CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS
Canine influenza virus (CIV), or H3N8 influenza A
virus, was first identified in racing greyhounds in Florida in 2004, since then
it has spread to other states. It
appears to have evolved from the H3N8 equine influenza virus. Currently, it has not been reported to infect
other animals or humans. Dogs are at
greater risk of contracting CIV if they participate in dog races or dog shows, or
if they stay at an animal shelter, boarding facility, or dog day care facility. These dogs are generally stressed and exposed
to many dogs which increases their chances of contracting CIV infection.
The virus can survive for less than 1 week in the environment
and is easily killed with bleach and quaternary ammonium disinfectants. Infection can occur through direct contact of
respiratory secretions, contact with contaminated surfaces, and from people
working with infected dogs and then coming in contact with uninfected dogs. Clean and disinfect clothes, hands,
equipment, and surfaces after contact with a dog showing signs of respiratory
infection. The virus is shed
approximately 2-5 days after infection, with clinical signs becoming apparent
around 5-7 days after infection.
Clinical
signs
Approximately 80% of infected dogs will experience a
mild upper respiratory tract infection that usually consists of a soft, moist
cough that may be productive; other signs may include a decrease in appetite
(anorexia), fever, and purulent nasal discharge.
Approximately 1-10% of infected dogs may develop a
severe form of disease with the above clinical signs as well as a high fever,
lethargy, rapid breathing (tachypnea), and bronchopneumonia.
Approximately 10-20% of infected dogs do not exhibit
any clinical signs but shed the virus and spread the infection to other dogs.
Treatment
All infected dogs should be kept isolated from other
dogs. If you have multiple dogs, you
should always care for uninfected dogs before taking care of any infected dogs. Clean and disinfect hands, clothes,
equipment, and surfaces after contact with an infected dog.
For dogs with mild disease, supportive care is
usually all that is required. This
involves maintaining hydration, providing adequate nutrition, and allowing to
rest.
Dogs with more serious disease should be seen by a
veterinarian. Keep your dog in the car
until he/she is ready to be seen by a veterinarian to minimize spread of
disease to other dogs in the clinic.
Vaccination
In May 2009, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health
was granted a conditional product license by the USDA for their CIV vaccine. During the year that the conditional product
license is in effect, data on safety and efficacy will be collected and
evaluated. According to a press release
by Intervet/Schering-Plough the “Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8 has been
demonstrated to reduce the incidence and severity of lung lesions, as well as
the duration of coughing and viral shedding. “
This vaccine “…is intended as an aid in the control of disease
associated with canine influenza virus infection….” In other words, this vaccine this vaccine is
not intended to prevent your dog from becoming infected with CIV but rather to
lessen the severity of the disease.
According to Cornell University College of
Veterinary Medicine statistics, there have been 0 positive cases of CIV in the
following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri,
Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South
Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, and West Virginia.
In time these states may see cases of CIV. At this time, the risk of dogs that live and
stay in these regions becoming infected with CIV is very low. It is likely that your pet would have a
greater risk of an adverse reaction from the CIV vaccine than they would have
of becoming infected with CIV.
Therefore, at this time, the veterinarians at Council Bluffs Veterinary
Clinic do not recommend giving the CIV vaccine.
Check the Council Bluffs Veterinary Clinic website
at http://www.cbvetclinic.com/
periodically for important updates as they develop.
“APHIS ISSUES CONDITIONAL LICENSE FOR CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS VACCINE” at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2009/06/caninevacc.shtml. United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Accessed on 10/14/09.
“Vaccine Against Canine Flu Granted Conditional License by USDA” at http://www.intervet.com/news/2009-06-23-new-vaccine-from-intervet-schering-plough-animal-health-is-first-for-canine-influenza-virus.aspx. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health. Accessed on 10/14/09.
“Test Summary for Canine Influenza Virus in Dogs not Affiliated with Greyhound Racetracks” at http://www.diaglab.vet.cornell.edu/issues/civ-stat.asp. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Accessed on 10/14/09.
“Key Facts about Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)" at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed on 10/14/09.
“Canine Influenza Virus” in Canine Associate
Database on VIN at http://www.vin.com/Members/Associate/Associate.plx?DiseaseId=2647. Accessed on 10/14/09.
Updated on October 14, 2009