Canine Influenza, H3N8, Dog Flu?

An emerging danger for our pets is in our neighborhoods. The canine flu is a potentially deadly disease that can be prevented with a new vaccine.  Your pet has not been vaccinated for this disease and needs to be today. Your dog would receive a vaccination today than that vaccine would be boostered in 3 weeks, and then given annually.

What is canine influenza (dog flu)?

Dog flu is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by a specific Type
A influenza virus. This is a disease of dogs, not of humans. The “canine
influenza virus” is an influenza A H3N8 influenza virus (not a human
influenza virus) that was originally an equine (horse) influenza virus. This virus has spread to dogs and can now spread between dogs.

What are the symptoms of this infection in dogs?

The symptoms of this illness in dogs are cough, runny nose, and fever. A
small proportion of dogs, however, can develop severe disease.
CIV cannot easily be distinguished from other causes of respiratory infection
based on clinical signs alone.3,4 It is often mistaken for kennel cough and
other respiratory infections caused by pathogens in the canine infectious
respiratory disease (CIRD) complex because of shared clinical signs. CIRD
complex is a relatively new term used to describe respiratory disease in dogs that may be caused by a number of co-mingled viral or bacterial pathogens. Some of the better-known pathogens are distemper virus, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, canine herpesvirus and Bordetella.4
Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)

How serious is this infection in dogs?

This is a relatively new cause of disease in dogs and nearly all dogs who are naive to the virus are susceptible to infection. About 80% of dogs will have a mild form of disease. The number of dogs infected with this disease that die is between 5–8% percent. About 20% of infected dogs will show no clinical signs, while 10–20% of infected dogs may progress to a more severe form of the disease. Severe illness is characterized by the onset of pneumonia.3

How does canine influenza spread?

Canine influenza virus can be spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions 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. Therefore, dog owners whose dogs are coughing or showing other signs of respiratory disease should not participate in activities or bring their dogs to facilities where other dogs can be exposed to the virus. Clothing, equipment, surfaces, and hands should be cleaned and disinfected after exposure to dogs showing signs of respiratory disease.

How is canine influenza treated?

Not all dogs with CIV require therapeutic intervention. Therapy relies mainly on supportive care while the viral infection runs its course. There is little evidence to support the use of antitussives for reducing frequency and duration of coughing. Antibiotics are indicated for dogs with secondary bacterial infections evidenced by fever, productive cough, purulent nasal discharge, or pneumonia.

Where has canine influenza occurred?

Outbreaks have occurred in shelters, kennels, dog daycare centers, veterinary clinics, dog tracks, and other facilities in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, California, Delaware, NORTH CAROLINA, and elsewhere. Cases have been identified in 30 states and the District of Columbia.5,6

What is the risk to humans from canine influenza virus?

There is no evidence that this virus infects humans. Not a single human case has been reported. CDC and its partners continue to monitor the H3N8influenza virus (as well as other animal influenza viruses) along with instances of possible humanexposure to these viruses very closely.

Where can I find more information on canine influenza virus?

The following websites may provide additional information about particular animal diseases or conditions, or infection control practices:

·         CDC Healthy Pets Healthy People

·         American Veterinary Medical Association

·         Association of Shelter Veterinarians

          Download a brochure

The above information is courtesy of Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health