This just came on Newf - L ( the health group for Newfs on Yahoo)
In a message dated 9/21/2005 8:54:02 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
mbp1@cornell.edu writes:
There are now veterinarian advisories out concerning Canine Influenza.
This may be cross posted but please include this header section, which Dr.
Dubovi has approved.
PLEASE DO NOT PANIC, and do NOT assume that every cough is Canine Influenza.
Kennel Cough from parainfluenza and Bordetella is more common. However,
the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell is interested in receiving
samples from dogs that appear to have kennel cough.
Clinical Signs: Since this is a new pathogen in dogs, there is currently no
natural immunity present in the unexposed canine population. Almost all
exposed dogs will become infected, and nearly 80% have clinical signs. In the
mild form the dogs will have a cough that persists for 10 to 21 days. The
cough may be soft and moist or dry. Many dogs will have a nasal discharge from
a secondary bacterial infection and low grade fever. The nasal discharge
responds to broad spectrum antibiotics.
In the severe form with pneumonia there is a high fever (104-106 F) and
respiratory difficulties. X-rays may show consolidation. These dogs often have
secondary bacterial infections and have responded to broad-spectrum
antibiotics and supportive care including intravenous hydration.
The incubation period is two to five days and dogs may shed virus for seven
to 10 days. The disease can spread rapidly throughout a boarding kennel.
Dogs that are coughing SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT TO SHOWS or Performance EVENTS.
Marg Pough
From NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Animal Health
Diagnostic Center at Cornell.
Canine Influenza Virus Detected in Dogs in New York State
The Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell has reason to believe that
canine influenza virus is now present in the New York City area. Reports have
been received indicating an unusual form of "kennel cough" has been seen in a
number of veterinary practices. Six animals recovering from this clinical
presentation are all serologically positive for canine influenza virus.
Previous tests of New York State dogs have all been negative.
Canine influenza virus is a relatively new finding in dogs. It was first
identified in racing greyhounds and this virus appears to have been the cause
of significant respiratory problems on the tracks throughout the US for the
last 5-6 years. The Virology Lab at Cornell isolated the first influenza virus
from an animal that died from the infection. The virus was sequenced at CDC
and was found to be closely related to equine influenza virus. Evidence of
infection of non-greyhounds by influenza virus has been found in Florida for
the past year.
A key factor in defining the significance of this infection in dogs is to
obtain additional isolates so that sequencing can be done to determine whether
the virus is evolving in the dog. We are requesting assistance in this
endeavor from practitioners that have respiratory cases in dogs >1 year of age.
Samples that we need are pharyngeal swabs taken from dogs at the onset of
clinical signs (fevers of 39.5 to 41.5oC, a soft, gagging cough for 10 to14
days). Samples for virus isolation taken late in the infection will not be
useful for virus isolation. Swabs should be placed in a sterile tube (red top
vacutainer for example) with 5-6 drops of sterile saline. Do not place swabs in
bacterial transport medium. Ship samples overnight on ice packs. Samples
will initially be screened by PCR for influenza virus. Positive samples will be
processed for virus isolation. There will be no charge for the influenza
screening at this time.
Acute and convalescent serum samples will also be helpful to define the
extent of the infection in dogs. If one has cases of dogs that have recovered, a
single serum sample can be used to determine exposure.
Should animals die of a respiratory infection, fresh and fixed tissue can be
submitted for influenza virus screening.
Any questions regarding this matter should be directed to:
Dr. Edward Dubovi
Director-Virology Lab
ejd5@cornell.edu