Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Canine influenza H3N8 antibodies in dogs at 2010 Pennsylvania flyball
By Wiley, C A et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2013·Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The seroprevalence of canine influenza virus H3N8 in dogs participating in a flyball tournament in Pennsylvania in 2010: a follow-up study.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs participating in a flyball tournament in Pennsylvania in 2010 were tested for antibodies to the canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N8, which can be highly contagious and dangerous. Out of 103 dogs tested, only two had positive results, and both were vaccinated shortly before the tournament. The study found that unvaccinated dogs had no detectable antibodies, indicating they were at risk for infection. Overall, the low prevalence of the virus suggests that while exposure is limited, unvaccinated dogs could still be vulnerable to CIV H3N8.
People also search for: dog flu symptoms · canine influenza vaccine · flyball tournament dog health
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N8 infection is thought to be highly contagious and potentially deadly. Low seroprevalence in dogs participating in the sport of flyball in 2009 was reported. It remains unknown if prevalence is changing in dogs at risk. OBJECTIVE: To determine seroprevalence of antibodies to CIV H3N8 in a population of pet dogs that participated in an indoor flyball tournament in Pennsylvania in November 2010. ANIMALS: Dogs participating in a flyball tournament. METHODS: Medical, travel, and activity histories for previous 10.5 months were obtained from consenting owners and serum samples were collected from dogs. Antibodies to CIV H3N8 were measured using hemagglutination inhibition. RESULTS: Of 251 competing dogs, 103 dogs were tested. Overall, seroprevalence of CIV H3N8 in dogs participating in flyball was 1.9% (95% CI, 0.05-6.8%). Thirty-five dogs were tested in both 2009 (all titers <8) and 2010 (all titers <8). Ten of 103 dogs had been vaccinated for CIV H3N8. Two dogs had positive titers (>8) and both had been vaccinated twice in the previous month. Titers in remaining 8 vaccinated dogs were undetectable. Seroprevalence in vaccinated dogs was 20% (95% CI, 5.7-50.1%), whereas in unvaccinated dogs it was 0% (95% CI, 0-4.0%). Although 7 dogs had history of respiratory signs, only 1, which was vaccinated, was serologically positive for CIV H3N8. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with low prevalence of CIV H3N8 exposure previously reported in flyball dogs, unvaccinated dogs had 0% prevalence, suggesting a stable exposure rate. However, low seroprevalence may result in unprotected flyball dogs at risk for developing CIV H3N8.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23425189/