Canine Influenza Virus (Dog Flu)

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A new canine flu virus has been flooding the news and internet. Here are some facts as we understand them. So far, the virus has been discovered in thirteen states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. There are possible cases being documented by veterinarians in almost every state but there is not a good communication system between states to determine the full extent of the virus. The virus can cause coughing, high fevers, nasal discharge and a fatal pneumonia.

This new canine virus, being referred to as Canine Influenza Virus, Greyhound Disease, and Race Flu, is considered highly contagious. It has been suggested that 80% of dogs exposed to the virus will develop an infection. Most dogs will only have mild coughing however puppies and older dogs are at greatest risk for fatalities associated with the virus.

The number of dogs at risk from dying from this virus may be anywhere from 1 to 10%.

According to Dr. Dick Slemons, an authority on influenza viruses from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, the disease is associated most often with dogs housed in a high-density population or boarding kennel. The infectious agent is thought to be transmitted through the air or by contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus has been documented in shelters, boarding facilities, pet stores and dog tracks. The incubation period (time from exposure to symptoms) is estimated to be 2 -5 days.

It is unsure as to the origin of the virus but it is thought to be mutated from an influenza virus that affects horses. The virus was discovered by Dr. Cynda Crawford, an immunologist at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, who began investigating the first outbreak at a racetrack in Jacksonville, FL in January 2004. The virus made national media attention after Dr. Crawford and colleagues published an article in the September 26, 2005 edition of Science Magazine entitled "Transmission of Equine Influenza Virus to Dogs".

It is often mistaken for infections caused by kennel cough (Bordetlla bronchiseptica/parainfluenza virus complex. The virus may appear similar to kennel cough, which is a highly contagious inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tree caused by a contagious virus (adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, canine distemper virus) or bacterium (Bordetella bronchiseptica). However, with most cases of kennel cough, a mild to moderate cough without other symptoms is usually self-limiting; however, occasional cases become lingering and cause chronic bronchitis. With this new virus, the cough is often associated with high temperatures, coughs and nasal discharge.

There is no evidence that the dog virus can spread to humans, cats or other animal types. So far, it is believed that the virus is species specific and only spread dog to dog.

What to Watch For

Watch for a variety of symptoms that can vary in severity.

Signs of upper respiratory problems such as conjunctivitis (irritated eyes), rhinitis (runny nose) or sneezing may be observed.

Cough. The classic symptoms are coughing that worsen with activityHol-ee Mol-ee Extreme
For the more aggressive chewer and larger dogs, the JW Pet Company Hol-ee Mol-ee Extreme offers the same fun as the famous Hol-ee Roller plus added du... or excitement and can persist for minutes. If secondary bacterial pneumonia develops, the dog often shows signs of illness such as loss of appetite, depression, or fever.

Fever (high as 106 degrees F)

Difficulty breathing

Loss of appetite

Depression

Any of these signs should prompt a visit to see your veterinarian in order to be certain pneumonia has not set in. Symptoms can last for up to four weeks.

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