Canine Influenza
News alert –
A new threat to dogs
has recently become widespread.
It is the canine influenza virus.
Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a “flu” virus. In dogs, a highly contagious strain of the influenza A virus known as H3N8 is able to cause respiratory illness. Other strains of the influenza A virus are responsible for causing infection in birds, horses, pigs and people. Canine influenza virus only affects dogs.
Just like human “flu,” canine influenza is highly contagious. In fact, unless a dog has already had the illness and recovered, virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected. This is because the virus is relatively new, and dogs have no natural immunity to it. While 100% of dogs are susceptible to influenza infection, about 80% of infected dogs will show signs of infection. Dogs that do not show signs of the disease can still spread the virus to other dogs.
The most common sign of canine influenza is a persistent cough. Some dogs have a soft, moist, “productive” cough, while others have a dry cough similar to that seen in dogs with kennel cough—a respiratory condition that is caused by any of a number of other viruses and bacteria.
Canine influenza is usually mild but can become quite serious in some dogs. In about 20% of the cases, more severe signs will occur, such as a high fever (104°F to 106°F) and pneumonia. A small number of dogs infected with the virus have died from complications associated with the disease.
Canine influenza spreads the same way that human flu spreads—through direct contact with another sick dog; through the air (coughing or sneezing); and via contaminated surfaces (such as when a person picks up the virus on their hands or clothing, then touches or pets a dog).
There is currently no specific treatment for canine
influenza.
Sometimes canine
influenza infections can become complicated by secondary bacterial
infections. One sign of this is a yellow-green, thick nasal discharge,
which your veterinarian may treat with an antibiotic.
Fortunately, a new canine influenza vaccine has been approved and is available now. It has been proven to significantly reduce the severity and length of the time the dog is sick. It requires two vaccines 2-3 weeks apart to develop good immunity. We recommend the vaccine to all dogs that go to boarding facilities, obedience class, dog shows, or dog parks.
A document from the AVMA (American
Veterinary Medical Association)
about Canine influenza and Kennel cough
Click Here
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