For the reason that initial report of an outbreak in April, Minnesota has been grappling with one among the most important canine disease outbreaks in a long time, as nearly 300 dogs are suspected to have been infected with canine influenza.

The outbreak began when the Animal Humane Society in Minnesota reported that a dog transported from Oklahoma had infected all of its 200 dogs. In response, the nonprofit organization temporarily closed its three shelters and halted pet adoptions until May, making it their longest closure as a consequence of an animal-related outbreak, based on the Star Tribune.

To combat the spread of the virus, the state Board of Animal Health has urged dog owners to seek the advice of with their veterinarians about vaccinating their pets against canine influenza. Nevertheless, a widespread shortage of canine influenza vaccine shots persists, despite some increase in supply. Even a recent vaccine clinic held by the Animal Humane Society quickly sold out.

In keeping with veterinarian Abigail Maynard of St. Paul Pet Hospital, acquiring the vaccine is difficult for clinics as a consequence of limited production by a single company and high demand. The shortage has created difficulties in meeting the vaccination needs of dogs across the state and the nation.

Of the nearly 300 suspected cases, 95 have been confirmed infections, with most of them concentrated in Hennepin County, based on the state Board of Animal Health. Nevertheless, experts imagine that there could also be quite a few undiagnosed cases amongst dogs which have not been tested or visited by a veterinarian.

While the variety of infections stays relatively low considering the estimated half-million dogs within the metro area, the Minnesota outbreak highlights the importance of proactive measures. The Animal Humane Society has implemented stricter protocols, testing and isolating any dogs with respiratory symptoms for seven days, resulting in zero cases of canine flu since their initial outbreak.

Canine influenza is a more severe respiratory disease than kennel cough, and it poses a greater risk to vulnerable dogs reminiscent of puppies. Vaccinating dogs may also help reduce the severity of the illness and stop complications, based on the Board of Animal Health.

Regarding the current outbreak, it takes six to eight weeks for the vaccine to succeed in full effectiveness. The Animal Humane Society is focusing its limited supply of 1,000 vaccine shots on dogs in the neighborhood that visit their clinics. They encouraged dog owners whose pets frequent boarding facilities, doggy daycares, or dog parks to think about vaccinating their dogs to mitigate the danger of infection.

While canine influenza led to hospitalization for some dogs on the University of Minnesota’s Veterinary Medical Center, nearly all of cases were mild, and the dogs recovered quickly. Nevertheless, it’s expected that the virus would proceed to spread before eventually dying out. Experts also highlighted the likelihood of latest infectious diseases being introduced to Minnesota’s canine community as a consequence of the transport of dogs from other states and countries.

Published by Medicaldaily.com