First Vaccine to Offer Protection Against
Both Strains of Canine Influenza
Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the
United States and Canada, today announced that the U.S. Department
of Agriculture has approved a license for Nobivac® Canine Flu
Bivalent vaccine – the first vaccine to aid in the control of
disease associated with both canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N2 and
canine influenza virus H3N8.
“Merck Animal Health has a rich history of vaccine development
supported by a wealth of expertise, as well as a deep commitment to
bringing innovative products to market that truly impact the health
and well-being of animals,” said KJ Varma, BVSc, Ph.D., senior vice
president, R&D, Merck Animal Health. “Our new bivalent canine
influenza vaccine will simplify protection against this disease and
is a tremendous example of our ongoing pursuit of the science of
healthier animals and our dedication to providing veterinarians
with new medicines and vaccines to advance optimal pet care.”
CIV H3N2 was identified last year in the United States following
multiple outbreaks throughout the country. Since cases were first
reported in March 2015, dogs in more than half of the United
States1 have been stricken by this respiratory disease. CIV H3N8
was first diagnosed in 2004 and has impacted dogs in more than 40
states.
"Dogs at risk for CIRDC (canine infectious respiratory disease
complex) should be vaccinated at least yearly with both influenza
strains, H3N8 and H3N2, in addition to the other causes of 'Canine
Cough',” said Ronald Schultz, Ph.D., professor of pathobiological
sciences at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary
Medicine. “The occurrence of one strain or the other is
unpredictable and so dogs should be protected against both. Because
dogs do not maintain long duration of immunity against influenza,
it is important to vaccinate them annually.”
According to clinical studies by researchers at the University
of Wisconsin, the CIV H3N2 may be shed for an extended period of
time – up to 24 days, which is far longer than what is seen with
CIV H3N8.2 As a result, the infection can spread quickly among
social dogs in inner cities, doggie daycares, boarding facilities,
dog parks, sporting and show events and any location where dogs
commingle. Clinical signs of both strains of CIV in dogs include
coughing, fever, lethargy and interstitial pneumonia,3 and can
be spread by direct contact with respiratory discharge from
infected dogs, through the air via a cough or sneeze and by contact
with contaminated objects, such as dog bowls and clothing or by
people moving between infected and uninfected dogs.2 The U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes there is no
evidence of transmission of the virus from dogs to people.
Nobivac Canine Flu Bivalent is recommended for healthy dogs 7
weeks of age or older as an aid in the control of disease
associated with canine influenza virus H3N8 and canine influenza
virus H3N2. Primary immunization requires two vaccinations given
two to four weeks apart. Annual revaccination with one dose is
recommended.
“Our commitment to animal health runs deeper than simply
providing safe, high-quality products to our customers,” said
Kathleen Heaney, D.V.M., executive director, companion animal
technical services, Merck Animal Health. “It’s also our
responsibility to help educate pet owners about potential health
threats and the factors that put dogs at risk. We are actively
collaborating with veterinarians to share information about CIV and
the importance of prevention through vaccination, as well as
sharing simple precautionary measures pet owners can take to help
protect the health of their animals.”
To learn more about CIV and the educational outreach initiative,
visit doginfluenza.com and
doginfluenza.com/ifthisdogcouldtalk.asp.
About Merck Animal Health
For 125 years, Merck has been a global health care leader
working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as
MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the
global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment
to the Science of Healthier Animals™, Merck Animal Health offers
veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the
widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health
management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated
to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance
of animals. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive
R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal
Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are
available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit
www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn,
Facebook and Twitter at @MerckAH.
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1Canine Influenza H3N2 Updates. Cornell University College of
Veterinary Medicine website.
https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/news/civchicago.cfm.2Updates in Canine
InfluenzaVirus: Management, treatment and prevention of disease.
VETgirl Webinar, July 27, 2015. Archived at
www.vetgirlontherun.com.3Kang et al., H3N2 Canine Influenza Virus
Causes Severe Morbidity in Dogs with Induction of Genes Related to
Inflammation and Apoptosis, Veterinary
Research 2013,44:92.
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