Canine Influenza on the Rise in the Midwest
Over 1,000 Dogs Have Been Affected in Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana
Recently reported in the Chicago area, canine influenza virus (CIV) has affected at least 1,000 dogs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana. Owners are advised to seek veterinary care for dogs exhibiting clinical signs including cough, nasal discharge, and fever. A small percentage of dogs will develop more severe clinical signs. This influenza virus is not contagious to humans.
The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory offers testing for Canine Influenza for veterinarians and their clients. The sample requested is a deep nasal swab with a non-cotton swab.** Please use Dacron or synthetic swabs. Break the swab off into viral transport media. All supplies required can be acquired from the WVDL within 24 hours and shipping is as low as $7 overnight via UPS.
**Samples must be taken within 2 days of onset of clinical signs. Please contact the WVDL with questions. 608-262-5432 email: info@wvdl.wisc.edu
Sample Supplies can be ordered here:
https://www.wvdl.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/PharyngealSwabKitOrder-Form.pdf
Shipping information can be found here:
https://www.wvdl.wisc.edu/index.php/shipping-information/
Additional resources from the AVMA and CDC can be found here:
https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine
