The best treatment approach to canine influenza is effective prevention.

An effective vaccine for canine influenza is available.

Establish a Facility and Community Action Plan for Handling Outbreaks

Facilities should develop a clear plan for handling outbreaks of canine influenza. Staff should be educated about the plan, and it should be implemented at the first signs of an outbreak.

Facilities should also take an active role in working with other pet care facilities and clinics to develop recommendations for preventing CIV infection, as well as an action plan that the community can put in place at the first sign of an outbreak.^2,4 They should also work with these organizations to develop a public education program to provide increased awareness about canine influenza in the community.² The action plan should include a discussion about rapid communication among all local veterinarians, shelters, adoption/rescue groups, boarding kennels, and the public if an outbreak occurs. This proactive communication can limit the spread of CIV by providing an advisory so that other potentially affected organizations can increase surveillance and biosecurity measures.²

For an example of the precautions that are recommended in shelters, refer to the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine website regarding canine influenza, which includes pages on prevention and control and outbreak management. Click here.