Dog Flu (Canine Influenza)

- What you should know to protect your pooch

After this year's scare of swine flu, or H1N1 flu, comes word a new flu is going around, though this one will affect your dog, not you.

-- What is Dog Flu?

The H3N8 Dog Flu, is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by a specific Type A Influenza virus referred to as a “Canine Influenza Virus”. This virus was first identified in January 2004 in racing greyhounds in Florida, is now in the domestic dog population.  It has jumped species, by feeding greyhounds raw horse meat, which was infected with horse influenza; horse influenza is avian flu, which jumped species from birds, to horse. Because of the lack of previous exposure to this virus, dogs have no natural immunity to this virus.  Therefore, the disease can rapidly transmit between individual dogs, regardless of breed or age.

-- What are the symptoms of this infection in dogs?

Many dogs exposed to the virus will not develop any clinical signs of illness. When dogs are ill with dog flu, the signs are similar to a common disease known as “kennel cough.” The most common sign is a cough that persists for 10-21 days, longer than typical “kennel cough.” Affected dogs may also have a nasal discharge and a low-grade fever. A much smaller percentage of dogs develop a more severe disease with signs of pneumonia and a high fever. These dogs may require supportive care and hospitalization. If dogs receive medical attention early on, the fatality rate is very low. Some veterinarians have found the disease can be especially bad in dogs with pushed-in snub noses (Brachycephalics), like breeds such as Pekingese, Pug or Boxer.

-- Can humans catch dog flu?

No, as this virus is very different from the one causing avian flu that has killed birds and people in Asia, it is extremely unlikely that people can get canine influenza from their pets. There are no known cases of dog flu infecting humans.

-- How do I protect my dog?

Keep your dogs away from other dogs that are coughing or look ill. Wash your hands well after handling or petting any sick dog. The current “kennel cough” (Bordetella) vaccine does not protect against canine influenza.

Luckily there is now a new vaccine – last week, the United States Department of Agriculture announced that it had approved the first vaccine for it. The new vaccine, produced by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, is given by injection of two doses, two to four weeks apart. It may be given to dogs six weeks and older.

Where can I find more information on canine influenza virus?

More information on canine influenza in pet dogs can be found in this article: Influenza A Virus (H3N8) in Dogs with Respiratory Disease, Florida in Emerging Infectious Diseases journal.

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

CDC Healthy Pets Healthy People – www.cdc.gov/healthypets

American Veterinary Medical Association – www.avma.org

Association of Shelter Veterinarians – www.sheltervet.org

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