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Letty Towles Dog Park, 2299 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala, is expected to remain closed for the next four to six weeks.

The Letty Towles Dog Park in Southeast Ocala is temporarily closed due to concerns about H3N2 Canine Influenza Virus cases in north and central Florida.

The popular park at 2299 SE 32nd Ave. closed Monday and is expected to remain closed for the next four to six weeks, according a news release issued Friday by the city of Ocala. Dr. Kevin Stoothoff, president of the Marion County Veterinary Medical Association, advised the city to close the park temporarily.

I have been advised that the H3N2 virus is very contagious, and any type of exposure will likely cause infection, noted Julie Johnson, an assistant director with the city's Recreation and Parks Department. Dogs at risk to being infected are those with a social, active lifestyle that often participate in group settings. Humans cannot contract the virus, but can transmit the virus on their clothing or hands for up to 24 hours after contact with an infected dog.

Veterinarians with the University of Florida have confirmed that "21 dogs in its care have tested positive for the dog flu," according to a June 16 statement on the College of Veterinary Medicine's website. "These cases have originated in north and central Florida. As many independent veterinarians across the state also are able to provide diagnostic testing for H3N2 CIV, college officials are unable to confirm outside cases."

County-by-county breakdowns were not available "because canine influenza is not among the reportable diseases per state law," according the website.

UF's College of Veterinary Medicine also reported that Merck Animal Health and Zoetis, makers of the canine influenza vaccine, are increasing vaccine supplies. There have not been any dog flu deaths at the UF Veterinary Hospitals, according to the site.

Canine influenza viruses cause respiratory infections in dogs.

"CIV H3N2 just recently emerged in the Chicago outbreak of 2015," according to http://www.doginfluenza.com. "Most dogs that develop CIV infection have a mild illness, but some dogs become very sick and require treatment."

The virus, which had a presence in about 30 other states before making its way to Florida, was introduced to the United States in 2015, said Dr. Cynda Crawford, an assistant professor of shelter medicine at UF's College of Veterinary Medicine.

This is a highly contagious virus to dogs, just like influenza virus is to people, Crawford said last month during apress conference at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. There is an eminent threat for dogs to be exposed to this virus in this state now.

It is very important for both veterinarians and dog owners in the state of Florida to have a very heightened awareness of the presence of this virus.

For UF College of Veterinary Medicine updates on the cases in north and central Florida, go to http://hospitals.vetmed.ufl.edu/canine-influenza. The city also advises talking to your veterinarian about vaccinations for this virus.

Original post:
Dog park closes temporarily due to dog flu concerns - Ocala

This entry was posted on July 8, 2017 at 3:44 am and is filed under Veterinary Medicine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |