In the spring of 2015/winter of 2016 there was a pretty serious outbreak of
H3N2 in northern Illinois, which was the first confirmed sighting of the H3N2
in the USA. Officially, mortality rate is “less than 10%”, and is typically
limited to those with co-morbidities. (aka- other illnesses, chronic problems,
immune compromise). H3N2 in our dogs is originally from S Korea from 2007.
(that said, the human mutation of avian/bird flus are NOT contagious to dogs,
and vice versa- though the original strain DID come from birds and has made the
leap to many other species— even the Spanish Flu is a “bird flu")
H3N8 is an equine version that has been in the USA for at least 40 years, and
made the jump to dogs (originally believed to be track dogs) back in 2007ish.
Importantly- while most dogs first show symptoms at 5-7 days post exposure (80%
of exposed dogs become ill to some degree), the virus begins shedding as early
as the 2nd day, and they are most contagious in that first 1-8 days post
exposure… so lots more exposure to others before one even knows their dog has
the flu! The virus can also live on our hands for 12 hours, as well as 24
hours on a leash, collar, etc, and 48 on bowls, kennels, floors, etc.
The problems with the vaccine are that: the original strain (H3N8) vaccine
requires 2 injections, one on day 1, and one 4 weeks later. Protection then
begins 2 weeks after the 2nd injection, so not for up to 6 weeks after the
first vaccination. The H3N2 vaccine is the same. Neither offer a ora-nasal
variety, which is a shame as these are upper respiratory diseases.
The bivalent (H3N2 + H3N8 combined) vaccine has the same administration
protocols. All three types are licensed for annual boosters, and are licensed
for puppies to adults. ALL of the vaccines are adjuvanted… and Merck DOES
use thimerosal in their products.
As far as efficacy studies in dogs 34 days post vaccination with a vaccine on
“day 0” and a booster on “day 21”- so 2 weeks past the second vaccine:
1/3 of vaccinates had a cough, where 93% of non-vaccinates showed cough.
Vaccinates STILL shed virus, but only for 2 days as compared to 5 days in
non-vaccinates; of course, vaccinates shed less virus than the controls - as
tested on the 4th day post challenge exposure.
This is for the less severe H3N8 virus, Merck doesn’t have any published
information readily available for the H3N2 virus (despite the vaccine) and
doesn’t offer their H3N2 packaging insert anywhere online.
Merck admits to there being vaccination problems: lethargy, vomiting, fever,
site reaction. That’s all they say “directly”, but their study shows the dogs
still cough, have runny eyes/noses, and 5% have serious lung lesions (according
to their own scale) when challenged after being fully vaccinated and considered
“protected”.
Whether one decides to vaccinate or not, either way, one would expect to
isolate their dog for at least 6 weeks if vaccinated to ensure the vaccine is
protective, and if not, for the dog to have the flu take its course and for 4
weeks afterwards to wait for the dog to be considered not infectious in any way
(so apparently, the virus must shed for quite awhile post exposure/infection).
One must make a risk assessment of the vaccine against the adverse reactions
and presence of thimerosal as an adjuvant.
One must make a risk assessment of that 33.33% of vaccinates still get a cough,
etc, even when considered protected by the vaccine manufacturer, though not as
serious. Of infected dogs who required hospitalization, the average stay was
for 10 days, and was most often because of secondary bacterial infections
(i.e., pneumonia, bronchitis, bordetella)
All the officials are saying to practice biosecurity using a bleach solution as
the best protection against the flu. I take that as show your dog’s teeth to
the judge, as (especially at all-breeds) they don’t have/take time to wash
their hands with bleach between every dog! Saliva, nasal discharges, urine,
feces, direct contact, indirect contact— all spread the virus.
Leaves me glad that I am busy with summer classes and am not signed up for any
shows right now!!! I will choose to not vaccinate as I do not use ANY
vaccines that have thimerosal as an adjuvant (I even use a thimerosal free
rabies- manufactured by Merial for those who are interested… “Imrab 1 TF” or
“Imrab 3 TF” is their rabies line- ask your vet or find one who uses the “TF”
version of the Imrab. :) ) and I think the risk in a healthy dog with minimal
exposure is less at risk than to vaccinate and have a chance on becoming ill
anyhow. But that’s just my opinion! If I were someone who sent my dogs to
“daycare” or had to kennel them in a facility regularly, or who had one
campaigning out on the circuits, I might feel differently.
Opining aside, hoping the technicals are helpful — :)
Jen P & her Pack
On Jun 15, 2017, at 19:53, Penny Kroh <farmdogforever@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
So far, the flu has killed a few dogs in the Southeast. Friends of mine have
gotten the vaccines for their dogs and the dogs are reacting with
temperatures, lumps at the vaccine site, oozy eyes and other flu symptoms.
This flu is much more serious than anything that has come before. Supposedly
it was brought in by rescue dogs from Asia. It is airborne and very
contagious. Serious cases develop pneumonia and that's when deaths occur.
Strong immune systems will help, immune systems that aren't compromised by
poisonous topicals and ingestibles. I haven't been to any shows since March.
I just don't know what to do OR whether to get the vaccine or not. I've got
one of my vets not even selling the vaccine! The other one will. (The one
who won't also stopped selling Bravecto, as a couple of his patients <dogs>
passed away.
What to do, what to do,
PK
