New Canine Influenza Virus Vaccination

Canine influenza (dog flu 1) terrible respiratory infection of dogs caused by a virus (H3N8) mutated from equine (horses) influenza virus. 1 More than forty years equine influenza virus (damage and kills cells they infect 2) diagnosed among horses. 1 In January 2004, first canine influenza virus H3N8 confirmed among Greyhound race dogs in Florida, sharing the same racetrack as horses. "From January to May 2005, outbreaks (H3N8) occurred at 20 racetracks in 10 states." Highly contagious canine influenza virus (Among most dogs) confirmed in twenty-two states by the year 2006. Diagnostic tests and symptoms confirm the presence of dog flu. 3 Medication maybe prescribed to treat canine influenza, however when a secondary bacterial infection occurs antibiotics are administered. 1 In 2007, first vaccine against canine influenza virus received conditional licensing by the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 4

Canine influenza virus is contagious among dogs (All ages) but no evidence suggests humans or other species are susceptible (according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 8). 5 "Virus transmission can occur from direct contact with an infected dog or with it's secretions." 6 Also, exposure to the virus is perceptible through shared air filtration system. 13 Kennel works or those exposed to infected dogs and their secretion may unwittingly spread the virus to health dogs. "The virus persists on toys, bowls, collars, leashes etc." Twenty - Fifty percent of infected dogs will produce sufficient amount of antibodies to clear the infection, without any signs of illness. Fifty - Eighty percent of infected dogs will develop 'flu' symptoms: Fever, coughing, listlessness, and a snotty nose. Majority of infected canine influenza dogs require medication or antibiotics. Small percentage canines diagnosed having H3N8 require hospitalization and intravenous fluid therapy. "Mortality rate is 5 - 8%." 6 Canine influenza virus less likely to affect dogs kept mostly indoors or home, and walked around the neighborhood. 10

Two diagnostic tests for canine influenza virus: PCR (polymerase chain reaction 7) test requires taking a sample of DNA by use of nasal swab: "the sample must be obtained after the onset of symptoms." More likely a blood test is taken twice: (First) Week of onset of symptoms and second drawn 2 -3 weeks later. If the second blood test confirms a four-fold increase in antibody level (against canine influenza virus) confirms exposure of the influenza, occurred at some point in time. 6

Preventing the transmission of canine influenza requires a number of procedures. Advisable Kennel Workers or those exposed to dogs diagnosed with H3N8 change their clothing, before contamination is transmitted to healthy dogs. Contaminated objects such as bowls, toys, bedding, and grooming equipment or infected clothing from caretakers, should be disinfected with alcohol, bleach or ammonium compounds. When feasible separate air ventilation, protects health dogs from the virus especially in animal shelters, pet stores or veterinary clinics. 5

In 2006, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) said: "there is urgent need for an effective canine influenza vaccine to improve the health and welfare of animals and reduce the financial impacts of canine influenza." 8 Intervet / Schering - Plough Animal Health (Web-site link - http://www.intervetusa.com/company/index.aspx) developed the first canine influenza vaccine or subtype H3N8. The vaccine is safe for puppies six weeks of age or older, and recommended to be administered in two doses (subcutaneous injection) 2 - 4 weeks apart. "Annual boosters of the vaccine are encouraged." 9 Veterinarians and dog owners should consider the canine influenza vaccine for dogs when vaccinating for kennel cough (Bordetella). 12 During clinical trial of 700 dogs (six weeks to 10 years old) representing 30 breeds, canine influenza vaccine shown no side effects or safety issue. "The canine influenza vaccine contains inactivated whole virus, so there is no chance that the vaccine itself can cause respiratory infection." 10 The Humane Society of North Iowa and Mason City Animal shelter charges about 12 dollars for each of two recommended vaccine shots. 11

The Food and Drug Administered granted conditional licensing of Intervet / Schering - Plough Animal Health canine influenza vaccination. Under the provisions of conditional licensing: Drug is made available quickly and requires the pharmaceutical to provide data to the FDA regarding the drug, throughout the conditional licensure period. Assuming the vaccine proves to be safe and effective the FDA will grant regular product license. 9

Dog owners should consult their veterinarian regarding the risk and reward of the canine vaccination virus and whether the dog is vulnerable to the influenza virus. 9

References:

1.) Key Facts about Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) - http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/

2.) Virus (life scienc) - http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761575740/Virus_(life_science).html

3.) Canine influenza - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canine_influenza

4.) New Vaccine from Internet / Schering Plough Animal Health is First for Canine Influenza Virus - http://finance.yahoo.com/news/New-Vaccine-from-prnews-3457003787.html?x=0&.v=1&.pf=personal-finance&mod=pf-personal-finance

5.) Information Canine influenza - http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_canine_influenza_update.shtml

6.) Canine Influenza - http://www.marvistavet.com/html/canine_influenza.html

7.) Polymerase chain reaction - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymerase_chain_reaction

8.) Vaccine Against Canine Flu Granted Conditional License by USDA - http://www.intervet.com/news/2009-06-23-new-vaccine-from-intervet-schering-plough-animal-health-is-first-for-canine-influenza-virus.aspx

9.) Vaccine now available for potentially deadly canine influenza virus - http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-7468-Pet-Health-Examiner~y2009m6d24-Vaccine-now-available-for-potentially-deadly-canine-influenza-virus

10.) 10 Things to Know About the H3N8 Dog Flu - http://consults.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/canine-flu/

11.) Vaccine Available to Fight New Strain of Flu in Dogs - http://www.kimt.com/content/localnews/story/Vaccine-Available-to-Fight-New-Strain-of-Flu-in/jMUpcOqAlUifyAhaTtk8Hg.cspx

12.) New vaccine will fight canine influenza - http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/lifestyle/stories.nsf/pets/story/C0FB241C2615A895862575FE00093DEB?OpenDocument

13.) Vaccination to Prevent Canine Influenza Approved - http://findavet.us/blog/2009/07/vaccination-to-prevent-canine-influenza-approved/