| 
To our valued customers: Recent media coverage regarding a new strain of dog flu has raised concerns among some dog owners. And while this coverage has been helpful in generating awareness about this disease, some owners have asked us for additional information. In response to your questions we put together this brief fact sheet. We hope you find it helpful and reassuring.
What is canine influenza?
Scientists believe canine influenza is a new strain of flu virus that has jumped from horses to dogs. Outbreaks of a respiratory influenza in horses have been reported for 40 years. In 2004, the first cases of a new type of flu were reported among greyhounds at several racetracks around the country.
This new canine flu is not related to bordetella bronchiseptica — more commonly called “kennel” or canine cough. However, symptoms of the canine flu mimic those of canine cough. Those symptoms include a cough that persists for 10 to 20 days and a possible runny nose. In severe cases in sever cases of canine flu, dogs develop signs of pneumonia, such as a high fever, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
Thus far, canine flu outbreaks have occurred at racetracks in Florida, Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, West Virginia, Kansas, Iowa, Colorado, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Most of the dogs affected have been racing greyhounds. Confirmed cases in family pets have occurred only in Florida, New York, and Massachusetts.
Incubation period for the disease is between 2 and 5 days. About 80% of dogs contracting the disease will show symptoms; however, 20% will not. Currently there is no vaccine against canine influenza.
Why doesn’t Enchantment Pet Resort require the bordetella vaccination, especially with the outbreak of this new canine flu?
Bordetella and this new canine flu do not appear to be related, so the bordetella vaccination would not prevent a dog from contracting the new canine flu.
Enchantment’s policy regarding the bordetella vaccination gives owners the discretion to vaccinate their pet or not. Our only requirement is a 10 day waiting period after the vaccination is given, before the pet can come to the Resort. Why have we left the bordetella vaccination optional? The bordetella vaccination is less than 50% effective, at best. There are many strains of the disease that the vaccination does not protect against. In addition, some dogs may come down with a mild case of the disease after being vaccinated, just like some humans get a mild case of the flu after getting a flu shot.
What is Enchantment doing to prevent the spread of bordetella or the canine flu at its facility?
We believe it’s important to offer all of our guests a safe, healthful environment. That’s why we have a state-of-the-art air circulation system that ensures fresh air is always coming into our facility. The air in our guest rooms is changed out five times an hour. In addition, we continuously clean guest areas using industry standard cleaners and disinfectants. Employees also use hand sanitizers to minimize the possibility we might transmit a disease from one guest to another.
As part of our routine guest care, we monitor all guests several times a day. If we hear any dog cough, we note this activity and may isolate the dog from other guests for observation.
We also believe that our policy requiring a 10 day waiting period for the bordetella vaccination that is given intranasally is helpful in ensuring the vaccine is not sneezed into our environment.
We keep in touch with area veterinarians about health issues in our community. And we are members of the American Boarding Kennels Association, which provides its members with information on health issues at the national level.
Finally, air borne diseases are impossible to prevent 100 percent of the time. So we offer our Healthy Pet Plan for guests under 8 years of age. For a nominal fee, we cover guests with a warranty program that covers vet bills up to $350 for contagious diseases contracted at the Resort and/or injuries that occur at the Resort.
What can I do as an owner to try to ensure my pet stays healthy?
As a dog owner, we suggest you
- ensure your dog is eating a healthy diet,
- observe the dogs your dog comes in contact with at the pet store, dog park, etc., and remove your dog from the area when you encounter a dog that is coughing or sneezing a lot,
- don’t let your dog sniff feces or urine from other animals,
- ask questions and stay informed about pet health issues in our community,
- talk to your vet about any specific health concerns you might have regarding your dog.
Information sources for this fact sheet:
Veterinary Advisory, Aug. 12, 2005, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine: www.vetmed.ufl.edu/pr/new_story/CANINEFACTSHEET.htm
“Dog Flu Jumped from Horses,” Sept. 27, 2005. Washington Post.
|
