CANINE HEALTH ADVISORY

CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS DETECTED

September 28, 2005 - Veterinary researchers at the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida and Cornell University, and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified a new and highly contagious outbreak of canine influenza virus. Symptoms are similar to those of “kennel cough” and include coughing that persists for 10 to 21 days, nasal discharge and a low-grade fever. Just like human flu, most dogs will suffer a mild form of the disease and recover over time with appropriate veterinary care and supervision. In a small number of cases, estimated at less than 10 percent, dogs may experience complications like pneumonia that can be fatal.

Currently, there is no vaccine for canine influenza virus. Because the disease is highly contagious and all dogs are believed susceptible, experts recommend taking a common-sense approach, which includes seeking veterinary advice if your dog exhibits signs of respiratory illness; ensuring that if you use a boarding kennel it is reputable and well-known (go to www.abka.com for information); and staying alert to announcements in your area regarding outbreaks.

Canine influenza virus is an emerging disease and information about the disease, where it exists and how it’s transmitted changes on a daily basis. For the most accurate updates, please visit the Web sites for the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida
(www.vetmed.ufl.edu) and Cornell University ( www.vet.cornell.edu/ ). Other partners monitoring this situation include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( www.cdc.gov/page.do ), the American Veterinary Medical Association ( www.avma.org/ ), the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials and the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians.

ADDITIONAL ONLINE RESOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) media briefing transcript (9/26/05) -

www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/transcripts/t050926.htm

University of Florida Canine Influenza Virus Fact Sheet -

www.vetmed.ufl.edu/pr/nw_story/CANINEFLUFACTSHEET.htm Cornell University Canine Influenza Information - www.diaglab.vet.cornell.edu/news.asp