Dog flu is a respiratory virus called "Canine Type A Influenza., subtype H3N8."  It originated from a horse influenza virus which has been known for 40 years.  Dog flu virus was first recognized in Florida in 2004 where it caused disease in a small group of racing greyhounds.  Tests on stored serum samples from greyhounds indicate the virus has actually been around since 1999.  The disease has now been detected in more than 30 states. 

Transmission
Dog flu is easily transmitted to other dogs, although it does not cause disease in all infected dogs.  It does not affect humans, cats, horses, or other animals.  Approximately 8 in 10 dogs exposed to dog flu will show signs of infection; 20% of infected dogs show no signs of disease. 

Signs
Most infected dogs have a mild cough with a watery discharge from the nostrils and eyes that may become cloudy and thick if bacterial infection complicates the recovery.  The disease mimics - and is often mistaken as - "kennel cough".  Full recovery occurs within a month.  Among the racing greyhounds first reported with the disease, 5% to 8% of infected dogs have developed pneumonia, a high fever, and died.  Another outbreaks have occurred since, such as one in a Chicago veterinary clinic in 2008.  No dogs died in the Chicago veterinary clinic outbreak.  The overall risk of death from dog flu is now believed to be less than 1%.

Diagnosis
A rapid means of making a diagnosis does not currently exist.  The only means of accurately making a diagnosis is either viral isolation in special virology labs or by taking blood samples for antibody assay at the first sign of illness and again in 2 weeks.  Signs of disease are nonspecific respiratory ailments that mimic more common respiratory diseases.  Dogs that have been vaccinated against kennel cough that develop a cough are suspect for possible dog flu.

Treatment
There is no specific treatment.  Supportive care with rest, cough suppressants, pain and fever relievers, and fluid therapy can help the dog's body mount an immune response and reduce potential complications.  Antibiotics are indicated if eye and nasal discharge thicken or if fever becomes high since these signs are characteristic of bacterial complications.

Prevention Measures
Vaccination? - a CONDITIONAL license has been approved for a dog flu vaccination and may become available in Missouri. Isolation of suspected infected dogs should be done as soon as possible.  If your dog develops a cough, do not expose other dogs until the cause for the cough is properly diagnosed by a veterinarian.  If you become aware of the presence of a coughing dog, do not allow it to come in contact with your dog. Disinfection is important to prevent spread.  When a dog is suspected of having dog flu, equipment and food and water bowls should be disinfected and clothing and hands of the handler should disinfected before being in contact with other dogs.

For more information, contact your local veterinarian or the MU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital 573-882-7821 or visit <http://www.vmth.missouri.edu/>