Dog Flu, Canine Flu, Dog Flu Symptoms, Canine Influenza

The canine influenza was first identified in 2004 but has been circulating in the greyhound population for at least career since 1999, according to a U.S. study .

The first recognized outbreak occurred in January 2004 at a dog racing track in Florida. Since then a number of outbreaks at other tracks and at animal shelters, humane societies, rescue groups, pet stores, kennels and veterinary clinics hosting.

In this study, a team led by Tara Anderson, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, analyzed blood samples from dogs in an animal blood bank in California that uses retired greyhounds as blood donors. Blood samples were collected between 1999 and 2004.

The researchers found that 33 percent of samples collected in 1999 were positive for antibodies to canine influenza virus and concluded that it was in circulation in the racing greyhound population as early as 1999.

The influenza virus H3N8 that causes canine influenza is closely related to the virus that causes equine influenza (horse). It is believed that the equine influenza virus to produce the mutual of canine influenza.

Almost all dogs exposed to H3N8 infected and about 80 percent develop symptoms, but most of the milder form associated with infection of the upper respiratory tract. But some dogs develop a more severe form of influenza, which is accompanied by pneumonia. In these cases, the mortality rate is five to eight percent.