Do you know that there is a new disease that spreads dogs? This is canine flu, also called canine influenza or canine influenza.
This new disease was first identified in Florida in 2004 and has since spread to most US states. Canine influenza was first detected in racing greyhounds. Then the disease spread to racing greyhounds in 9 other states before being found in other dogs.
Where did the dog flu come from?
It is known that a subtype of influenza A, called H3N8, infects horses for more than 40 years. Shortly before 2004, the H3N8 virus jumped from dogs to horses, and then the dogs began to become infected with this influenza subtype.
Why almost every dog exposed to dog flu will catch it
Avian influenza can potentially become a big problem in dogs. The reason for this is that it is a new disease. Therefore, there are no dogs that have previously been exposed to the virus. Therefore, no dogs will be immune to this flu virus, as all dogs are susceptible to this canine flu.
This lack of immunity means that almost every dog that is infected with the H3N8 virus will become infected and will become infected with the flu. Therefore, canine influenza is very contagious.
What are the symptoms of canine flu?
About 80% of dogs getting the flu have mild symptoms. Of the dogs that have more severe symptoms, there have been some deaths.
Like any flu virus, the symptoms will be respiratory. The most common symptoms are cough and runny nose. Many dogs will get a very mild fever. More severe symptoms are usually associated with the lungs and the development of pneumonia.
Where is dog flu found?
Currently, canine influenza has shown that testing is conducted in most US states. Since many dogs are probably not tested, it is likely that H3N8 canine flu is more common and more dogs are infected than testing indications.
In any place where there are a lot of dogs, they are in close proximity, it is easy to infect with dog flu. For this reason, N3H8 flu is becoming a common disease in shelters, kennels and dog sleds in some areas.
Is there a vaccine for the H3N8 flu virus?
On June 9, 2010, the United States Department of Agriculture was granted a full license for the vaccine for the H3N8 flu. This vaccine will prevent many, but not all dogs from becoming infected. For those who become infected with H3N8 after receiving the vaccine, the symptoms should be very mild.
If you infect a dog with the flu vaccine?
The H3N8 flu vaccine is not a major vaccine.
If your dog is already getting immunized against Bordetella (cough kennel), then think about vaccination against the H3N8 flu. This is due to the fact that when a dog is at a higher risk of contracting Bordetella, they also have an increased risk of contracting dog flu. Some planting kennels in areas where there are currently high levels of canine flu are starting to ask dogs to be vaccinated with the H3N8 vaccine in addition to Bordetella.
If your dog is not in close contact with a large number of other dogs, then there are no significant levels of H3N8 flu at the local level, or your dog has certain health problems, your veterinarian will likely assume that this is not necessary. Ask your vet about what suits your dog.
