We all have been exposed to the flu at one time or another. Humans and dogs have very similar reactions when they contract the flu. They may have a fever, coughing, runny nose, loss of appetite and lethargy. The flu is rarely lethal; the young and the old are more at risk of contracting more serious symptoms. The flu spreads quickly in households with multiple people or pets going to the dog park. The recent Canine Influenza flu outbreak in the Chicago area follows this same pattern. There has not been a reported case of Canine Influenza in the Pacific Northwest as of April, 2015. Live your life like you normally do and if this canine flu reaches Oregon, take the safety and precautionary steps listed below – keep your dogs at home and avoid contact with dogs you don’t know. Please read this helpful, informative article prepared by Dr. Mark, Rishniw ACVIM. At the bottom, we also have a link to Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Thanks, your friends at Fremont Vet
Canine Influenza H3N2
Authored by: Dr. Mark Rishniw, ACVIM
What is canine influenza?
Influenza in dogs is caused by canine influenza viruses (CIVs). The two main CIVs in circulation internationally are H3N8 and H3N2. Dogs are occasionally infected with human influenza viruses. These viruses are extremely contagious.
When did the current U.S. outbreak of H3N2 start?
The outbreak began in the Chicago area in March, 2015.
Where have cases been reported?
Currently, the outbreak is mostly contained to the Chicago area. However, cases have been identified in Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana, according to investigators at University of Wisconsin. Because of limited surveillance and reporting, the outbreak might be wider than reported.
What strain of influenza caused this outbreak?
The 2004 outbreak, which was caused by the H3N8 strain, has remained circulating in the U.S. dog population, causing sporadic disease since that time. However, the current outbreak has been identified as a H3N2 strain of influenza A virus. This strain is closely related to an Asian strain that is circulating in China and South Korea.
Will the commercially available canine influenza vaccines protect against the strain involved in the current outbreak?
Probably not. The current commercially available vaccines are not likely cross-protective against the H3N2 strain involved in the current outbreak.
Prevention
For dog owners living in the affected areas, the best prevention is to minimize contact with other dogs. Consider avoiding places such as dog parks, dog day care, grooming facilities, boarding, training classes, and group gatherings. Walking your dog should be fine, but avoid socializing with other dogs.
If your dog in the affected areas has respiratory signs, such as coughing, hacking, gagging or difficulty breathing, call your veterinarian before your appointment to let them know your dog has respiratory signs so that they can take appropriate precautions to minimize the possibility of contaminating the facility. When you get to the clinic, leave your dog in the car and have the veterinary team meet you at the car so they can figure out how to best handle the dog.
What are signs of infection?
Clinical signs range from subclinical infection, or mild fever and malaise to severe, life-threatening pneumonia; however, most clinically affected dogs have signs that are typical of kennel cough. Of approximately 1000 dogs recognized to be infected in the Chicago area, about five have died from the infection. Clinically, influenza infection is not distinguishable from kennel cough caused by other pathogens, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Can other animals or people become infected with this strain?
Currently, there is no evidence that people can contract this virus. However, studies in Asia have shown limited transmission to cats. Whether this can happen with the strain currently involved in the U.S. outbreak is unknown. In Asia, the H3N2 strain that infected cats (and caused disease) was considered to be of avian origin. Current information about the U.S. H3N2 strain suggests that it might be of porcine origin.
Link to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/