Information provided by:
THE PET
HEALTH LIBRARY
THE
CENTER OF DISEASE CONTROL Influenza viruses of an
assortment of varieties have been the subject of concern for humans,
wildlife, and domestic animals for many decades. Dogs were largely felt to
be exempt from “the flu” until 2004 when a new canine influenza virus,
clearly stemming from the equine influenza virus, was isolated from several
groups of Florida racing greyhounds. The problem seemed confined to the
racing industry until 2005 when cases involving pet dogs began appearing in
boarding facilities. |
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In the last weeks of September 2005 and continuing into October, numerous
warnings to dog owners about a new lethal canine disease swept the Internet.
Some of these warnings contained legitimate information while others contained
half-truths or information that was simply wrong. Let's sort out the facts from
the theories from the misinformation.
Here is an FAQ regarding this relatively new virus that has come to be
considered part of the kennel cough complex. |
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What is Canine Influenza? |
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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 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. |
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What Happens to the Sick Dogs? |
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Infection rate is high (depending on which report one reads) but
20-50% will simply make antibodies and clear the infection without any signs of
illness at all.
The other 50-80% will get symptoms of the “flu:” they will have fevers,
listlessness, coughing, and a snotty nose. Most dogs will recover with
supportive treatment (antibiotics, perhaps nebulization/humidification, etc.). A
small percentage of dogs will get pneumonia. These dogs are at risk for death,
and support becomes more aggressive: hospitalization, intravenous fluid therapy,
etc. Most of these dogs will recover as long as they receive proper care.
Mortality rate is 5-8%
The incubation period is 2 to 5 days and the course of infection lasts 2 to 4
weeks. Because this is an emerging disease, few dogs will have immunity to it
and there is currently no vaccine. This means that any dog is a candidate for
infection.
The point is not to ignore a coughing dog.
Do not allow your dog to socialize with coughing dogs. If your dog develops a
cough, see your veterinarian.
If your dog develops a snotty nose, listlessness, and a cough don't be surprised
if your veterinarian wants to look at chest radiographs and considers
hospitalization.
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How is the Disease Transmitted? |
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Dogs that are infected will shed virus in body secretions
whether or not they appear to be sick. Virus transmission can occur from direct
contact with an infected dog or with its secretions. Kennel workers have been
known to accidentally bring the virus home to their own pets. The virus persists
on toys, bowls, collars, leashes etc.
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How is Canine Influenza Treated? |
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Treatment largely consists of supportive care. This helps the
dog mount an immune response. In the milder form of the disease, this care may
include medication to make your dog more comfortable and fluids to ensure that
your dog remains well-hydrated. Broad spectrum antibiotics may be prescribed by
your veterinarian if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected. |
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How is Canine Influenza Treated? |
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Treatment largely consists of supportive care. This helps the
dog mount an immune response. In the milder form of the disease, this care may
include medication to make your dog more comfortable and fluids to ensure that
your dog remains well-hydrated. Broad spectrum antibiotics may be prescribed by
your veterinarian if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected. |
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Is there a vaccine for canine influezna? |
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Recently, a conditional license was granted for a canine
influenza virus vaccine for use in dogs in the United States. Administration of
the vaccine must be performed under the supervision of a veterinarian. **This
vaccine is now available at Woodland West Animal Hospital. It requires
current veterinary physical (within 1 year) and a booster dose 2 weeks after the
initial vaccination. The cost is $30 per vaccination. |
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What is the risk to humans from this virus? |
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To date, there is no evidence of transmission of canine
influenza virus from dogs to people and there has not been a single reported
case of human infection with the canine influenza virus. While this virus
infects dogs and spreads between dogs, there is no evidence that this virus
infects humans.
However, human infections with new influenza viruses (against which the human
population has little immunity) would be concerning if they occurred. Influenza
viruses are constantly changing and it is possible for a virus to change so that
it could infect humans and spread easily between humans. Such a virus could
represent a pandemic influenza threat. For this reason, CDC and its partners are
monitoring the H3N8 influenza virus (as well as other animal influenza viruses)
along with instances of possible human exposure to these viruses very closely.
In general, however, canine influenza viruses are considered to pose a low
threat to humans. As mentioned earlier, while these viruses are well established
in horse and dog populations, there is no evidence of infection among humans
with this virus.
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