As of April 15, veterinarians in Chicago and the
American Midwest had reported more than 1,000 cases of canine influenza, as
well as six deaths.
The outbreak was originally attributed to the H3N8
virus, which has been circulating in the U.S. dog population since 2004.
However, testing by scientists at Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin
has revealed that the virus is H3N2, which can be found among dog populations
in South Korea and southern China but has never before been identified in North
America. There is no reported outbreak of the virus in Canada at this time.
There is no evidence
that this strain of canine flu can be passed to humans, but it is known to cause
infection and respiratory illness in both dogs and cats. Symptoms typically
include high fever, loss of appetite, coughing, nasal discharge and lethargy.
Severity can range from showing no signs to illness resulting in pneumonia and
sometimes death.
All dogs, regardless of breed or age, are
susceptible to the virus, which is spread through the air from dog to dog or on
contaminated objects and people. The virus can survive on hard surfaces,
clothing and hands, continuing to infect other dogs.
Cornell University is advising veterinary
professionals that diagnostic testing of samples can be done using a broadly
targeted Influenza A matrix reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction
assay (Rt-PCR). The canine-specific Influenza A H3N8 Rt-PCR in use in several
laboratories will not detect this virus.
Serology is currently not available, according to
Cornell, because the H3N2 virus is different enough from H3N8 that antibodies
may not cross react. It’s not known if the current vaccine for H3N8 will also
protect against the new virus.
Advice for pet owners
In the event of an outbreak in Canada,
veterinarians should advise pet owners to avoid areas frequented by other dogs
and practice good hygiene, such as thorough hand washing, changing clothes
after seeing an infected dog and disinfecting hard surfaces. If an owner
suspects their dog is ill, they should call their veterinarian to make
arrangements for examination.
Pet owners considering travel to areas affected by
the outbreak should speak to their veterinarian about how to keep their pet
safe. Upon returning to Canada, pet owners should monitor their dog for
symptoms, including fever, loss of appetite, coughing, nasal discharge and
lethargy. Pet owners who suspect their pet may be infected should contact their
veterinarian immediately.
