Dog Flu Factsheet

Canine Influenza Origins           
Canine influenza was first reported in January 2004, after a dog died following the outbreak of a severe respiratory disease at a Florida greyhound track. The virus was first identified in the pet population in spring 2005, when the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine isolated and identified a strain of the influenza virus as a cause of a serious respiratory illness in dogs in shelters, humane societies, boarding facilities and veterinary hospitals in that state. There is no evidence of canine influenza spreading to humans. The same strain of virus has existed in the equine population safely for over 40 years, but the cross-species transmission of an influenza virus has spurred widespread interest.

Symptoms           
Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that may mirror signs of kennel cough, including sneezing, coughing and fever, although of those infected, 20 percent show no signs of disease. Of the 80 percent that exhibit signs, two forms have been observed:

Mild infection
Symptoms include a low-grade fever, nasal discharge and a persistent cough that could last up to three weeks.

Severe infection
Symptoms include a high fever, increased respiratory rates with difficulty breathing and other indications of pneumonia.

Infection            
Nearly 100 percent of dogs that come in contact with the virus become infected, regardless of age or vaccination history. Infected dogs require veterinary medical attention. Symptoms generally appear two to five days after a dog is exposed to the virus. Infected dogs have the ability to spread the virus for seven to 10 days from the onset of symptoms.

Much the same as human influenza, this virus can be spread through direct contact with a contaminated surface.

Infected dogs may not exhibit signs of infection, but are still able to spread the virus. As of October 2005, confirmed cases of canine influenza had been diagnosed in the pet populations in 10 states.

Treatment           
Although most dogs will recover from this virus without any treatment, dogs exhibiting symptoms of a mild infection can be treated with antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

Others with a more severe form of the virus require fluids and rest; more severe cases require intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Treatment for this population has been successful in about 95 percent of the cases.

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