Riverside County Officials Fear Outbreak Of Canine Influenza At Jurupa Valley Shelter

JURUPA VALLEY (CBS) — Five hundred doses of canine influenza vaccine have been ordered for a Riverside County animal shelter to contain a potential outbreak of the fatal virus.

The county's Department of Animals Services says a dog housed at the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley had the symptoms of the deadly virus and was quarantined. Other dogs may have been exposed to the infectious disease, symptoms of which include a persistent cough, fever and elevated breathing.

"Even though we have not yet confirmed this is a true canine influenza, we have reason to believe that is what we're dealing with," said Department of Animal Services Chief Veterinarian Dr. Allan Drusys. "And because of that suspicion, we're getting in early and taking steps to isolate and eradicate."

Drusys ordered 500 doses of the vaccine to inoculate dogs at the facility and says no animal with the flu will be euthanized.

The virus is spread from respiratory secretions and contaminated objects.

"Unfortunately, we cannot always control what might enter our shelter by means of a stray dog or cat," Drusys said. "We are a potential depository of diseases. However, we have a strong team of veterinary and animal husbandry professionals that know how to address such serious health problems."

Anyone concerned that their pet might have the canine flu was advised to take the animal to a veterinarian.

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