It seemed to appear without warning. Newspapers, television news
programs and Internet websites are filled with stories about
canine influenza, a flu-like disease that seems to be sweeping
the country. How new is canine influenza? How did it develop?
How is it spread? How do veterinarians treat it? And, are there
a few, common sense precautions that may lessen your pet’s risk?
To answer your questions, AAHA compiled the most current
information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and
researchers in the field. How did canine influenza develop?
Canine influenza appears to be related to an influenza strain
that affects horses. At some point, the virus mutated and the
new strain made the leap from horses to dogs. Is canine
influenza a new disease? No, canine influenza was diagnosed
initially in 2004. According to a September 26, 2005, CDC media
briefing, the first evidence of canine influenza in companion
dogs was documented in spring 2005 when shelters, boarding
facilities, humane societies and veterinari