Veterinary - Canine Influenza

Canine Influenza

October 5, 2023-A shelter in Wake County has an outbreak of Canine Influenza.

August 21, 2023-A Boarding Kennel in Forsyth County has 3 confirmed cases of Canine Influenza.

August 3, 2023-A Boarding kennel has had 4 confirmed cases of Canine Influenza in Wake Forest.

July 25, 2023-A boarding kennel in Johnston County now has confirmed cases of Canine Influenza.

July 20, 2023-AWS confirmed 2 cases of Canine Influenza in a boarding facilty in Raleigh and 1 confrimed case in Cary.

April 28, 2023 – AWS has received reports of confirmed cases of Canine Influenza (H3N2) in dogs that boarded (overnight or day care) in 1 facility in Durham, 1 facility in Chapel Hill and several facilities in Moore County. We will continue to update the locations as laboratory-confirmed cases are reported.

AWS has received reports of several cases of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) that have been confirmed to have been caused by the H3N2 Canine Influenza virus. To date, all of these cases are dogs that had been boarding at NC boarding and/or dog day care facilities within the past 2 weeks. While we occasionally see cases of CIRDC and/or influenza, the current situation seems to be a larger outbreak of cases. AWS strongly recommends that if your dog will be coming in contact with other dogs and/or will be boarding at overnight or day care kennels, that you discuss what preventative vaccinations are best for your pet with your veterinarian. (4/20/23)

Press Releases

April 4, 2023 NCDA&CS receiving reports of canine influenza in Durham and Moore counties

Signs of canine influenza

The signs of canine flu are cough, runny nose and fever and are similar to other respiratory problems. Other signs can include lethargy, eye discharge, reduced appetite and low-grade fever. Most dogs recover within two to three weeks. However, secondary bacterial infections can develop, and may cause more severe illness and pneumonia. Anyone with concerns about their pet’s health, or whose pet is showing signs of canine influenza, should contact their veterinarian.

The virus is highly contagious and easily spread from infected dogs to other dogs through direct contact, nasal secretions (through coughing and sneezing), contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes), and people moving between infected and uninfected dogs.

There is a canine flu vaccination, but it may not be effective against all strains. Pet owners should contact their veterinarian to determine if vaccination is advisable.

Human Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there is no evidence of transmission of canine influenza viruses from dogs to people and there has not been a reported case of human infection with canine influenza. Also, this strain of influenza is different from avian influenza that has caused the deaths of birds in the Midwest.

Resources for pet owners

Boarding and Shelters

Boarding and shelter facilities should review their current intake, isolation, veterinary care, monitoring and sanitation protocols with their facility veterinarian to be sure they are taking adequate measures to control the spread of this virus.