by Frank Will

Created on: April 16, 2010

Canine influenza, or dog flu, is it really possible? Up until about six years ago the answer would have been no, it is not possible. However, all that changed in 2004 when it was discovered and than confirmed by Dr. Cynda Crawford, an immunologist at the University Of Florida College Of Veterinary Medicine.

It was at this time that several greyhounds were diagnosed with the flu when there was a huge outbreak at a racetrack in Jacksonville, Florida, and is fully documented in the September 26, 2005 edition of Science Magazine.

What is it?

Canine influenza is an extremely contagious respiratory disease in dogs that is often confused with kennel cough, but it is much more serious. In fact, it can be so serious, that although rare, it can take the life of your dog. However, it does not just affect greyhounds any longer as it has now spread to the entire dog population and it has become a world wide potential health risk for your dog.

Canine influenza is believed to have originated from a horse virus and is technically referred to as H3N8 influenza virus. Although at first there was a lot of misconception, it is definitely not a human virus, and as such, it can not be transmitted to humans. It is an equine virus and has been quite common in horses for at least 40 years and it is now commonly believed that it adapted from horses and can and has caused illness in dogs.

It is still quite often confused with Bordetlla, or kennel cough, which is a virus complex. Kennel cough will affect your dogs windpipe as well as their bronchial tree but it is usually very mild to moderate in severity without any other real symptoms. Because of this, it is considered to be self limiting. However, canine influenza is much more severe, as it is often associated with very high and threatening temperatures, coughs, as well as a nasal discharge.

Canine influenza is also extremely contagious and is spread by airborne viruses from an infected dogs respiratory secretions, almost exactly like it is spread in humans. This virus can also be spread by direct contact with an infected dog, or a contaminated toy, drinking device, or an eating bowel. However, it is so contagious, that it can also be spread by humans that may have come in contact with the virus and are carrying it on their hands, clothing, or their shoes.

This virus will remain infective for as long as 48 hours on some objects. Infected dogs will have the highest probability of passing it in their secretions between 2 and 4 days once

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