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Canine flu vaccine: To vaccinate or not to vaccinate?
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When it came to vaccinating her socially active chihuahuas against canine flu, doggie costume designer extraordinaire Ada Nieves decided the benefits outweighed the risks.
The socially active canines are regulars on the red carpet at benefits and parties, and spend a lot of time around other dogs.
Dr. Edward Dubovi, professor of virology at Cornell Veterinary College says everyone should discuss the risk with their vet. But dogs that are in close contact with other dogs - in boarding kennels, daycare facilities, dog parks, and animal shelters - should consider the vaccine.
He warns that dogs entering NYC kennels and boarding facilities are absolutely at risk of CIV. But the state does not require that dogs in any communal facilities are vaccinated against it so any dogs entering are at risk.
The state does, however, require it to vaccinate against bordatella, a less powerful disease also known as "kennel cough" and has the same symptoms as canine flu.
But the bordatella virus does not protect against canine flu, Dubovi said. Still, a worker at Biscuits and Baths, in Manhattan told me the bordatella vaccine will prevent canine flu.
Dubovi has been tracking the virus since 2004, when it was spotted in greyhounds. It has since spread and has been seen in 30 states, including New York and New Jersey, and an outbreak has been reported in northern Virginia.
The Canine Influenza Vaccine, is controversial because it was issued under conditional license, which means the USDA has deemed it safe but it is still being studied.
The questionable efficacy and safety has left some vets skeptical of vaccinating unless a client requests it.
You can read the full story at www.tinyurl.com/yzrcehv.
To learn more about canine flu symptoms.
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