Canine Influenza Warning

The following information is from Fairfax County. Although the county's Off Leash Dog Areas remain open, please be aware of the potential for illness.

 

We have the first confirmed cases in Northern Virginia of the highly contagious canine influenza in our dog kennel, prompting us to shut down the kennel for all dog adoptions. Information about this disease is available online at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site: www.cdc.gov/flu/canine

According to the CDC, to date there is no evidence of transmission of canine influenza virus from dogs to people and there has not been a single reported case of human infection with the canine influenza virus. While this illness is not contagious to humans, it does spread among dogs and we are taking precautions to limit its spread.

We are aware that there may be some public confusion between canine influenza and H1N1 influenza, so the Police Department is working closely with the Health Department to ensure a common message.

Also, the CDC recommends that dogs that are coughing or showing other signs of respiratory disease should not participate in activities or bring their dogs to facilities where other dogs can be exposed to the virus.

The Fairfax County Park Authority counts seven off leash dog areas among its parks: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/offleash.htm so park staff is working with the Police Department to ensure all signage and other issues are carefully coordinated in light of this situation.
The three key messages we are disseminating are steps pet owners can take to avoid their pet's exposure:

• Temporarily avoid taking your dog to places where dogs gather
• Ask your kennel if they've had cases of illness prior to boarding your dog
• If your dog shows symptoms of respiratory illness (such as coughing or wheezing, runny nose or fever), seek veterinary care