Just a reminder/update:
Emerging Threat of Canine Influenza

With so many flu viruses circulating, it seems none are species-specific for too long.

By Jessica Tremayne

http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/web-exclusives/emerging-threat-of-canine-influenza.aspx

The growing range of influenza viruses has many people concerned about their risk of infection and the risk level of their pets. Private practitioners bear the brunt of inquiries and are being asked to make determinations of viral spread that stump virologists and epidemiologists.

What is known about the canine influenza virus is that the country’s shelter populations and boarding facilities are at the highest risk. Experts say the virus could spread in a shelter environment as readily as other respiratory infections, including canine infectious tracheobronchitis, or kennel cough.

But show dogs, race dogs, boarded dogs and even those that frequent dog parks are at heightened risk of exposure as well.

“This is an emerging disease which is the impetus for all of the funding dollars going toward research,” says Wayne A.  Jensen, DVM, Ph.D., MBA, chief scientific officer for Morris Animal Foundation.

“There are all sorts of questions about this virus, and not a lot of knowledge. Our earlier concerns about the virus were that it would be deadly. Although it has largely been controlled, we need to quickly gather information as we don’t know the virus’ speed of mutation or full capabilities yet.”

The U.S. strain of H3N8 (canine flu) isn’t a reportable disease, so the true number of nationally diagnosed cases is unknown. However, universities and laboratories that receive samples for testing are keeping count.

“We continue to get isolates from private practices and track any noted changes in the virus,” says Edward J. Dubovi, Ph.D., a virologist with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

“We use PCR tests to identify specific markers for the virus that makes the canine strain different than others,” Dubovi says. “Monitoring the evolution of the virus tells us if the dog received a viral infection from another dog or another species. At this point, we don’t know what other species are susceptible to the canine influenza strain. Cats could be a logical jump, since dogs and cats often live in the same households.”

Testing

Cornell researchers say nasal swabs are nearly twice as successful in isolating the virus as nasopharyngeal swabs taken at the same time on the same animal.

A generic PCR test that detects the highly conserved matrix gene is the test of choice at Cornell. While Dubovi and others there are currently looking for the H3N8 virus in submitted samples, a test unique to this virus would miss a potential influenza infection caused by another flu strain.

PCR testing is a step in the right direction, researchers say.

Since the canine flu virus is believed to have mutated from equine influenza, also labeled H3N8, researchers are hopeful the virus mutates at a slow rate like that of the equine strain and not like the human influenza virus, which requires annual vaccine reformulation to maintain efficacy.

“All influenzas have a genetic drift,” says Emily Beeler, DVM, a zoonosis veterinarian at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “If the virus mutated very quickly, I doubt that veterinary medicine would have the financial resource

s or time to coordinate an effective vaccine annually. So we are lucky in the respect that it seems to evolve more slowly.”

 

---

“Shelters find it nearly impossible to eradicate the disease once it is introduced. We want to learn how the virus spreads among shelter dogs and will also determine whether there is a reliable test that could detect the virus during a dog's intake exam at a shelter."
 ~ Gabriele A. Landolt, DVM

---

Other Strains

The U.S. H3N8 strain isn’t the only influenza circulating in canine populations. A subtype of H3N2, an avian influenza strain, was initially found in South Korean dog populations in 2007.

Researchers say this discovery suggests that avian influenza virus with high pathogenicity can rapidly spread from dogs to dogs and has made the interspecies leap. Most whole influenza viruses that are transmitted directly from the natural host species to a different species do not achieve sustained transmission in the new host species, according to Daesub Song of Green Cross Veterinary Products Ltd. in South Korea  and other researchers who study this strain and other emerging diseases.

This suggests that multiple host interactions are needed before the virus can replicate and be transmitted horizontally in a new host species.

“Although any influenza virus that jumps species is a concern, the greatest concern is when a virus makes an interspecies leap and is effectively transferred within the species,” Dr.  Beeler says.

“LA County and other big cities regularly receive imported purebred dogs from Korea–mostly Yorkshire terriers. This means there is a possibility this strain could enter the U.S. So far, some dogs have tested positive for parvovirus, but none have been diagnosed with H3N2.”

Experts say many veterinarians believe the influenza virus in canine populations is a newer development, but Florida serology samples from the 1990s show antibodies were present.

“Influenza in cats isn’t unheard of either,” Beeler says. “H5N1, an avian influenza, was detected in Thailand cats in 2004–so the Iowa cat that tested positive for H1N1 (swine flu) wasn’t the first cat to be infected with an influenza virus.”

One glimpse of hope with the various influenza outbreaks is that flareups seem to happen and then the infection dies out rather than taking large numbers of casualties, experts say.

Vaccine

Intervet Schering-Plough’s release of Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8 killed virus, has offered some comfort to veterinarians whose clients are at an elevated risk of exposure for infection.

“We always recommend that owners speak with their veterinarians about any and all treatments,” says Intervet spokeswoman Sharon Dilling, and that includes the new vaccine.

"Because [canine influenza] is a new disease, virtually every dog not previously exposed to the virus will become infected,” she says.

“Many dogs are candidates for the vaccine because of routine contact with other dogs who may be carrying the virus, congregating in such places as dog parks, veterinary clinics, boarding kennels, breeding kennels, dog shows, training settings, shelters, adoption centers, pet shops and other locations."

But some specialists are concerned about its efficacy because of its limited USDA approval status.

“The vaccine isn’t for every canine patient,” says

H1N1 & Animals: New York Dog Confirmed First US H1N1 Canine Case

Related Article

• H1N1: Information for Veterinarians & Practice Team
  

Related Websites

• American Association of Swine Veterinarians H1N1 Information
• American Veterinary Medical Association H1N1 Updates & FAQs
• CDC Information: H1N1
• CDC Information: H1N1 En Espanol
• CDC Updates on Twitter
• Oregon Department of Health H1N1 Information
• Pandemic Preparedness for Veterinarians
• USDA Agricultural Research Service: 2009 H1N1 Influenza A Virus
• USDA Results of Animals Positive for H1N1 PDF
• World Health Organization Statement on H1N1 in Animals

Client Education

• H1N1 Virus PDF 12.21.09

New York Dog First Confirmed US H1N1 Canine Case

IDEXX Laboratories has confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a dog in Bedford Hills, New York. A 13-year old dog became ill after its owner was ill with confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza. The dog was lethargic, coughing, not eating, and had a fever. X-rays showed evidence of pneumonia. The dog was treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, nebulization and other supportive care, and was discharged from the hospital after 48 hours of care. It is currently recovering. Tests submitted to IDEXX Laboratories were negative for canine influenza (H3N8) but positive for 2009 H1N1 influenza. The results were confirmed by the Iowa State Laboratory.

This case follows an earlier report of two dogs in Beijing, China testing positive for the H1N1 virus.

Per Chinese media, the veterinary clinic of College of Veterinary Medic

ine at the China Agricultural University report that two out of 52 samples from sick dogs were tested positive for the H1N1 flu virus.

Canine influenza (H3N8) is a different influenza strain which is not known to be transmissible to humans.

Second Oregon Cat Positive for H1N1 Virus Has Died, Three Feline Fatalities Nationwide

On November 24, the owner brought an 8 year old female cat to a veterinary clinic on the Oregon coast. The cat showed signs of severe weakness and pain. According to the owner, the cat had a history of allergies and sneezing with nasal discharge and chronic sinusitis. The cat was hypothermic, dehydrated, weak, and had nasal discharge and blue-tinged mucous membranes. X-rays showed severe pneumonia and fluid accumulation in the cat's chest.

Despite supportive care and treatment with oseltamivir (Tamiflu), the cat died the evening of November 24. The cat's owner had previously been ill with severe respiratory disease and was confirmed to be infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

A nasal discharge sample was collected and tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus by the Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

In a previous Oregon case, a 10-year-old male cat was brought to Animal Clinic in Lebanon, Oregon in early November with labored breathing.

A member of the family had been sick with influenza-like illness approximately one week earlier. On initial examination, the cat's temperature was 101.7 F. There was no coughing or sneezing and its respiration was rapid and shallow. Radiographs were taken and revealed results consistent with pneumonia.

On November 5, 2009, the cat's respiratory rate worsened. The cat was admitted and treated with oxygen and medication. On November 7, 2009, the cat died.

Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory presumptively diagnosed 2009 H1N1 influenza by PCR from the nasal secretions of the cat. National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed this result.

It is believed that these are the first feline H1N1 case fatalities in the country. A cat in Pennsylvania has since reported to have died from the virus and related pneumonia.

Other Cases

There have been other confirmed cases of H1N1 infection in cats in the US, as well as a confirmed case in a cat in France. In addition to the Oregon case, there have been other cases in cats in California (1), Colorado (2), Iowa (1), Utah (1) and Pennsylvania (2). One of the cats in Pennsylvania died, but the other cats have recovered.

Transmission

In these cases it is believed that the cats caught the virus from humans in their households who were sick with influenza-like illness. If you or other members of your household have influenza-like symptoms, wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand cleaners, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze, and avoiding touching your cat's eyes, nose and mouth while you are sick.

Dr. Emilio DeBess, Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian, cautions owners and veterinarians that it may be possible for cats to transmit this virus to humans. Coughing and sneezing can spread the virus which can remain infectious for about a week outside the body.

Symptoms

Despite the unfortunate outcome in these cases, the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 infection in cats is quite small compared to the US cat population, estimated at 81 million.

Watch your cat for symptoms and seek veterinary care if your cat shows signs of respiratory illness, especially if your cat has experienced chronic respiratory diease.

Symptoms include coughing, sneez

or sneezing and its respiration was rapid and shallow. Radiographs were taken and revealed results consistent with pneumonia.

On November 5, 2009, the cat's respiratory rate worsened. The cat was admitted and treated with oxygen and medication. On November 7, 2009, the cat died.

Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory presumptively diagnosed 2009 H1N1 influenza by PCR from the nasal secretions of the cat. National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed this result.

It is believed that these are the first feline H1N1 case fatalities in the country. A cat in Pennsylvania has since reported to have died from the virus and related pneumonia.

Other Cases

There have been other confirmed cases of H1N1 infection in cats in the US, as well as a confirmed case in a cat in France. In addition to the Oregon case, there have been other cases in cats in California (1), Colorado (2), Iowa (1), Utah (1) and Pennsylvania (2). One of the cats in Pennsylvania died, but the other cats have recovered.

Transmission

In these cases it is believed that the cats caught the virus from humans in their households who were sick with influenza-like illness. If you or other members of your household have influenza-like symptoms, wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand cleaners, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze, and avoiding touching your cat's eyes, nose and mouth while you are sick.

Dr. Emilio DeBess, Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian, cautions owners and veterinarians that it may be possible for cats to transmit this virus to humans. Coughing and sneezing can spread the virus which can remain infectious for about a week outside the body.

Symptoms

Despite the unfortunate outcome in these cases, the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 infection in cats is quite small compared to the US cat population, estimated at 81 million.

Watch your cat for symptoms and seek veterinary care if your cat shows signs of respiratory illness, especially if your cat has experienced chronic respiratory diease.

Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, lethargy, or conjunctivitis (swelling and redness of the membranes around the eyes).

In these instances, your cat should be examined by your veterinarian, especially if there is a recent history of influenza-like illness in the household

Treatment

As with people, treatment is supportive, which means treating the symptoms and letting the virus run its course. If a diagnosis of respiratory illness is made, your veterinarian can suggest medications and treatment to make your cat more comfortable.

5 Oregon Ferrets Positive for H1N1 Virus

Case 1

The first documented case of natural transmission of the H1N1 virus to a ferret was in a Portland, Oregon ferret.

On October 5, 2009, a client brought a ferret to a Portland, Oregon veterinary hospital. The ferret had been exhibiting weakness followed by sneezing, coughing, and an elevated temperature.

Because the client previously had symptoms compatible with influenza, the attending veterinarian consulted with Dr. Emilio DeBess, Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian, and both agreed to test the ferret's nasal secretions for influenza.

On October 8, 2009, Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory presumptively diagnosed pandemic influenza H1N1 by PCR from the nasal secretions of the ferret.

On October 9, 2009, the result was confirmed at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories.

Contrary to published media reports, which stated that this Oregon ferret had died, it has, in fact, recovered.

Cases 2 - 4

In late October 2009, a client presented three of nine owned ferrets who had become ill with an influenza-like illness to a veterinarian in the Roseburg area. The family had human patients with influenza-like illness about a week prior to onset of illness in the ferrets.

Two of the three ferrets presented with fevers (temperature above 103 F), sneezing, coughing and had nasal discharge. Not all ferrets became ill at the same time, but 2 - 3 days after the initial two cases. Nasal discharge samples were collected on October 27, 2009 and were later reported as positive for Influenza A. 

Further testing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the isolates as pandemic influenza H1N1. The other ferrets were not tested, but it is believed they may have had the virus as well.

All nine ferrets have recovered.

Case 5

A 6 year old ferret was brought to a veterinarian in Springfield, Oregon on November 23, 2009 with coughing, sneezing, clean nasal discharge, and inappropriate urination. The family had had influenza-like illness the week prior to the onset of illness in the ferret.

A sample of the nasal discharge was collected and tested positive for H1N1 at Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

The ferret is recovering.

Other Cases

A Nebraska ferret positive for the H1N1 virus died.

Transmission

In these cases it is believed that the ferrets caught the virus from humans in their households who were sick with influenza-like illness. If you or other members of your household have influenza-like symptoms, wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand cleaners, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze, and avoiding touching your cat's eyes, nose and mouth while you are sick.

Dr. Emilio DeBess, Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian, cautions owners and veterinarians that it may be possible for ferrets or cats to transmit this virus to humans. Coughing and sneezing can spread the virus which can remain infectious for about a week outside the body.

Symptoms

If your ferret starts to exhibit signs of a respiratory illness or lethargy, the animal should be examined by your veterinarian.

Because of the immunosuppressive effects of influenza, bacterial infection may be of concern. If discharge from the nose or eyes becomes discolored (yellow or green), or if your ferret is coughing, contact your veterinarian.

Treatment

Once a diagnosis is made, your veterinarian may be able to suggest medications to make the ferret more comfortable. You must also ensure that your ferret remains hydrated. If your ferret is very lethargic or off food and water (monitor closely), treatment with fluids and/or force feeding may be necessary.

H1N1 and Other Animals

Birds & Poultry

The pandemic H1N1 virus has been detected in a turkey breeder flocks in Virginia and California. Consumers are reminded that they cannot catch the influenza virus from eating turkey.

Backyard poultry could potentially be at risk of H1N1 transmission from humans. 

Pet Birds

Pet birds can also be susceptible to H1N1. Testing is recommended if the bird and owner both develop an influenza-like illness compatible with H1N1.

Swine

There have been confirmed cases of H1N1 in the US swine population. Consumers are reminded that they cannot catch the influenza virus from eating pork. The USDA has granted a conditional license to Pfizer Animal Health for a pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine intended to vaccinate pigs. This is the first pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine license issued by USDA.

Pet Pigs

Because swine are susceptible to this virus, follow standard flu prevention protocols when handling your pet pig. If you are concerned about your pet pig's health, please contact your veterinarian.

Cheetah

Per the USDA, a cheetah at the Safari West Wildlife Preserve in California has tested positive for the virus.

Key Points for Pet Owners

Prevention

The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 infection in domestic animals is quite small compared to the overall US pet population.

Standard techniques to prevent the spread of influenza are recommended. These include hand-washing and using alcohol-based hand cleaners, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people and stay home from work or school if you are sick. If you are sick, you may want to limit contact with your domestic pet, bird or backyard poultry until you are well.

Vaccines

A human vaccine is available. Refer to the CDC Web site for the most current official information on human cases. Pet owners may wish to consult with their physicians to see if they are a candidate to receive the H1N1 vaccine.

There is no vaccine for domestic animals, such as ferrets, dogs, cats or birds. A vaccine for swine has received conditional approval from the USDA.

Published: January 7, 2010;    Updated: January 12, 2010

Sources: Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Swine Veterinarians, and news reports.http://oregonvma.org/news/h1n1

Never pass up a good opportunity to profit from the ever present and "deadly" flu :)

Rather than rely on a needle, I'll just continue to stick with keeping myself and my dog's immune systems strong.  Considering it has evolved over thousands of years to protect us from things like this and does a pretty good job.

There was an outbreak of the dog flu at a kennel about 2 hours from mine. They had a lot of dogs very sick
though I don't think they lost any. I talked to my vet about it and he said that a breeder (not GSD) lost 8 of
her show dogs to dog flu after coming home from a show. He said it's been growing in numbers, though
he does not force vaccine issues with me :)

Melissa

Hey Melissa, which kennel was that. After Maggies Badger and Andrea's Aeris got sick, now Maggies Tally displayed the same symptoms. They are unsure if its the dog flu, but put her on tamiflu anyways.

It seems to come out of nowhere with no direct contact between the dogs or share of training equipment. Even though my Anni displayed the same symptoms, her illness was unrelated to that, just happened at the same time.