Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)

Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) is an emerging infectious disease in dogs. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by a specific Type A influenza virus. This is a disease of dogs, not of humans. CIV is an influenza type-A H3N8 virus that was originally an equine (horse) influenza virus. This virus has spread to dogs and can now spread between dogs.

The symptoms of this illness in dogs are cough, runny nose, and fever. A small proportion of dogs, however, can develop severe disease (pneumonia), and an estimated 5-8% may die. CIV cannot easily be distinguished from other causes of respiratory infection based on clinical signs alone, and is often mistaken for kennel cough. This is relatively new cause of disease in dogs and nearly all dogs that are naïve to the virus are susceptible to infection. CIV can be spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs, through the air via a cough or sneeze, and by contact with contaminated objects such as dog bowls and clothing, or by people moving between infected and uninfected dogs.

Not all dogs with CIV require therapeutic intervention. Therapy relies mainly on supportive care while the viral infection runs its course. Antibiotics are indicated for dogs with secondary bacterial infections evidenced by fever, productive cough, purulent nasal discharge, or pneumonia.

Because CIV is a new disease, virtually every dog not previously exposed to the virus will become infected. Fortunately, there is a new vaccine available for this disease. Many dogs are candidates for vaccination 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. The vaccine should be given to healthy dogs, 6 weeks of age or older.