Concern over 'dog flu' spurs Norfolk SPCA to offer vaccinations

By Matthew Bowers
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 20, 2009

NORFOLK

The Norfolk Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, concerned about suspected local appearances of a highly contagious “dog flu,” has vaccinated almost all of the more than 70 dogs it is housing and is offering the vaccine to the public at $45 for the two-shot series.

The H3N8 influenza virus is fatal to about 5 percent of dogs that catch it, the SPCA said in a news release today. Symptoms include persistent sneezing and sniffling, coughing with a yellow discharge, and unusual fatigue.

Suspected cases have popped up in recent weeks in Williamsburg and a possible one at Norfolk Animal Care Center, the city’s animal shelter, said Michelle Williams, SPCA director of donor and community relations.

“If a dog sneezes and another dog walks by, he can catch it – that’s how contagious it is,” Williams said.

Barbara Hays, manager of the Animal Care Center, said tests came back late Tuesday showing that dog flu didn't kill a dog that died after it was adopted. No other dogs there have gotten sick; her shelter limited contact with outside dogs for about a week but isn't vaccinating dogs, she said.

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avoid dog parks & pet stores

Submitted by virginiabeachnative on Tue, 10/20/2009 at 3:16 pm.

Because of the swine flu, I am already trying to limit my contact with the general public. Now that this is out, my dogs are being limited too. No trips to the dog park or pet stores until this mess has passed. No pictures with Santa either. If I visit someone's house who has a dog, I change my clothes as soon as I get home and wash my hands so that I reduce the chances of giving it to my dogs. I'm not willing to take any chances this year.

How long does it take the

Submitted by Doggie Mom on Tue, 10/20/2009 at 2:03 pm.

How long does it take the vaccine to become effective? I know that some of the vaccines can take up to 4 weeks to build an immunity. Is this like the human flu vaccine where it will take weeks to build immunity?