SALEM– Willamette Humane Society (WHS) learned today of three suspected cases of Canine Influenza, a respiratory infection which mimics Kennel Cough. The cases appeared in the same litter of puppies that came into the shelter on February 1, and were recently adopted.
“Most cases of dogs affected will have only a mild form of the disease,” said WHS Clinic Veterinarian, Jacqueline Harter. “There is no evidence that suggests that this disease poses any risk to humans or cats, although a small percentage of dogs may develop a more severe case of pneumonia.”
The shelter implemented a 10-day quarantine, and is monitoring the health of their other dogs to minimize the spread of infection within the shelter and the community. The quarantine began Thursday, February 14, and will continue until the 28th. Local veterinarians have been notified, and will be on the lookout for more cases in our area.
Those who recently adopted an animal from the shelter or have come in contact with shelter dogs should monitor their own dogs for symptoms. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and lethargy. If you see signs of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian, so they can evaluate your pet and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.
The disease can be spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs, by contact with contaminated objects and people moving between infected and uninfected dogs.
WHS veterinarians and officials are working with Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Emilio DeBess on this case.
For further information on Canine Influenza, visit: www.cdc.gov/flu/canine.
Source: Willamette Humane Society