User:Nby2216/Canine influenza

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Canine influenza also known as dog flu, is a Type A influenza virus that causes respiratory diseases in canines. There are two strains of Type A canine influenza, A(H3N2) and A(H3N8).

Canine influenza has been around for decades and over time sources of transmissions have been identified, specific symptoms of the virus have been isolated and vaccines have been created.

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History:

Canine H3N8 influenza was first detected in the state of Florida in racing greyhounds and was thought to be a strain that was first developed in racing horses than passed on to canines who raced on the same track. The H3N8 strain that the racing greyhounds caught was the strain of the equine influenza virus that was first discovered in 1963. This trend of canines being infected continued throughout most of the United States and the District of Columbia.

In 2006-2007 canine H3N2 first had reports in South Korea and was thought to be transferred to dogs from avian origins (avian influenza H3N2). It was not until 2015 that the canine H3N2 strain was discovered in the United States after there was an outbreak of dogs having respiratory infections in Chicago. As canine H3N2 influenza began to spread through the United States, in 2016 cats in an Indiana began to show symptoms of the disease as well, it is believed they were infected by coming in to contact with sick dogs.

Transmissions:

The infection of canine influenza can be transmitted from animal to animal and almost all dogs that come in to contact with the virus will contract it. This makes canine influenza most common on dogs but can also be transmitted to cats in a shelter or a household. Canine influenza is an airborne disease, when a dog coughs or sneezes they secrete respiratory droplets that are then inhaled by other animals causing infection. Kennels, dog parks, grooming parlors, and things alike are high risk areas for infections.

Symptoms:

Most animals infected with canine influenza will show symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, and a reduced appetite lasting anywhere from 2-3 weeks. The infection can last up to 2-3 weeks and can leave residual illnesses like pneumonia or dehydration.

Vaccines:

This veterinarian provided vaccine help fight the infection and are preventative measures for dogs who are constantly facing exposure of the H3N8 and H3N2 strain.