The first outbreak of CIV was in racing greyhounds
The recent influx of information on the H1N1 Swine Flu over the last several months has people all across the nation taking additional precautions in making decisions regarding travel destinations and personal vaccine protocol. Less publicized is the recent increase in cases of the H3N8 Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) which was first discovered in 2004 and is highly contagious to dogs. It is an adaptation on the equine version of the virus which has been in existence for over 40 years.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the first outbreak of CIV was found in racing greyhounds in Florida. Over the last five years it has since been documented in 30 states. The virus is spread much like any other which means it can be airborne and can also be transmitted on contaminated surfaces such as water bowls, leashes and toys or carried by owners. It can remain on surfaces for up to 48 hours, 24 hours on clothing and 12 hours on hands. To date there has been no indication that it can be transmitted to humans.
Signs of CIV are similar to that of Bordatella bronchiseptical/parainfluenza “Kennel Cough.” Dogs will commonly show indication of upper respiratory infection such as coughing, nasal discharge and a low-grade fever. The biggest concern is that these symptoms open the gateway for pneumonia to set in. The current mortality rate is estimated at 1-5% of infected dogs. If your dog exhibits any of these signs you should schedule an examination appointment with your veterinarian for proper diagnostics and diagnosis.
Veterinary hospitals across the country are initiating protocol for how to provide adequate care for patients with the virus and protection for others. According to most veterinary resources, Hawaii has yet to have a confirmed case of CIV which makes it all the more crucial for hospitals to have preventative procedures in place. Veterinarians across the island are working to prepare their staff to identify the signs and take proper precautions in handling possible cases in order to minimize outbreak. This virus has been compared by some to the Parvovirus which began on the east coast of the mainland and is now extremely prevalent in Hawaii.
In May of 2009 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved a vaccine manufactured by Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health Corporation for CIV which is intended to aid in lessening the severity of the disease though it may not prevent it. Because the vaccine is new to the market it is likely that your local veterinarian may not have it in stock though they should be capable of ordering it should you decide to vaccinate you dog.
If you have any questions or comments regarding CIV or this article please feel free to use the comment link or contact Bryanna at Hawaiipethealth@gmail.com.
Comments