[3] The highly contagious equine influenza A virus subtype H3N8 was found to have been the cause of Greyhound race dog fatalities from a respiratory illness at a Florida racetrack in January 2004.
From January to May 2005, outbreaks occurred at 20 racetracks in 10 states (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Texas, and West Virginia).
[6] Three areas in the United States may now be considered endemic for CIV due to continuous waves of cases: New York, southern Florida, and northern Colorado/southern Wyoming.
[9] The H3N2 virus made its first appearance in Canada at the start of 2018, following the importation of two unknowingly infected canines from South Korea.
This was partially due to increased human travel and reopened offices following the relaxation of COVID-19 pandemic public health measures, leading to large numbers of dogs being placed together in kennels and doggy day care centers.
Changing pet ownership behaviors also led to overcrowded animal shelters, which had been emptied at the height of the pandemic.
[3] 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.
[19] 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 fatality rate of dogs that develop pneumonia secondary to canine influenza can reach 50% if not given proper treatment.
A serum sample from a dog suspected of having canine influenza can be submitted to a laboratory that performs PCR tests for this virus.
[19] In June 2009, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) approved the first canine influenza vaccine.
[23][24][25][26] 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.