be reported to the Board of Animal Health.

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