New Canine Virus and Vaccine Announced

A new dog flu virus has made an appearance, according to an article published by the New York Times, "Science Times" on June 29. A flu virus which jumped from horses to dogs 5 years ago has now reappeared and is of great concern to dog owners.

Sophie and Pugsly, adopted from Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press Photo The breeds which are more vulnerable to contracting the H3N8 dog flu are the Pekingese, the Pug and Shih Tzus with their "pushed in" noses and dogs that already have other underlying health conditions. Apparently the virus does not affect humans, thankfully. Most of the cases discovered so far are from New York City's northern suburbs, Denver, Philadelphia and Florida.

One of the discoverers of the virus, Dr. Cynda Crawford of the University of Florida veterinary school said, "I don't think we know what this virus is going to do yet." Dr. Crawford has been working with the virus since January 2004 when one-third of the greyhounds at a Florida dog race track died with symptoms of pneumonia and a strange cough.

In the following year she discovered the virus in seven states and learned that it could be passed along to other dogs through rubbing noses and sharing water dishes. She also learned that humans could carry the virus on their clothes as well, thereby spreading from dog to dog. It was feared that 1 percent to 10 percent of the country's 70 million dogs might fatally succumb to this virus.

Dr. Crawford's prediction of the number of fatalities has been proven to be true. Her estimate is that it kills 5 percent of the dogs that contract the virus. If one factors in the fatalities at shelters that have euthanized their canine population, and disinfected their cages, the estimate grows to about an 8 percent mortality rate. What is very interesting, in contrast to this canine virus mortality numbers, is that the human Spanish Flu in 1918 killed about only about 2 percent of those who contracted the disease.

Fortunately the virus has not spread as actively as had been anticipated. While found in 30 states around the country, the virus is concentrated in areas where dogs share close living conditions, such as kennels, shelters, pet stores and dog training schools. Owners of these establishments have been prudent in turning away any dogs that appear ill, which has slowed down its progress.

Dr. Crawford said, "Probably over 10,000 dogs have been infected, but I can't say whether it's 20,000 or 30,000. In a population of 70 million, that's a drop in the bucket."

Since it has taken five mutations for the virus to jump from horses to dogs, the co-discoverer of the virus, Dr. Edward J. Dubovi, of the Cornell University veterinary school, added, "it is probably not as well adapted to dogs as it could be". He added that with another mutation or two, it "could make it a very serious issue, but it takes a certain density of dogs to keep it going".

Dr. Crawford added that, "It really puts a strain on their ability to breathe. They can't move air in and out of their lungs.

The first vaccine for the H3N8 virus has already been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Are you concerned enough about the H3N8 virus to talk with your vet? Leave a comment and share.