Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association

Committed to Advancing Veterinary Medicine and the Nation's Health

Home

Contact Us

General Information

History

The Executive

Constitution & ByLaws

The Veterinary Act

Registered Veterinarians

Registering to Practice

Payments

Meetings Archive

April 9 2006 (GM)

June 11 2006 (AGM)

September 17 2006 (GM)

March 25 2007 (GM)

May 27 2007 (AGM)

September 30 2007 (GM)

December 9 2007 (GM)

March 16 2008 (GM)

June 1 2008 (AGM)

September 28 2008 (GM)

December 7 2008 (GM)

March 28 2009 (GM)

May 31 2009 (AGM)

September 20 2009 (GM)

December 6 2009 (GM)

March 21 2010 (GM)

News and Events

News

News 2

News 3

World Veterinary Day 2015

World Veterinary Day 2014

World Veterinary Day 2013

World Veterinary Day 2012

Press Releases

Members

Community

Fund Raising

Obituaries

Disease Info Archive

Canine Influenza

Zika Virus

Chikungunya Virus

Ebola Virus Disease

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea

Chicken Infectious Anemia

Canine Distemper

Neospora caninum

Schmallenberg Virus

HP Avian Influenza

Thogotovirus infection

Brachiaria grass toxicity

Continuing Education

CE Requirements

Contact the CEAC

CE Forms

CbVMA Conference 2016

CE Event Reviews

Photo Gallery

FAQs

Links

CANINE INFLUENZA H3N2 SPREADS IN THE U.S.
A new strain of Canine Influenza - H3N2 - has been spreading rapidly in the United States Mid-west - with as many as 1,000 cases reported in dogs in the Chicago area. This strain has also reportely affected cats.

H3N2 is an Asian flu strain, distinct from the H3N8 strain that has been circulating in the US since 2004. There is a vaccine for the latter, but it uncertain (and unlikely) that it can offer any protection against the new strain. Diagnostics specific to H3N2 are under development.

The clinical picture and epidemiology for the two strains are similar, as is treatment. There is no evidence of dog to human transmission, although this situation is being monitored.

There is NO evidence of Canine Flu in Jamaica.

Click here for information from the United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

CANINE INFLUENZA A-H3N8


The Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) Complex, commonly known as “Kennel Cough”, which includes  a number of infections such as those caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, Canine Adenovirus-2, Canine Parainfluenza virus, Canine Distemper Virus, had a new viral disease added in 2005. In the United States, the Equine Influenza virus A-H3N8 made the species jump into dogs– greyhounds in Florida at first in 2004, then to others in other states – becoming Canine Influenza Virus (CIV A-H3N8)2.

Canine Influenza is completely distinct from Canine Parainfluenza which is caused by a different virus, though they have similar effects. It is highly contagious, can affect dogs of all ages and is transmitted by direct contact, aerosol or via contaminated objects – including human hands. Of exposed dogs, 80-90% will develop clinical infection and up to 20% of these develop severe disease, including possible pneumonia from secondary bacterial infection. The disease, like its equine counterpart, is not known to be transmissible to humans3.

Clinical signs include fever, a productive cough, mucoid to mucopurulent nasal discharge, with more severe cases showing lack of appetite, and, if pneumonia develops, more severe respiratory signs such as dyspnea (difficulty breathing). The clinical course may run from 10 to 30 days. Mortality is low ( 1 – 8%) and is of greatest risk in dogs developing complications1,2.

Definitive diagnosis may be achieved via several laboratory methods including serology, virus isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)1. Each has its limitations.

Treatment is generally supportive. Antibiotics may be used to control secondary bacterial infections that may cause pneumonia, but will not affect the viral infection. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®)may be used in shortening the course of the disease if started early, but this is generally not useful as by the time the disease is distinguished from other CIRD causes – if it is at all – it is too late to make a difference. Other supportive measures might include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for fever, expectorants to facilitate clearance of mucus from the lower respiratory tract (cough suppressants are contra-indicated), and, if needed, intravenous fluid therapy1,2.

Prevention may be achieved by vaccination1,2,3 (Novibac® Canine Flu H3N8 – Merck Animal Health), but owners of affected dogs are advised to keep them from mixing with others. General hygienic measures such as hand washing after handling dogs, before handling others may be helpful1,2,3.

Canine Influenza has not yet been diagnosed in Jamaica and should not arrive here easily unless an infected dog is illegally imported.


Canine Influenza A-H3N8 is NOT known to occur in Jamaica
The H3N8 Flu virus http://www.h3n8flu.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/h3n8.jpg

References:

1 - Canine Influenza (Dog Flu): www.doginfluenza.com

2 - The Pet Health Library, Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP, Canine Influenza H3N8      http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2165&S=0&EVetID=3001644

3  - U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Key Facts about Canine Influenza (Dog Flu): http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/   


For more information on Canine Influenza please click on the appropriate link below:

Link for Health Professionals

Link for the General Public


Website powered by Network Solutions®