What you should know about Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)

What is Canine Influenza Virus and where did it come from?

Canine Influenza is a mutation of the equine influenza A subtype H3N8 virus that jumped species from horses to affect dogs. Influenza viruses are known for their ability to mutate and affect an entirely new species, much as the highly publicized 2009 H1N1 swine influenza virus mutated and jumped from swine to man. Canine Influenza emerged as a highly contagious respiratory disease primarily in the Florida racing greyhound population in the early 2000’s. Since that time intermittent outbreaks have been reported primarily in environments where dogs are housed together in large numbers such as animal shelters, humane societies, pet stores and boarding facilities.

What are the clinical signs associated with the virus?

CIV causes respiratory disease and the signs include a deep hacking cough, a mucousy nasal discharge, fever and general weakness and inactivity. Less than 10 % of infected dogs may develop a more severe form of illness with higher fever and pneumonia.

How is CIV treated in infected dogs?

Most cases of CIV are treated very successfully with medicines that suppress the cough, and in most cases, antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial bronchitis. Rest and ensuring adequate nutrition and water intake are also important. If the more severe form of the disease develops, including pneumonia, then more aggressive therapy including hospitalization in a veterinary hospital would be required.

Is CIV contagious?

Like most influenza viruses Canine Influenza Virus is highly contagious under the right conditions. Any place where dogs are housed together in large groups creates an environment where the disease can potentially spread rapidly from one dog to another. This is why the Drs. at Pet Care Veterinary Hospital and the management at Bayside Kennels want to educate our customers about this disease.

How is CIV transmitted?

In most instances transmission occurs via direct contact with infected dogs and by aerosols created by coughing and sneezing. The virus can also contaminate items infected dogs come in contact with including bedding, food and water bowels, leashes, collars, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. The virus is rendered inactive by washing hands, clothes and dog items in soap and water.

Why am I just now hearing about CIV?

Two reasons really. One is that since 2004 the virus has spread to over 30 states with certain geographic locations (the Northeast, Florida and Colorado) being affected more severely. Kennel outbreaks have also been documented in Northern Virginia. Second is that a vaccine to prevent CIV was made available in July 2009 and this has created a lot of buzz in the press.

Can CIV be prevented?

Yes, in July 2009, Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health began marketing an inactivated vaccine for CIV. At this time it is recommended for dogs that may be predisposed to exposure such as those going to dog shows, doggie daycares or boarding facilities. As with most flu vaccines it may not totally prevent CIV but rather markedly reduce clinical signs associated with infection. This means that vaccinated dogs that are exposed and become infected are less likely to have severe symptoms and are not as contagious to other dogs.

What is Bayside Kennels and Pet Care Veterinary Hospital’s position on CIV?

As always our primary concern is the health of your pet. We take great pride in our kennel and ensure that all areas of the boarding, daycare and grooming facility are kept cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis. After much research it has been decided that all dogs entering our boarding and grooming facility should receive the Canine Influenza vaccine. Initial vaccination will require a booster 2-4 weeks after the first administration and then annually thereafter. To achieve maximum immunity it is ideal that the vaccine series be completed two weeks prior to boarding.

Is the Canine Influenza Vaccine safe?

Schering Plough, the vaccine manufacturer, performed safety studies on 746 dogs, representing 30 breeds ranging in age from 6 weeks to 10 years. There were no adverse reaction on any of these dogs and therefore the vaccine is considered to be very safe.