CANINE INFLUENZA: Can you get the flu from your dog?

There have been a lot of phone calls and emails to the clinic concerning the dog flu in Chicago. I have summarized the most common concerns below. Please feel free to contact the Creature Comforts office with additional questions. I am not currently recommending vaccinating pets for this disease in our area. Because this is still an emerging disease, almost all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no immunity to prevent infection.  

What is Canine influenza?

 Historically, Canine Influenza has been a mutation of the TYPE A H3N8 equine influenza virus identified first in 2004 in Greyhounds close to racetracks. It can be a catastrophic respiratory problem in boarding kennels and is difficult to control without effective hygiene.  A separate canine influenza virus, H3N2, had been reported in Korea, China and Thailand, but not in the United States until 2015, when an outbreak in Chicago was determined to be caused by this new strain.  Over 1,000 dogs have been infected and five have died. The situation was magnified due to boarding dogs over spring break.

WHAT IS THE INCUBATION PERIOD?

The incubation period is two to five days from exposure to the onset of clinical signs with peak shedding the first week. Eighty percent OF THOSE EXPOSED will DEVELOP disease ASSOCIATED WITH CANINE INFLUENZA. Twenty percent will shed the virus and show no signs. Canine influenza is extremely contagious from dog to dog, but has not currently infectious to people.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF CANINE INFLUENZA?

Two clinical syndromes have been seen in dogs infected with the canine influenza virus—a mild form of the disease and a more severe form that is accompanied by pneumonia.

• mild form — Dogs suffering with the mild form of this disease develop a cough that persists for  up to 30 days. Other signs include depression, lack of appetite, sneezing, eye discharge, and fever.  This cough may appear similar to the traditional "kennel cough" caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica/parainfluenza virus complex. These dogs may develop a thick nasal discharge, which is usually caused by a secondary bacterial infection. Fortunately most dogs have this form.
• severe form — These  Dogs  develop high fevers up to 106 (normal 101 to 102.8F), develop pneumonia, and have rapid respiratory rate, and often develop secondary bacterial infections

HOW IS IT IDENTIFIED?

Testing of the respiratory secretions at time of disease or blood testing initially by PCR (DNA) if under four days post exposure. Otherwise, a baseline blood antibody test repeated three weeks later is recommended to help identify infections.

IS THERE A VACCINE TO PREVENT THE DISEASE?

There is a canine influenza vaccine available FOR THE H3N8 VIRUS. No, it does not prevent the infection; rather, it lowers the severity of the disease once a dog is exposed. There is no documented risk of canine influenza spreading to people. Note that the current outbreak in Chicago is the H3N2 canine influenza virus. It is not known if the current influenza virus provides any protection against the H3N2 strain.

SHOULD I CANCEL MY BOARDING RESERVATIONS?

 No, there is no documentation of the infection in the Cary, North Carolina area. News reports should be monitored for any upswing in respiratory infections reported in the area.   No vaccine is available to prevent the H3N2 virus. In situations where the risk of virus exposure is high with no  alternatives, some experts are recommending to experimentally vaccinate with the H3N8 vaccine.

Dr. Betsy Sigmon, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine and Feline Practice

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital in

Cary, NC