Goldendoodles
Parents worry about H1N1.
For pet owners, the rising threat is H3N8 – dog flu – a highly contagious, potentially deadly
respiratory infection. It started at a Florida greyhound track and has spread to 30 states. As of last year, 1,079 cases had been confirmed.
Canine influenza, the potentially deadly H3N8 virus is commonly known as dog flu.
H3N8 is a type A influenza. Researchers say it began with horses and spread to the dogs. There is no evidence it can spread to people.
Virtually all dogs exposed to the virus become infected, though only about 80 percent will develop symptoms, according to the American
Veterinary Medical Association. As many as 15 percent of infected dogs die.
The veterinarian who helped identify it, Cynda Crawford, an assistant professor in the University of Florida's College of Veterinary
Medicine, has studied the illness since her original research with the racing greyhounds in 2004. The dogs had flu-like symptoms – runny
noses, coughs and fever. Some caught pneumonia and died.
The virus spreads in places where dogs congregate or share the same cages and bowls. "It is highly contagious," Crawford explained.
"Virtually all dogs exposed to this virus will become infected."
The AVMA recommends that people who work with dogs in shelters, kennels and dog day care centers wash their hands with soap and
water when the arrive at the facility, before and after handling any dog and after cleaning cages. The dog flu virus is easily killed with
disinfectants.
Dog owners can protect their dogs by washing or disinfecting their hands after handling another dog. They can also get their dogs
vaccinated, though veterinarians don't recommend this for dogs that don't come in contact with other dogs.
According to veterinarian Dr. Debbye Turner Bell shared the details about H3N8, otherwise known as canine influenza, with Early Show co-
anchor Maggie Rodriguez on Wednesday October 22, 2009. there is a new vaccine available, which Bell called "a good thing, because
no dog has natural immunity to this very contagious virus." Today, this highly contagious virus has been noted in 30 states, affecting
thousands of dogs in shelters, boarding kennels, and doggy day care facilities. The spread of the virus seems to have plateaued in many
areas. However, four-to-five states are still seeing outbreaks: Florida, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and there is an outbreak
currently in Virginia.
"Is this anything like H1N1?" Rodriguez asked.
"Well, it's a type A, influenza, however it is not swine flu, as we like to call it the canine influenza, it's not contagious to humans so far as we
know," Bell said. "There's no evidence that it can be given to people or other species.
" The mortality rate is about 15 percent. It's very similar to the human H1N1 in that generally it's mild, there's cough, nasal discharge,
sometimes with a secondary bacterial infection, many recover from it except for those who go on to pneumonia." Although most of the
dogs got over it in one or two weeks, some of the dogs did progress to pneumonia and in those cases they got very sick and one or two
did pass away from it.
According to Bell, since this is a virus that spreads in communal areas, dogs that go to kennels, doggie day cares, or grooming parlors
should be vaccinated. She also added that people that work with animals should vaccinate their own animals as well. The vaccine involves
a series of two shots, with the second one following two to four weeks later. "This is called a lifestyle vaccine," Bell said. "If you have a dog
that's at home, stays in your yard and never comes in contact with other dogs, probably doesn't need this vaccine. But if you travel, go to
kennels, this vaccine is for you."
Key Facts about Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)
Questions & Answers
What is canine influenza (dog flu)?
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.
What is a canine influenza virus?
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.
How long has canine influenza been around?
The H3N8 equine influenza virus has been known to exist in horses for more than 40 years. In 2004, however, cases of an unknown
respiratory illness in dogs (initially greyhounds) were reported. An investigation showed that this respiratory illness was caused by the
equine influenza A H3N8 virus. Scientists believe that this virus jumped species (from horses to dogs) and has now adapted to cause
illness in dogs and spread efficiently among dogs. This is now considered a new dog-specific lineage of H3N8. In September of 2005, this
virus was identified by experts as “a newly emerging pathogen in the dog population” in the United States.
What are the symptoms of this infection in dogs?
The symptoms of this illness in dogs are cough, runny nose and fever, however, a small proportion of dogs can develop severe disease.
How serious is this infection in dogs?
The number of dogs infected with this disease that die is very small. Some dogs have asymptomatic infections (no symptoms), while some
have severe infections. Severe illness is characterized by the onset of pneumonia. Although this is a relatively new cause of disease in
dogs and nearly all dogs are susceptible to infection, about 80 percent of dogs will have a mild form of disease.
How does dog flu spread?
Canine influenza virus can be spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs, by contact with contaminated
objects, and 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.
Is there a test for canine influenza?
Testing to confirm canine influenza virus infection is available at veterinary diagnostic centers. The tests can be performed using
respiratory secretions collected at the time of disease onset or using two blood samples; the first collected while the animal is sick and the
second 2 to 3 weeks later.
How is canine influenza treated?
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.
Is there a vaccine for canine influenza?
Yes, an approved vaccine is available.
What is the risk to humans from this virus?
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.
My dog has a cough what should I do?
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so that they can evaluate your dog and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
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.