Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) What you need to know about CIV!!!

Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)What you need to know about CIV!!! 

Dog Flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by two different canine influenza viruses. Unless a dog has already had the illness and recovered, almost every dog exposed to the virus will become infected. Two different strains of canine influenza virus (CIV)  have been isolated in the US. CIV, H3N8 was first reported in 2003, and CIV, H3N2 emerged in March 2015.  Dogs have no natural immunity to canine influenza virus. Therefore, dogs at risk should be vaccinated against both strains. 

What is Canine Influenza Virus?

Dog Flu Outbreak Map
Click to see CIV's outbreak path. 

Canine influenza virus is a very contagious respiratory disease that infects dogs. This virus emerged in the US in early 2004 in the form of the viral strains- H3N8. Vaccinations were created for this strain. In 2015 a new strain developed, H3N2. Today, confirmed cases of H3N8 & H3N2 have been found in all but 4 of our United States. This highly contagious disease began as an isolated episode of respiratory disease in one state, and has now become a nationwide health concern for all dogs. In Florida we have seen cases of both strain since 2016.

The current vaccine available protects again both CIV strands. 

What does CIV cause?

CIV causes a respiratory infection in dogs that is also known as “dog flu”. Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, and frequent coughing that can last for 2 weeks or more. Many dogs have a fever, decreased appetite, and lethargy during the first few days of illness. Some dogs have more serious disease and pneumonia that requires hospital care

How do dogs get CIV infection?

CIV is spread by direct contact with a sick dog and by contact with an environment or people that are contaminated with the virus. Coughing dogs produce invisible virus‐containing mists that travel more than 20 feet in the air, facilitating rapid spread of virus over distances. This type of virus transmission contributes to a rapid increase in coughing dogs in a kennel situation. The virus can survive in the environment (kennel surfaces, food/water bowls, collars/ leashes, toys, beds) or on people’s clothing and hands for 12 to 24 hours before it dies. It is easily killed by hand washing with soap and water, normal laundering of clothing and bedding, and washing food/water bowls and toys with soap and water.

 

What dogs are at risk for CIV?

Most dogs do not have immunity to CIV. This means that dogs of any breed, age or health status will likely be infected if they are exposed to the virus. Dogs at most risk for exposure are those with a social lifestyle and participate in group events or are housed in communal facilities, especially in communities where CIV is circulating. This includes dogs in boarding kennels, day care centers, shelters, dog shows, veterinary clinics, pet stores, grooming parlors, etc. 

What if my dog is diagnosed with CIV?

Dog Flu infection should be suspected in dogs with persistent cough, those with nasal discharge, fever, pneumonia or other clinical signs of more severe respiratory illness.

Most dogs recover at home without any complications. However, because of the increasing prevalence of Dog Flu, the rapid spread of the infection among dogs, and the potential for up to 20% of dogs to have a severe disease course, the most important aspect of care is to keep your dog isolated from all other dogs for 4 weeks. While dogs recover from illness in about 2 weeks, they can remain contagious to other dogs for up to 4 weeks. If you have other dogs or cats in the house, then all of them must be isolated in the home for 4 weeks. Your veterinarian will provide instructions on how to monitor the health of all the pets and when to call about concerns.

The 20% of dogs that progress to a more severe disease course like pneumonia typically have decreased appetite, are very lethargic, and may have labored breathing. These dogs likely need special hospital care for recovery. The mortality rate of canine influenza has been reported to range from 1% to 8% in puppies and older dogs.

What can I do to protect my dog against CIV?

The most important step is to vaccinate your dog against the canine influenza viruses. Just like human flu vaccines, the CIV vaccine may not completely prevent infection but will make it less likely. Additionally, if a vaccinated dog does get infected, the disease is likely to be more mild and of shorter duration. The vaccine can also protect against pneumonia. Talk to your veterinarian about vaccination against CIV and other canine influenza viruses.

Be careful about exposing your dog to events or facilities with other dogs. Knowledge and common sense are your best defenses against canine influenza.