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Mutated Equine
Influenza Virus
Anne Jones RN, BSNE
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A new concern is the mutated equine
influenza virus H3N8. This virus was first isolated in dogs in
2004 in south Florida and in Massachusetts among racing greyhounds,
astonishing veterinarians who have seen the virus in horses for some
40 years. Never before had it been known to infect humans or
canines. So far humans have not been found to be infected. In dogs,
there have been fatalities, usually in the form of pneumonia,
probably in less than 5 per cent of sick dogs. Otherwise the
symptoms are similar to the known kennel cough infections. Since
this is a new pathogen, all dogs are susceptible!
Incubation time is short (2-5 days) and infection rate in kennels
will likely be 100%, with 75 % presenting clinical signs but all
being contagious. Diagnosis can be confirmed by antibodies in serum
and samples can be sent to the Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic
Center. Other diagnostic lab tests may be available.
The virus is being studied at several veterinary universities and
the CDC (Center for Communicable Diseases) and is being closely
monitored by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Research
is in progress on a vaccine that has not yet been successful but for
which there is reason to expect success. The known kennel cough
vaccines will not be effective with this virus.
While the disease was primarily centered in Florida and New England
among racing greyhounds, there is every reason to expect it to
progress across the country, from dog to dog, as affected dogs are
present in boarding kennels, grooming facilities, veterinary clinics
– and at dog shows. In the great majority of affected animals, the
progression is to recovery with little or no after effects but in
about 6 to 8 per cent, death may occur. Early veterinary care is
important so owners of the dog that is mildly affected should speak
to the veterinarian who usually treats the animal and seek advice.
If he wants to see your dog, take precautions not to spread the
disease (take your Bichon in his crate for instance).
At a recent CDC conference with the media, one of the veterinarians
in attendance gave this advice (summarized):
I will take my own dogs to be groomed, they will go to dog parks
and participate in community activities. I will continue to attend
AKC events. However common sense says that a dog that has a
respiratory infection or has recently recovered should be kept at
home for at least a couple of weeks post recovery, both for his own
recovery and for the safety of other animals.
Read the entire report at
http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/transcripts/t050926.htm
Other sources of information include:
www.vetmed.ufl.edu/pr
Diagnosis and testing (from Cornell)
http://www.diaglab.vet.cornell.edu/news.asp
Dog flu spreads/death rate LOW
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/09/0927_050927_dog_flu.html
In a nutshell and easy to read
http://www.heralddemocrat.com/articles/2005/09/27/life/life07.txt
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