Canine Influenza

During the summer of 2004, outbreaks of respiratory disease were reported from 14 greyhound racetracks in six states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Texas, and West Virginia). The probable cause for these outbreaks has been linked to a new, emerging virus. Infection in pet dogs has also recently been identified.

Key information about canine influenza

• Influenza viruses have traditionally been found in pigs, poultry, humans, and horses.
• This new virus in dogs is closely related to an influenza virus in horses.

Clinical characteristics of infection

• There are two general clinical syndromes – a mild form and a severe pneumonic form.
• The milder type is commonly characterized by a cough that persists for 10 to 21 days, despite therapy with antibiotics and cough suppressants.  Infected dogs can have nasal discharge and a low-grade fever.
• The severe type is characterized by pneumonia, high fever (104º to 106º F), and an increased respiratory rate.  The mortality rate is from 1 to 5%.

Transmission of the canine influenza virus

• Canine influenza is most likely spread from dog to dog by aerosol droplets (with coughing) or by a dog’s direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
• It is possible for an infected dog to have no outward signs of infection, yet actively shed the virus.

If you suspect your dog has influenza

• Contact your veterinarian for information about diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and prevention.

FAQs about canine influenza

Q: Is there a vaccine for my dog?
A: Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for canine influenza. 

Q: Is it safe to take my dog to a dog park?
A: If your dog is healthy and has not had a recent respiratory infection, pet owners should feel free to visit dog parks, kennels, or dog shows.

Q: Can people get canine influenza?
A: To date, there has been no evidence of dog-to-human transmission of this virus.  (People have been known to contract influenza from infected pigs and poultry, but this is extremely rare, and there is no evidence that this can happen with infected dogs.)

Testing for the virus
Testing for the virus is available at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Should dogs die of a respiratory infection, fresh and fixed tissue can be submitted for influenza virus screening. Pharyngeal swabs can be taken in dogs that are acutely ill. Ideally, samples should be collected on virus collection swabs with transport media (such as Stuart’s or Hank’s) or sterile swabs. Sterile swabs can be placed in a red top tube with 5 to 6 drops of sterile saline.  Ship samples overnight on ice packs. For additional submission guidelines, contact the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at 612-625-8787 or 800-605-8787 or go to http://www.vdl.umn.edu./

Any laboratory-confirmed case of canine influenza must be reported to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health at 651-296-2942, extension 39.

For more information about other influenza viruses, go to

• www.cdc.gov
• www.cvm.umn.edu
• www.vetmed.ufl.edu/pr/nw_story/CANINEFLUFACTSHEET.htm