Dog Flu (H3N8) Disease and Vaccine Information

Originally discovered in 2004, the canine influenza virus is believed to have jumped from horses to dogs in Florida. This virus, H3N8, is a subtype of the influenza A virus, a highly contagious pathogen that can cause disease by itself or in conjunction with other respiratory pathogens.

Transmission: As with most infectious respiratory diseases, dogs housed in close quarters (kennels, shelters) and situations where there is lots of "dog traffic" (dog day care, grooming/training, vet clinics) are most at risk. There is no evidence to date that this virus infects humans.

Clinical signs: Similar to other influenza infections, this virus causes respiratory signs of sneezing, nasal discharge and coughing. Fever may occur, but not often.

Diagnosis: Because these signs are the same as many other respiratory infections, a special test is necessary to diagnose the H3N8 virus. This test is called a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) and usually two samples are submitted over a 2 week period to positively identify infection.

H3N8 Treatment: Treatment for this disease is supportive; making sure that the dog maintains appetite, extreme coughing is controlled, and monitoring for fever or development of more serious complications, such as pneumonia. Your veterinarian will determine if pneumonia is a risk and if antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection are warranted.

H3N8 Vaccine: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has conditionally approved the first vaccine for the canine H3N8 virus on June 23, 2009. The canine influenza vaccine (CIV) is made from a killed virus.

From APHIS:
Studies indicate that the vaccine can reduce the incidence and severity of lung lesions, as well as the duration of coughing and viral shedding. The product is administered by injection, and is recommended for use in healthy dogs at six weeks of age or older as an aid in the control of disease associated with canine influenza virus infection.
Read full APHIS press release on CIV vaccine

FAQ: Canine H3N8 Influenza Vaccine
Who is at risk? Learn the risk factors and vaccine specifics in this dog flu vaccine FAQ.

Related: For the latest H1N1 news, please see the H1N1 and Animal News Archive

Related H3N8 News Stories:

• 10 Things to Know About the H3N8 Dog Flu
  By Cynda Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D. for The New York Times
• New Flu Vaccine Approved -- for Dogs
  From The New York Times

Photo credit: Dog Nose © kalimistuk on Flickr

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