by Dr. Janice Mitchell
Ahem! <cough> Now that I have your attention….
Since January 2018, three clusters of dogs with H3N2 canine influenza virus (CIV) have been reported by the OMAFRA office of chief veterinarian for Ontario. The regions to date are Essex County and the Simcoe-Muskoka area.
These are the first known cases of H3N2 CIV in Canada, where previously it has been widespread in some parts of Asia and causing outbreaks in the United States. Influenza viruses receive great attention by health professionals (including vets) due to the concern of rapid spread and chance for animal to human transmission.
H3N2 was thought to have been introduced to the US in 2015 from imported dogs from South Korea. It is highly transmissible between dogs and causes disease that is indistinguishable from other causes of canine infectious respiratory complex commonly referred to as “kennel cough.” Signs can be mild (ie. cough, sneeze, eye or nasal discharge, fever, and occasionally vomiting) to severe such as pneumonia complicated with bacterial infection. Most dogs recover within 2-3 weeks with no treatment or with basic supportive care such as anti-inflammatories and cough suppressants. As with other influenza viruses, severe disease is likely to occur with the young and old, as well as with the squishy faced breeds (ie. pugs, bulldogs) and dogs with underlying heart disease.
Infected dogs can start shedding the virus shortly before the onset of clinical signs (within 24 hours) which makes it difficult to stop transmission.
Dogs that have contact with other dogs at events or facilities such as kennels, off-leash parks and classes are most likely to be exposed. Once infected, dogs can shed the virus for 21 days so it is recommended to keep sick pups isolated for four weeks. The virus can remain infectious in the environment for up to 48 hours and for extended period (12-24 hours) on people’s hands and clothes. Alcohol based hand sanitizers will effectively inactivate CIV.
H3N2 Canine Influenza Virus can infect cats although the incidence is low, and there is no known human risk from H3N2 CIV.
As the virus is very contagious, it is important to call the veterinary facility before your bring your dog in as they will advise on how to proceed to ensure other dogs do not get infected. To confirm H3N2 CIV, specific blood tests (antibody titres) and nasal swabs can be performed and submitted for appropriate testing.
There are vaccines for CIV in Canada. Although not 100 percent effective, these would be recommended for dogs at high risk of exposure in areas with confirmed cases of influenza. Currently, there are no confirmed cases on Manitoulin Island.
As of January 2018, novel influenza strains in any domestic animal must be reported to the local public health unit, including H3N2. In the meantime, one can protect their dog from getting infected by delaying travel to where an outbreak is occurring, and reduce high levels of dog-dog contact. Veterinarians are continued to be informed of viral outbreaks in Ontario and if you should want the update on CIV please contact your veterinarian.
Until then, breathe easy and health to you and your furry friends.
