Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
42% of dogs in a city shelter had antibodies to canine flu virus
By Holt, David E et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2010·Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Serologic prevalence of antibodies against canine influenza virus (H3N8) in dogs in a metropolitan animal shelter.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 74 dogs in a metropolitan animal shelter were tested for exposure to canine influenza virus (CIV), and 31 of them (42%) had antibodies indicating they had been exposed to the virus. The study found that dogs that had been in the shelter longer were more likely to test positive for CIV, with 71% of dogs that stayed more than eight days showing exposure. This suggests that the shelter environment may increase the risk of CIV transmission among dogs. Understanding this can help shelters manage and protect the health of their canine residents.
People also search for: dog flu symptoms · canine influenza virus exposure · shelter dog health risks
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of exposure to canine influenza virus (CIV) in dogs in a metropolitan animal shelter. DESIGN: Serologic survey. ANIMALS: 74 dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs were randomly selected from the canine shelter population. A physical examination was performed, and blood samples were obtained and submitted for serologic testing for the detection of antibodies against CIV. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of factors (body condition score, nasal discharge, coughing, rectal temperature, number of days in the shelter, and relinquished vs stray) with positive results. RESULTS: 31 of 74 (42%) dogs were seropositive for antibodies against CIV. Positive serologic test results were detected for 6 of 39 (15%) dogs housed in the shelter for <or= 7 days and for 25 of 35 (71%) dogs housed in the shelter for > 8 days. Number of days in the shelter was the only factor significantly associated with positive serologic test results. For every 3 days in the shelter, the odds of a positive serologic test result increased significantly by 2.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 3.4). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of the results suggested that more dogs were exposed to CIV in the shelter than were exposed in the urban environment. This has serious implications for design and management of animal shelters.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20590497/