h3n8 virus attacks dogs*
There has been a lot of focus on the H1N1 virus affecting people, but there's another new strain that many people haven't heard about that targets dogs.
"No. I never heard of that. Are there any cases reported here," said Jodie Frensley, of Aptos.
So far, there doesn't appear to be any dogs infected with H3N8 in Santa Cruz County, but it has shown up in 30 states including California.
Humans can't get infected but they can carry the virus and pass it on to their pets and it can then be passed from dog to dog.
"It's transferred just like any other aerosolized virus. It's typically nose to mouth contact noise to respiratory contact," said Dr. Bill Sullenberger, with the East Lake Animal Clinic.
K-9 influenza is usually transmitted in social settings with dogs' kennels, pet shops and dog parks.
Canine influenza or H3N8 is a highly contagious virus that can resemble kennel cough with symptoms that include cough, fever, runny nose, loss of appetite and low energy.
"When they're at rest, they breathe heavier, faster. It still will have a cough, sometimes it's dry. Sometimes it sounds like a moist sounding cough and they may be producing phlegm," Sullenberger said.
There is a vaccine.
A handful of veterinarians KSBW spoke with can order it but just like what we're seeing with the H1N1 virus, a lot of dog owners still want to weigh out their options.
"I'll probably ask my veterinarian if there's a flu shot available and if there is a remedy for it," said Scott Chalgren, of Aptos.
"I'm going to have to learn a little bit more before I make that decision," said Billy Sunshine, of Aptos.
Again, there have not been any cases of dogs getting the H3N8 virus in Santa Cruz County.
Dogs typically recover from canine influenza within two to three weeks and are contagious for seven to 10 days.
Most dogs get a mild form of the illness, but some develop pneumonia and a small number have died from complications.
The virus was first identified in greyhounds at a Florida racing track in 2004.
It spread to dogs around the country and as of October 2008, more than 1,000 cases were reported.
"No. I never heard of that. Are there any cases reported here," said Jodie Frensley, of Aptos.
So far, there doesn't appear to be any dogs infected with H3N8 in Santa Cruz County, but it has shown up in 30 states including California.
Humans can't get infected but they can carry the virus and pass it on to their pets and it can then be passed from dog to dog.
"It's transferred just like any other aerosolized virus. It's typically nose to mouth contact noise to respiratory contact," said Dr. Bill Sullenberger, with the East Lake Animal Clinic.
K-9 influenza is usually transmitted in social settings with dogs' kennels, pet shops and dog parks.
Canine influenza or H3N8 is a highly contagious virus that can resemble kennel cough with symptoms that include cough, fever, runny nose, loss of appetite and low energy.
"When they're at rest, they breathe heavier, faster. It still will have a cough, sometimes it's dry. Sometimes it sounds like a moist sounding cough and they may be producing phlegm," Sullenberger said.
There is a vaccine.
A handful of veterinarians KSBW spoke with can order it but just like what we're seeing with the H1N1 virus, a lot of dog owners still want to weigh out their options.
"I'll probably ask my veterinarian if there's a flu shot available and if there is a remedy for it," said Scott Chalgren, of Aptos.
"I'm going to have to learn a little bit more before I make that decision," said Billy Sunshine, of Aptos.
Again, there have not been any cases of dogs getting the H3N8 virus in Santa Cruz County.
Dogs typically recover from canine influenza within two to three weeks and are contagious for seven to 10 days.
Most dogs get a mild form of the illness, but some develop pneumonia and a small number have died from complications.
The virus was first identified in greyhounds at a Florida racing track in 2004.
It spread to dogs around the country and as of October 2008, more than 1,000 cases were reported.
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