The canine influenza virus (“CIV”) is a highly contagious, newly emerging, canine-specific infectious agent which represents an unusual adaptation of the equine influenza virus. In essence, the equine influenza virus mutated, jumped species and now lives, reproduces and spreads quite efficiently among – and so far only among - dogs. Early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve the chances of successful recovery and reduce further spread of the disease. Unlike disease caused by the human
Canine Influenza is spread through respiratory secretions and contaminated surfaces. People can provide excellent pathways for disease spread (ex. kennel workers, pet store workers, friends) when they move between infected and uninfected dogs. The virus spreads easily in close proximity, but can also be spread outside of enclosed or crowded environments.Because of the highly contagious nature of this illness and widespread susceptibility of patients, veterinarians, boarding facilities, shelters and pet stores should institute effective isolation
In January of 2004, racing greyhounds in Florida experienced an outbreak of a novel, previously undiagnosed viral disease that caused mild to extremely severe respiratory illness, with a 36% case fatality rate in that outbreak. Since then, the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) has been identified, classified and extensively studied. It is an influenza A H3N8 virus, which is not a human pathogen but rather represents an unusual adaptation of the H3N8 equine influenza virus that
Canine influenza, sometimes called the “dog flu,” is a highly contagious disease caused by a relatively recent adaptation of an equine influenza virus to the canine species. The Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) was identified and classified following an unusual outbreak of respiratory disease in racing greyhounds that occurred in Florida in early 2004. Fortunately, with extensive research directed toward this disease, there now are a number of diagnostic tools available to canine veterinarians.Once veterinarians realized
“Dog flu” is a relatively recent phenomenon. In early 2004, a group of racing greyhounds in Florida came down with cases of mild to severe respiratory disease, with 36% of affected dogs dying. After this outbreak, the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) was identified, classified and intensively studied. It evolved from and remains strikingly similar to an equine influenza virus, but now is an emerging species-specific pathogen that – at least so far - infects and