http://drjustinelee.com/new-canine-influenza-strain-affecting-chicago-outbreak-dr-justine-lee/
http://drjustinelee.com/new-canine-influenza-strain-affecting-chicago-outbreak-dr-justine-lee/
New canine influenza strain affecting Chicago outbreak | Dr. Justine Lee
Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) outbreak in MidWest caused by new strain of virus: H3N2 not H3N8
According to scientists at
Cornell University and
University of Wisconsin, the recent canine influenza outbreak affecting more than
1,000 dogs in Chicago, IL and other parts of the Midwest is been identified to be caused by a
different strain of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) than was earlier assumed. Initially, this CIV outbreak was thought to be due to
H3N8 (which was originally identified in at a
Greyhound track in Florida back in 2004).
Currently,
Cornell’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
has done additional testing and found that the current outbreak is
being caused by a virus closely related to Asian strains of Influenza A
H3N2
viruses. While this specific Canine Influenza virus isn’t transmissible
to humans, it has currently in wide circulation in southern Chinese and
South Korean dog populations. The H3N2 virus hasn’t been previously
identified in North America, suggesting a recent introduction from the
virus from Asia.
When this recent Chicago outbreak happened, clinical samples (nasal
and oropharyngeal swaps from affected dogs) were sent to the
New York State Animal Diagnostic Laboratory at
Cornell, where the virus was diagnosed as Influenza A. Additional
testing was done and suggested a new strain. As a result, subsequent
testing, which was performed in conjunction with the Wisconsin
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, identified the new subtype as H3N2.
The National Veterinary Services Laboratories,
based out of Ames, IA (where USDA’s Animal and Plant Health inspection
Services or APHIS service is) is sequencing two isolates from this
outbreak to further characterize it.
Regardless of which strain of Canine Influenza Virus it is, clinical signs seen can include:
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Inappetance
- Anorexia
- Coughing
- Increased respiratory rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Nasal discharge
- Blue-tinged gums
- Constant panting
- Exercise intolerance
As an FYI for cat owners, the Canine Influenza Virus H3N2 has caused
infection and respiratory illness in cats too. If your dog was recently
diagnosed with CIV during this outbreak in the MidWest, make sure to
keep your cat isolated or away just in case.
For veterinarians who are seeing cases suspicious of CIV, here are some general recommendations:
- Ideally see affected patients in one specific exam room towards the
end of the day (e.g., away from routine healthy appointments)
- When seeing cases, make sure to admit them into isolation for treatment and evaluation
- Identify and implement syndromic surveillance measures that identify high-risk patients.
- Use appropriate disinfectant in the area to prevent further spread.
- Decontaminate potentially contaminated equipment (eg, thermometer, stethoscope)
- Use appropriate barrier protection (e.g., gowns, gloves, etc.)
- Instruct all to wash hands thorough with a biocidal soap and water.
- Consider advanced diagnostic testing [e.g., Influenza A matrix
reverse transciptase-polymerase chain reaction assay (Rt-PCR)]. Note
that the canine-specific Influenza A H3N8 Rt-PCR in use in several
laboratories will not detect this virus, and specific testing must be
performed. An H3N2-specific serologic assay is under development and
will be available soon.
As for this outbreak, consider appropriate isolation and prevention.
Avoid dog parks, groomers, doggy daycares, etc. in the MidWest region until this CIV outbreak ceases. As for protection, talk to
your veterinarian about the CIV vaccine. While it’s not known if the
current
Canine Influenza Virus will
offer protection against this different strain, it may offer some
cross-protection. This vaccine does protect against H3N8, which may
still be in circulation in some areas.
When in doubt, if your dog is showing any signs of coughing,
retching, increased respiratory rate, etc., please seek veterinary
attention immediately. The sooner you go, the sooner treatment can be
implemented!
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