Dog flu reported in Durham, Moore counties; shelters asked to take extra precautions

North Carolina veterinarians have come across several cases of dog flu that have been confirmed to have been caused by the H3N2 canine influenza virus.

Posted 10:36 p.m. Apr 20, 2023 — Updated 3:30 a.m. Apr 21, 2023

Aaron Thomas

, WRAL reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina veterinarians have gotten several recent reports of dog flu.

Veterinary officials have received reports of several cases of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) confirmed to have been caused by the H3N2 canine influenza virus. A release from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDACS) said cases were reported out of Durham and Moore counties.

As of Thursday, all of the cases involve dogs that had been boarding at North Carolina boarding and/or dog day care facilities in April. Shelters and boarding facilities have been asked to take extra precautions to prevent the spread.

The news comes as Urban Tails Veterinary Hospital in Durham recently told WRAL they've seen up to a dozen cases of kennel cough a week, well above average.

Canine influenza is not a reportable disease in North Carolina, but veterinarians are asked to voluntarily report cases to the NCDACS’ Animal Welfare Section. Cases can be reported at (919) 707-3280 or email agr.aws@ncagr.gov so officials can track the spread.

Signs of canine flu may include:

cough
runny nose
fever
lethargy
eye discharge
reduced appetite
low-grade fever

Most dogs recover within two to three weeks. The agents causing CIRDC including canine influenza are generally not contagious to humans.

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. Dog owners should consider limiting contact with other dogs and visits to communal areas.

There are vaccinations for some of the CIRDC-causing agents but not all. NCDA&CS 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.

Dr. Patricia Norris recommends that boarding and shelter facilities 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.

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