Canine influenza

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Canine influenza or dog flu refers to varieties of Influenzavirus A that create influenza in canines and are endemic in canines. The highly contagious equine influenza virus H3N8 was found to infect and kill Greyhound race dogs that had died from a respiratory illness at a Florida racetrack in January 2004. The exposure and transfer apparently occurred at horse racing tracks, where dog racing also occurs. H3N8 is responsible for a major dog flu outbreak in New York state in all breeds of dogs. From January to May 2005, outbreaks occurred at 20 racetracks in 10 states (Florida, Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, West Virginia, Kansas, Iowa, Colorado, Rhode Island and Massachusetts).^[1] As of August 2006, dog flu has been confirmed in 22 U.S. states, including pet dogs in Wyoming, California, Connecticut, Delaware, and Hawaii.^[2] There is no evidence that the virus could infect people.

About 80 percent of infected dogs have mild disease, and the fatality rate for Greyhounds in early outbreaks was 5 to 8 percent.^[3] The incubation period is two to five days and viral shedding may occur for seven to ten days following the onset of symptoms.^[4] Symptoms of the mild form include a cough that lasts for ten to thirty days and possibly nasal discharge. Dogs with the more severe form may have a high fever and pneumonia.^[5] Treatment is generally supportive care and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections.