Outbreaks of Canine Influenza and Leptospirosis Affect Area Dogs

spcaLA urges vaccinations prior to boarding pets

Los Angeles, CA — In an emailed Animal Health Alert on Friday, the Los Angeles County Department of Health, Veterinary Public Health, reported higher-than-average cases of Leptospirosis, a pathogenic bacteria, in dogs (51 confirmed cases), as well as the largest outbreak of Canine Influenza Virus H3N2 (10 confirmed cases, 46 suspected cases) in Los Angeles County to date. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) urges dog owners to get their dogs vaccinated for both diseases prior to entering boarding facilities or participating in group dog activities.

“Now that we’re traveling and going back to in-person work or school, our ‘pandemic pups’ are heading to daycare and kennels, which is driving these outbreaks,” said spcaLA President, Madeline Bernstein. “Getting your dogs vaccinated not only protects them, but can save you time, money, and grief in the long run.”

According to LA County Veterinary Health officials, the CIV outbreak is both wider spread and less controlled than the outbreak in 2017, which was linked to the importation of dogs from out of the country by a rescue group and contained to one kennel location. The Leptospirosis outbreak — often misattributed to rats linked to trash and settlements of unhoused people — has been linked to the serovar Canicola which is highly adapted to dogs, not rats. “Regardless of the bacterial strain causing the outbreak, its magnitude is unprecedented in modern times,” said Bernstein.

In the case of both CIV and Leptospirosis, prevention is key.

  • Get your dogs vaccinated against CIV and leptospirosis.
    • Speak with your family veterinarian about your dog’s exposure risk to lepto and CIV, and ask questions about the vaccines.
    • Vaccinations are done in two-dose series, with 3-4 weeks between doses.
    • Dogs should be vaccinated with a 2-dose series at least two weeks prior to entering a kennel or other group dog facility.
    • CIV and lepto vaccinations should be specifically requested, and are not typically offered in area pop-up clinics.
  • Contact your veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness.
  • Provide high-quality food, plenty of fresh water, and appropriate exercise to promote good overall health.
  • Keep sick dogs home from public activities (dog parks, boarding facilities, etc.).
  • Do not allow your dog to use community water/food bowls or other shared items at dog parks.
  • Wash your hands after handling your and other pets.

Canine Influenza Virus H3N2 (CIV) is highly contagious between dogs, and is considered a non-zoonotic strain of influenza, as no human cases have been reported during various outbreaks in the United States. CIV is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs (coughing, barking, and sneezing) and by contact with contaminated objects (toys, water bowls, etc.). Symptoms of CIV include fever, coughing, lethargy, sneezing, nasal discharge and loss of appetite. Most dogs infected with CIV develop mild symptoms and recover in 2-3 weeks, though in rare cases infected dogs have progressed into pneumonia which can be fatal. As CIV is viral, treatment is largely supportive.

Leptospirosis (lepto) is a pathogenic bacteria caused by several of the spirochete Leptospra species. It can be spread through direct contact with urine from an infected animal, transmitted via bite wounds, penetrate mucous membranes and ingestion of infected tissues.

The Leptospira bacteria can live for several months in water or damp environments. And, indirect transmission of Leptospirosis can occur though exposure to contaminated environments including contaminated water sources, bedding, soil and food. Dogs become infected when they lick water contaminated with the urine of an infected animal, or when they lick their own contaminated fur or paws. Symptoms include excessive urination, excessive thirst, lethargy, and loss of appetite, with a number of dogs requiring hospitalization and IV fluid treatment. Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics, and early intervention provides the most successful results.

Leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted between humans and animals. People are infected similarly to dogs, and the bacteria can enter through the eyes, nose, mouth, or skin (particularly if the skin is broken). Normal daily activities with your dog will not put you at high risk for lepto infection. Rather, the most likely exposure is when a pet is sick and pet owners/veterinary staff have direct contact with the animal’s urine.

Avoiding contact with contaminated materials is essential and it is important to take extra precautions when handling contaminated materials and fluids including urine, soiled bedding and contaminated soil from infected dogs. Wear gloves, eye protection if there is a risk of splash and cover any open wounds with water proof bandages. Symptoms in humans vary, and can include fever, severe headaches, and muscle aches. Leptospirosis in humans is also treatable with antibiotics. Contact your doctor right away if you develop symptoms after exposure to an infected pet.