A canine influenza outbreak has occurred in Illinois and other Midwestern States. The outbreak was initially believed to be due to the H3N8 virus which has been found in the United States since 2004. However, it has been determined that the outbreak is due to a different influenza virus. H3N2 is the culprit for the current influenza outbreak and it typically causes more severe symptoms than H3N8 though not all infected animals will display symptoms. Both influenza strains can cause fever, decreased appetite, coughing, nasal discharge, and lethargy. H3N2 is also capable of infecting cats.
An Influenza A H3N8 Rt-PCR will not detect the H3N2 virus however an H3N2-specific serology assay is currently being developed. The current vaccine for H3N8 may not provide any protection against this new virus. Cornell University recommends that dog and cat owners avoid geographic areas where the virus is active. Should one live in an area where the virus can be found it, avoid places where dogs are in close quarters such as dog parks and grooming facilities. Joe Schwartz, Public Information Officer from Cornell University recommends that owners of symptomatic dogs and cats should consult their veterinarians about testing and treatment.
Scott Weese, from the Worms and Germs Blog has compiled a list of infection control measures:
- If your dog is sick, keep it away from other dogs.
- If your dog has been exposed to dogs that might have been infected, keep it away from other dogs.
- Don't travel to an endemic region with your dog.
- Don’t travel out of an endemic region with your dog.
- Don’t import dogs from shelters, puppy mills or similar facilities in areas where H3N2 is active.
- If the virus is active in your area, decrease dog-dog contact.
In the past month over 1,000 cases of canine influenza have been identified in Cook County, Illinois. So far five dogs have died from the infection. While the flu is not dangerous to humans, people can be carriers of the disease and bring it home to their dogs.
The Chicago Park District has posted warning signs recommending people to keep their dogs away from areas where they will come in contact with other dogs. While a dog may appear healthy they can harbor the illness for up to a week before showing symptoms. Dr. Anne Cohen, an emergency and
critical care veterinarian at Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty
Center suggests that owners consult their veterinarian should they feel
concerned about their dog.
Symptoms of canine influenza are very similar to those seen in humans and include: fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and lethargy.
