Canine Influenza

                 The following information is taken from the AVMA website written by Dr. Cynda Crawford, Clinical Assistant Professor
             in the Maddie's Shelter Program at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

            1.     What is canine influenza?
                    Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by a novel influenza A subtype H3N8 virus 
                    that was first discovered in 2004.

            2.     Where does canine influenza occur?
                    Canine influenza has been documented in 30 states and the District of Columbia. At this time, the canine influenza 
                    virus (CIV) is very prevalent in many communities in Colorado, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania.
 
            3.     What type of infection does CIV cause?
                    Similar to influenza viruses that infect other mammals, canine influenza virus causes an acute respiratory infection in 
                    dogs. It is one of several viruses and bacteria that are associated with canine infectious respiratory disease, or what 
                    is commonly referred to as "kennel cough". CIV infection can cause respiratory disease by itself or along with other 
                    canine respiratory pathogens.

                    Unlike human influenza, canine influenza is not a "seasonal" infection. Infections can occur year round. 

            4.     What are the clinical signs of canine influenza?
                    Like influenza viruses for other species, CIV causes flu-like illness consisting of cough, sneezing, and nasal discharge. 
                    Virtually all exposed dogs become infected; about 80% develop flu-like illness, while another 20% do not become ill. 

                    Fortunately, most dogs recover within 2 weeks without any further health complications. However, some dogs progress 
                    to pneumonia, which is usually due to secondary bacterial infections. While the overall mortality rate for canine influenza 
                    is low, the secondary pneumonia can be life-threatening. There is no evidence for age or breed susceptibility for developing 
                    pneumonia during canine influenza. 

            5.     Who is susceptible to canine influenza?
                    Because canine influenza is due to a virus that is novel to the canine population, dogs lack pre-existing immunity to the 
                    virus. Dogs of any breed, age, or health status are therefore susceptible to infection. Although studies have not verified,
                    it is likely that dogs that have recovered from infection retain immunity to re-infection for an undetermined time period.

                    Canine influenza is most likely to spread in facilities wehre dogs are housed together and where there is a high turnover of
                    dogs in and out of facility. Dogs in shelters, boarding and training facilities, day care centers, dog shows, veterinary clinics,
                    pet stores, and grooming parlors are at highest risk for exposure to CIV, especially if these facilities are located in 
                    communities where the virus is prevalent. Dogs that mostly stay at home and walk around the neighborhood are at low risk.

                    CIV does not infect people, and there is no documentation that cats have become infected by exposure to dogs with canine 
                    influenza. 

            6.      How is canine influenza transmitted?
                     As with other respiratory pathogens, the most efficient transmission occurs by direct contact with infected dogs and by
                     aerosols generated by coughing and sneezing. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, 
                     collar and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. Fortunately, the virus is esaily 
                     inactivated by washing hands, clothes, and other items in soap and water.

            7.      How is canine influenza diagnosed?
                     Canine influenza cannot be diagnosed by clinical signs because all of the other respiratory pathogens cause similar 
                     signs of coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. For dogs that have been ill less than 4 days, veterinarians can collect 
                     swabs from the nose or throat and submit them to a diagnostic laboratory that offers a validated PCR test for canine 
                     influenza virus. The most accurate test recommended for confirmation of infection requires the collection of a small blood 
                     sample from the dog during the first week of illness, followed by collection of another sample 10 to 14 days later. The paired 
                     serum samples are submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for measurement of antibodies to CIV that were formed in response 
                     to infection. 

            8.       How is canine influenza treated?
                      Since canine influenza is a viral infection, treatment consists mainly of supportive care while the virus runs its course, much
                      like human influenza. Consulting with a veterinarian can determine the type of supportive care needed, including whether
                      antibiotics should be given for secondary bacterial infections. Dogs with pneumonia most likely require more intensive care
                      provided in a hospital setting under supervision of a veterinarian. 

            9.       Is canine influenza contagious?
                      Like influenza infections in other species, canine influenza is highly contagious. Infected dogs shed virus in their respiratory
                      secretions for 7 to 10 days, during which time the dog is contagious to other dogs. Infected dogs that do not show 
                      clinical signs are also contagious. Once the virus has run its course, the dog is no longer contagious. Therefore, we 
                      recommend that dogs with canine influenza be isolated from other dogs for two weeks to err on the conservative side. CIV
                      does not cause a permanent infections.

           10.      Is there a vaccine for canine influenza?
                     In May 2009, the USDA approved the licensing of the first influenza vaccine for dogs developed by Intervet/Schering Plough
                     Animal Health Corporation. The canine influenza vaccine contains inactivated whole virus, so there is no chance that the
                     vaccine itself can cause respiratory infections. 

           11.      Is there side effects to the vaccination? 
                     During tests to evaluate vaccine performance, there were not side effects or safety issues in a field trial including more than 
                     700 dogs ranging in age from six weeks to 10 years and representing 30 breeds. 

           12.     Does that vaccine prevent infection?
                    Unlike the Rabies or the Distemper/Parvo vaccines, this vaccine does NOT prevent infection. It is intended as an aid in the 
                    control of the disease associated with CIV infection. Efficacy trials have shown that the vaccination significantly reduces the 
                    severity and duration of illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. In addition, the vaccine reduces
                    the amount of virus shed and shortens the shedding interval. This means that vaccinated dogs that become infected has less 
                    illness and are not as contagious to other dogs. These benefits are similar to those provided by influenza vaccines used in
                    other species, including humans.
 
           13.     What dogs should be vaccinated?
                    The canine influenza vaccine is a "lifestyle" vaccine, in that it is intended for dogs at risk for exposure to CIV, including
                    those that participate in activities with many other dogs or are housed in communal facilities, particularly communities
                    where the virus is prevalent. Dogs that may benefit from the vaccination include those that are already receiving the kennel
                    cough vaccine for Bordetella because the risk groups are the same.