What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is a newly emerging canine respiratory disease that has been identified in shelters, boarding facilities, and clinics in Florida. It has also been identified at greyhound tracks in Massachusetts, Arizona, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Texas and Iowa.

Who is susceptible to canine influenza?
Because this is a newly emerging pathogen, all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no naturally acquired or vaccine-induced immunity. Virtually 100% of exposed dogs become infected. Nearly 80% have clinical signs; the other 20% do not display clinical signs and become the silent spreaders of the infection.

How is canine influenza spread?
The virus is spread by aerosolized respiratory secretions, contaminated inanimate objects, and even by people moving back and forth between infected and uninfected dogs. The virus is most likely killed by routine disinfectants, such as quaternary ammoniums and 10% bleach.

What are the symptoms?
Canine influenza causes a clinical syndrome that mimics “kennel cough.” There are two general clinical syndromes—a milder syndrome and a more severe pneumonia syndrome. The milder disease syndrome occurs in most dogs.

In the milder disease, the most common clinical sign is a cough that persists for 10 to 21 days despite therapy with antibiotics and cough suppressants. Most dogs have a soft, moist cough, while others have a dry cough similar to that induced by Bordetella bronchiseptica/parainfluenza virus infection. Many dogs have a purulent nasal discharge and a low-grade fever. The nasal discharge likely represents a secondary bacterial infection that quickly resolves with treatment with a broad-spectrum, bactericidal antibiotic.

Some dogs develop a more severe disease with clinical signs of pneumonia, such as a high fever (104 degrees to 106 degrees) and increased respiratory rate and effort.

Is there a vaccine for canine influenza?
There is no vaccine for canine influenza at this time.

Can humans contract canine influenza?
The risk for canine influenza infecting humans is low, according to the Centers for Disease Control. However, the agency is monitoring the illness.

What should I do if I suspect my dog has canine influenza?
Contact your veterinarian.

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