CVVH Logo
CONEJO VALLEY VETERINARY HOSPITAL: Where animals come first
Equine Health Services

Small Animals Section
Cats ResourcesDogs Resources
High-tech Service
Current Concerns/Topics
Small Animals Staff
Small Animals Patients' Stories
FAQ
FAQ
Contact & Location Information

Go to Equine Section
Pocket & Exotic Pets
About Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital: Meet the Staff, History, Contact Information, Address, Map
Appointment Request Form




Some Quick Facts About Canine Influenza 

  • It is equine influenza H3N8; the entire virus jumped species into dogs, a rare event (more common is recombination or mixing of mammalian viruses, so that the resultant virus has genetic pieces of both, i.e. swine and human flu viruses).
  • Believed to have originated in Florida; transmission from infected horse meat fed to Greyhounds at a racetrack.
  • Serologic evidence indicates this may have occurred as long ago as 2000.
  • Sustained transmission is occurring in dogs.
  • Has been found in at least 11 states; racetracks and kennels hardest hit, but also has occurred in shelters, pet shops; serologic evidence in pet dogs.
  • As all dogs are susceptible and the virus appears to be quite contagious, spread is likely; aerosol as well as fomite spread may occur; historical evidence of kennel workers taking the virus home to their pets.
  • Many manifest a mild course; may resemble kennel cough; course of 14-21 days.
  • Some manifest more severe disease with high fever and purulent nasal discharge; secondary bacterial infections are a major concern. Supportive care including antibiotics appears to be very beneficial.
  • Mortality rates reported of 1-10%; highest in puppies, elderly animals, and animals with concurrent disease.
  • No evidence to date of human transmission.
  • Diagnosis with serology, antigen detection by ELISA, and virus isolation [as an aside, we are looking into purchasing the equine ELISA, which will work for this virus, for use here at UTCVM; other testing is done at Cornell – currently, testing is free there I believe].
  • Internet rumors abound – reports of deaths of thousands of dogs, etc. – none of this has been substantiated.
  • Not known to occur in East Tennessee yet; some area vets believe they have seen cases, but none have been confirmed; however, there is no reason to believe it could not occur there.
  • No vaccine yet; I would anticipate the pharmaceutical companies will be producing one soon.

More Information on Canine Influenza
from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
September 28, 2005

  • Canine influenza, sometimes referred to as canine flu, is an emerging respiratory disease in dogs. It is caused by an influenza virus that has caused disease in horses (equine influenza H3N8) for over 40 years.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has never documented a case of human infection with the equine influenza virus. There is no evidence to date of canine influenza being transmitted to humans.
  • The virus was originally identified by researchers at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. While racetracks and kennels have had the highest incidence of disease, canine influenza has also occurred in shelters, pet shops and in pet dogs.
  • The likely route of transmission is aerosol—or through the air. The virus can also spread by contact with contaminated inanimate objects such as clothing. Following good hygiene practices is important.
  • Vaccinations against bordetella and parainfluenza virus will not protect your dog against canine influenza.
  • While there is no vaccine available, work is underway to produce one.

Contact your veterinarian if your dog is exhibiting any signs of a respiratory illness. Be sure to tell your veterinarian if your dog has been around other dogs recently (boarding kennel, etc.).

Most importantly, use common sense and seek advice from your veterinarian.

Information from the CDC, AVMA and Florida State Veterinarian’s office was used to prepare this sheet.
Home Go to Site Map