Canine influenza (CI, or dog flu) in the U.S. is caused by the canine influenza virus (CIV), an influenza A virus. It  is highly contagious and easily spread from infected dogs to other dogs through direct contact, nasal secretions (through coughing and sneezing), contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes), and by people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. Dogs of any breed, age, sex or health status are at risk of infection when exposed to the virus.  So far, there is no evidence that canine influenza infects people. However, it does appear that at least some strains of the disease can infect cats. 

Canine influenza symptoms and diagnosis 

CIV infection resembles canine infectious tracheobronchitis ("kennel cough"). The illness may be mild or severe, and infected dogs develop a persistent cough and may develop a thick nasal discharge and fever. Other signs can include lethargy, eye discharge, reduced appetite, and low-grade fever. Most dogs recover within 2-3 weeks. However, secondary bacterial infections can develop, and may cause more severe illness and pneumonia.

Anyone with concerns about their pet’s health, or whose pet is showing signs of canine influenza, should contact their veterinarian.

CIV can be diagnosed early in the illness (less than 4 days) by testing a nasal or throat swab. The most accurate test for CIV infection is a blood test that requires a sample taken during the first week of illness, followed by a second sample 10-14 days later.

Transmission and prevention of canine influenza

Dogs are most contagious during the two- to four-day incubation period for the virus, when they are infected and shedding the virus in their nasal secretions but are not showing signs of illness. Almost all dogs exposed to CIV will become infected, and the majority (80%) of infected dogs develop flu-like illness. The mortality (death) rate is low (less than 10%).

The spread of CIV can be reduced by isolating ill dogs as well as those who are known to have been exposed to an infected dog and those showing signs of respiratory illness. Good hygiene and sanitation, including hand washing and thorough cleaning of shared items and kennels, also reduce the spread of CIV. Influenza viruses do not usually survive in the environment beyond 48 hours and are inactivated or killed by commonly used disinfectants.  Soap and water are very effective at inactivating the virus.

There are vaccines against the H3N8 strain of canine influenza, which was first discovered in 2004 and until 2015 was the only strain of canine influenza found in the United States. However, a 2015 outbreak of canine influenza in Chicago was traced to the H3N2 strain – the  first reporting of this strain outside of Asia – and it is not known whether the H3N8 vaccine provides any protection against this strain. Used against H3N8, the vaccines may not completely prevent infection, but appear to reduce the severity and duration of the illness, as well as the length of time when an infected dog may shed the virus in its respiratory secretions and the amount of virus shed – making them less contagious to other dogs.

The CIV vaccination is a "lifestyle" vaccination, recommended for dogs at risk of exposure due to their increased exposure to other dogs – such as boarding, attending social events with dogs present, and visiting dog parks. 

The time course of infection, based on other influenza viruses is generally:  Incubation period is expected to be 2-3 days (from infection to showing clinical signs); clinical signs (illness) lasting 5-7 days; and viral shedding up to 13 – 17 days after exposure (how long they are contagious).

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about his disease and how it affects your pet.

Resources:

https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/CanineInfluenza.aspx

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/news/canine-influenza-update.htm

http://www.vetmed.wisc.edu/civ-h3n2-info/

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEAP) has developed new protocols for deworming horses because of the following factors:

• The AAEP has determined that large strongyles are now rare and small strongyles are now the major parasite of concern in adult horses.
• Roundworms are still considered the primary parasite infecting foals and weanlings.
• Resistance to dewormers is highly prevalent in small strongyles and roundworms.
• Horses younger than 3 years old are more susceptible to parasite infection and are at a greater risk to developing disease.

The AAEP found that frequent treatments are unnecessary and can lead to resistance in the parasites. For this reason, they recommend:

• Doing fecal egg counts to determine what parasites are an issue for the individual farm, and the magnitude of the parasite burden.
• Tailoring treatments to the parasites that are found on the farm.
• Monitoring dewormer effectiveness by doing follow-up fecal tests.

They also have several suggestions for parasite control:

• Keep pastures as free of manure as possible
• Compost manure to kill the eggs and developing larvae
• Time deworming treatments at times of the year most optimal for larval development (usually spring and fall)

In general, let us work with you to design a parasite control program within the needs of your farm. By using fecal tests and parasite-specific deworming plans, we can work together to keep your horses free from internal parasites! Call us today to begin a customized parasite plan for your farm.

This time of year brings an abundance of new and “unusual” plants (from our curious pets’ point of view!) into our homes and environments.  How do you know which ones may present a danger to your pet(s)?  And how do you know which symptoms to look for in the case that your pet may have ingested a harmful lily? Watch this video to learn more!