Suzanne from Orlando, Florida, asks: Being from Florida I’ve heard lots of canine influenza, is it similar to H1N1 virus and can I get it from my dog?
At our practice we are constantly asked about canine influenza (CI), if there is a vaccine for it and if we can catch it from our dog.
Canine influenza is a flu virus, subtype H3N8, that causes respiratory infection in dogs. It appears to be an airborne disease, much like kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica), and most importantly humans, cats and other animals CANNOT catch this flu virus from dogs. Physical contact between dogs does not seem to be required for transmission, but if your dog stays at home and rarely comes into contact with other dogs, its risks of contracting the virus is likely to be low. Dogs that are boarded, attend doggie day care or play in dog parks are at higher risk if the virus is circulating in the area.
Symptoms
The majority of infected dogs exhibit the mild form of CI. In the mild form, the most common clinical sign is a cough that persists for 10 to 21 days despite treatment with antibiotics and cough suppressants. Most dogs have a soft, moist cough, whereas others have a dry cough that is similar to that induced by Bordetella bronchiseptica parainfluenza virus infection. Many dogs have a purulent nasal discharge and a low-grade fever.
Transmission
Canine influenza is spread via aerosolized respiratory secretions and contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes) and people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. The virus can remain viable (alive and able to infect) on surfaces for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on hands for 12 hours. The incubation period is usually two to four days from exposure to onset of clinical signs. The highest amounts of viral shedding occur during this time; therefore, dogs are most contagious during this 2-4 day incubation period when they are not exhibiting signs of illness. Virus shedding decreases dramatically during the first 4 days of illness but may continue up to 7 days in most dogs and up to 10 days in some dogs. Because this is a newly emerging pathogen, all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no naturally acquired or vaccine-induced immunity when first exposed to the virus. If the virus enters a kennel or other closed group, a high percentage of the dogs may become infected, and most of these dogs will be symptomatic. Approximately 20-25% of infected dogs are expected to remain asymptomatic, but can still shed the virus and spread the virus. Although most dogs have a milder form of canine influenza and recover without complications, some may develop severe pneumonia.
Prevention
A canine influenza vaccine is now on the market, it requires an initial dose and then a booster in two to four weeks and can be administered to dogs six weeks and older. The canine influenza vaccine is a “lifestyle” vaccine, and is not recommended for every dog. In general, the vaccine is intended for the protection of dogs at risk for exposure to the CI virus, which include those that either participate in activities with many other dogs or are housed in communal facilities, particularly where the virus is prevalent.
Thanks to Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and Dr. Cynda Crawford, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine for the materials for this article. For a more detailed report on canine influenza visit the AVMA web site at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp
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