[ SHOWGSD-L ] Canine Flu
- From: Fran Henry <fhenry1@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: showgsd <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 11 Oct 2005 11:04:30 -0600
I can't remember which list I took this from, but this post is one of the
more informative I've run across. Here in Colorado, reportedly the
greyhound tracks had some cases of the flu over the past several years, but
my vet is unaware of any cases in the general population. I printed out
this post and gave it to my vet.
Fran in Denver
**********************
There are now veterinarian advisories out concerning Canine Influenza.
This may be cross posted but please include this header section, which Dr.
Dubovi has approved.
=20
PLEASE DO NOT PANIC, and do NOT assume that every cough is Canine Influenza=
.
=8B Kennel Cough from parainfluenza and /Bordetella/ is more common..
However, the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell is interested in
receiving samples from dogs that appear to have kennel cough.
=20
Clinical Signs: Since this is a new pathogen in dogs, there is currently n=
o
natural immunity present in the unexposed canine population. Almost all
exposed dogs will become infected, and nearly 80% have clinical signs. In
the mild form the dogs will have a cough that persists for 10 to 21 days.
The cough may be soft and moist or dry. Many dogs will have a nasal
discharge from a secondary bacterial infection and low grade fever. The
nasal discharge responds to broad spectrum antibiotics. In the severe form
with pneumonia there is a high fever (104-106 F) and respiratory
difficulties. X-rays may show consolidation. These dogs often have
secondary bacterial infections and have responded to broad-spectrum
antibiotics and supportive care including intravenous hydration.
=20
The incubation period is two to five days and dogs may shed virus for seven
to 10 days. The disease can spread rapidly throughout a boarding kennel.
Dogs that are coughing SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT TO SHOWS or Performance EVENTS=
.
Marg Pough
**********************
From NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Animal Health
Diagnostic Center at Cornell.
=20
*Canine Influenza Virus Detected in Dogs in New York State
=20
The Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell has reason to believe that
canine influenza virus is now present in the New York City area. Reports
have been received indicating an unusual form of "kennel cough" has been
seen in a number of veterinary practices. Six animals recovering from this
clinical presentation are all serologically positive for canine influenza
virus. Previous tests of New York State dogs have all been negative.
=20
Canine influenza virus is a relatively new finding in dogs. It was first
identified in racing greyhounds and this virus appears to have been the
cause of significant respiratory problems on the tracks throughout the US
for the last 5-6 years. The Virology Lab at Cornell isolated the first
influenza virus from an animal that died from the infection. The virus was
sequenced at CDC and was found to be closely related to equine influenza
virus. Evidence of infection of non-greyhounds by influenza virus has been
found in Florida for the past year.
=20
A key factor in defining the significance of this infection in dogs is to
obtain additional isolates so that sequencing can be done to determine
whether the virus is evolving in the dog. We are requesting assistance in
this endeavor from practitioners that have respiratory cases in dogs >1 yea=
r
of age. Samples that we need are pharyngeal swabs taken from dogs at the
onset of clinical signs (fevers of 39.5 to 41.5oC, a soft, gagging cough fo=
r
10 to14 days). Samples for virus isolation taken late in the infection wil=
l
not be useful for virus isolation. Swabs should be placed in a sterile tube
(red top vacutainer for example) with 5-6 drops of sterile saline. Do not
place swabs in bacterial transport medium. Ship samples overnight on ice
packs. Samples will initially be screened by PCR for influenza virus.
Positive samples will be processed for virus isolation. There will be no
charge for the influenza screening at this time.
=20
Acute and convalescent serum samples will also be helpful to define the
extent of the infection in dogs. If one has cases of dogs that have
recovered, a single serum sample can be used to determine exposure.
=20
Should animals die of a respiratory infection, fresh and fixed tissue can b=
e
submitted for influenza virus screening.
=20
Any questions regarding this matter should be directed to:
=20
Dr. Edward Dubovi Director-Virology Lab ejd5@xxxxxxxxxxx
Samples should be shipped to:
=20
Animal Health Diagnostic Center College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell
Upper Tower Road Ithaca, NY 14853
=20
From:
David M. Chico, V.M.D. Division of Animal Industry NYS Department of
Agriculture and Markets 10B Airline Drive Albany, NY=80 12235-0001
518-457-3502 David.Chico@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
=20
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