Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) is a highly contagious
respiratory disease found in dogs.The virus is caused by a specific type A influenza virus H3N8.H3N8 is thought to be an equine virus
that existed only in horses until 2004, when it mutated and began to affect
canines.The first instances of
CIV in dogs were seen in racing greyhound in Florida.Since then, CIV has been documented in 30 of the 50 US
States.
How is it spread?
Canine influenza is spread through direct contact with
infected respiratory secretions or by contact with surfaces contaminated by
respiratory secretions from an infected dog.The virus may be viable for up to 48 hours on surfaces, 24
hours on clothes and 12 hours on your hands.
What are the symptoms and how severe are they?
The symptoms include lethargy, coughing, runny nose and
fever.Since this is a new
pathogen, dogs have no antibodies and virtually every dog who is exposed will
become infected.Some dogs will
remain asymptomatic, that is showing no outward signs of illness but will still
be shedding the virus and able to pass it to others.Some dogs will have mild symptoms lasting one to three
weeks, but a small percentage may develop complications such as pneumonia.
What is the treatment for the dog flu?
Treatment is mainly supportive care to support the function
of the dogs own immune system.Most cases will clear on their own with supportive care, but more
serious infections may require administration of fluids and/or antibiotics for
secondary bacterial infections.
Is there a vaccine available and who should have it?
There is a vaccine available that came out in May of this
year.It is a two-part
vaccine that is given to reduce the likelihood that your dog will become
sick.Due to the novelty of the
pathogen, some dogs who receive the vaccine will still become ill, although the
severity and duration should be greatly reduced.Any dog having risk factors associated with Bordetella
should have the vaccine.This
includes dogs who are in frequent contact with other dogs such as at doggie
daycare, the dog park or at activities such as agility and flyball.
What else is known about CIV?<LI> At this point it is
unlikely that the virus could be passed from a dog to a human, there are no
documented cases.
- Unlike the “seasonal” flu, dogs are susceptible to the
canine flu year-round.
- Generally, there is no reason to worry that your dog may
die from the canine flu, the fatality rate is probably only 1-8%.
