What is the Canine Influenza virus?

Canine Influenza was first described in 2004. Canine Influenza (H3N8 virus is a influenza type A virus the same type of virus that causes human influenza however the canine virus does not affect humans) is a mutant of the Equine Influenza Virus. Clinical signs are similar to Kennel Cough (Bordetella) and in most cases are not life threatening. Dogs that have passed away during outbreaks did not as a cause of the flu virus, rather because of Pneumonia. Canine Influenza can be diagnosed by viral isolation (costly and extremely difficult), detection of the virus by a PCR test (this is a simple test only requiring a nasal or throat swab, however, this test must be done very early in the onset as by the time a canine is presenting with clinical signs of the H3N8 virus the virus is no longer being shed) and by Serum Titers (Titers must be paired, meaning one must be performed initially and another performed two to three weeks after the first titer to show a rise in the titer to confirm the disease, but by this time time most canines are recovered). 

Influenza has mainly been a problem in shelters, with some reports in boarding kennels. There is now a vaccination against canina influenza that is on conditional release. This is not a sterilization vaccine meaning it does not prevent the disease however it decreases the severity and time to recover. The vaccine must be given in two doses two weeks apart from each other to be effective. Immunity does not develop until two weeks after the second, or booster, dose is administered. It is necessary to plan ahead to have immunity when it is needed. At this time, experts in the field are not recommending this vaccination for all individuals, only for those found to be at high risk of contraction of the virus i.e. dogs who board frequently especially in kennels where the disease has been confirmed, dogs on the show circuit, and shelter environments.

This is a disease to be concerned about but not a disease to panic about.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.