You are likely hearing about recent cases of canine influenza in the Southern region of the United States. The first cases of canine influenza, or canine flu, appeared in 2006 and were caused by the H3N8 strain. In 2015, a new strain, H3N2, appeared in Chicago. The current outbreak can be traced back to dogs in the show circuit in Florida and Georgia as the source. The virus has spread to several states in the Southern U.S. and the resulting illness can be severe.
The health and safety of our canine guests is extremely important to us. Due to the rise of canine influenza cases and the spread of the illness geographically, we have modified our vaccination requirements for dogs staying with us to include the H3N2 and H3N8 canine influenza vaccinations. Please note that although the influenza vaccine provides protection from the most prevalent strains, no flu vaccine will provide absolute protection.
Effective June 21, 2017, we will begin the transition of requiring the canine influenza H3N2 and H3N8 vaccines with the goal of all guests arriving August 1, 2017 and thereafter having completed the vaccination series. Please speak with your veterinarian about the vaccination, as some may not carry the combination vaccine. If they do not offer the combination vaccine, be sure to inquire as to which version they do carry. Please schedule your veterinary appointment as soon as possible.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
