What is Canine Flu?
Canine flu has been in the news a lot during the past few months since an outbreak affected more than 1,000 dogs in the Chicago area. The Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) only affects dogs and is no threat at all to people. This particular virus is very different from the one that infected a Greyhound kennel in Florida in 2009. That virus, called the H3N8, originated in horses more than 40 years ago, and since that outbreak, a vaccine to protect against it-as well as a test to check for it-have been created and now are widely available.
The new virus, called the H3n2, originated in birds in Asia and is thought to have come to our country via dogs imported from South Korea. The vaccine for H3N8 does not offer protection from this new virus, and the test that is widely used is specific just for the H3N8 virus. Veterinary medical researchers working at both universities and corporations in the private sector can type samples from broad-based influenza A tests to determine H3N2-positive pets. They are working together to share information, while trying to develop a test and vaccine for this virus.
Thirteen……and Counting?
The current outbreak of the flu virus has spread to 13 states…so far. Initially in the Midwest, it has spread to the Northeast (New York and New Jersey), the Southeast (Georgia and Alabama) and the state of Texas. There are now unconfirmed reports that dogs in southern California have contracted the virus, as well. The good news is that of the thousands of cases that have been reported only six dogs had died to date, and the predictions are that the fatality rate will be a very low percentage.
How it Spreads
The virus is spread just like a flu virus in people, but, fortunately, dogs do not fly all over the world every day like hundreds of thousands of people do. Nor do they shake hands with everyone they meet. If this were a human virus, it would be spreading very rapidly, causing many more problems. The virus spreads by germs in the air (aerosolized secretions) that infected dogs cough or sneeze out. Uninfected dogs can breathe in the germs directly or come into contact with contaminated objects (much like people touching doorknobs and money). Contaminated objects and materials also can be moved by an owner who unwittingly places them near an infected dog.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
The symptoms start out much like any respiratory infection or kennel cough, but can become a lot worse in just two or three days. There will be coughing and a runny nose that can progress to an abundance of mucous, as well as lethargy and decreased appetite. More severe cases of the canine flu virus will lead to a spike in body temperature, causing a high fever, and it can turn into pneumonia.
There are some dogs who do present mild to very minimal symptoms. For this reason, owners whose pets show any signs of respiratory issues should not let their dog come into contact with other dogs. If your healthy dog comes into contact with one showing signs of respiratory disease, you should thoroughly clean and disinfect clothing, all surfaces, equipment and your hands. Good hygiene is essential to slowing or preventing the spread of the disease. Dogs with the highest risk of contracting canine flu are those that have the most contact with others such as doggy day care facilities, dog parks, dog shows, animal shelters, boarding facilities, grooming establishments and sporting events. Dogs living in pet-friendly complexes with many other dogs also are in a high-risk environment.
What You Can Do
Treatment consists of supportive care, since the virus has to run its course. Keeping a pet well hydrated helps to mount an immune response. Antibiotics are often used to prevent a secondary bacterial infection that could lead to pneumonia. Other medicines may be used to reduce fever or decrease coughing in an effort to make your pet more comfortable. If you suspect that your dog has contracted CIV, act quickly; make an appointment with a veterinarian who can evaluate your pet and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. In the meantime, continue to protect against as many other pathogens as possible, using vaccines recommended by your veterinarian to prevent other canine respiratory diseases.