Canine Influenza
What is H3N8 and is it contagious to humans?
Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a novel influenza virus that was first discovered in 2004. Canine influenza causes clinical signs that mimic the Bordetella virus complex, also known as kennel cough. Canine influenza has not been found to affect humans or cats, but can be carried by them.
What are the symptoms of Canine Influenza?
Symptoms of Influenza are typically respiratory related, including coughing (even despite treatment with antibiotics and cough suppressants, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge. In some cases, pneumonia and high fever may develop, which has lead to respiratory distress and death.
How can my dog become infected with H3N8?
Potential exposure and transmission among dogs is highest in communal environments, such as kennels, doggie daycare, dog parks, grooming salons and other public settings. This virus, while a potential threat, has not been found in our community.
How common is the H3N8 virus?
Currently there are only five states where canine influenza is prevalent in dogs - Colorado, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. The virus was first reported in Florida in 2003, and while the number of endemic areas remains small, the virus has been confirmed in cases in as many as 30 states across the country.
Is there a vaccine available for H3N8?
The Canine Influenza Vaccine unfortunately does not prevent the disease but rather decrease the clinical signs and symptoms of canine influenza. Since we do not practice in an endemic area, we are not routinely recommending the vaccination at this time. In addition to not being endemic to our area, the disease most often has been afflicting racing greyhounds and animal shelters, and not household pets. The vaccine requires a series of two vaccinations with potential vaccine benefit not being provided until 2 weeks after the second vaccination. In addition, should your pet contract Canine Influenza, the vaccine does not prevent your dog from shedding and potentially transmitting the disease to your other dogs or those around you. If you feel your pet is at increased risk or will be traveling, please contact us.
How can I protect my dog from H3N8?
The best way to prevent contraction of Influenza is what you do similarly to help avoid contraction of other diseases. Do not allow your dog to interact with any dogs that you do not know the health and vaccine status of, especially those exhibiting respiratory infection clinical signs (coughing, nasal discharge, etc).
Similarly to kennel cough, the virus is more common in areas when many dogs congregate together such as shelters, dog parks and boarding facilities. Be sure to ensure that any places your dogs visit have similar high standards for cleanliness and regular disinfecting protocols in place.
What should I do if my dog has symptoms of the virus?
Anytime your dog is exhibiting abnormal behavior or symptoms, or you are concerned about the health of your, we recommend you bring your pet in for an exam with a veterinarian.
If you have any concerns that your dog may be ill, please contact us.
