The canine influenza virus that was once thought to be non-transferable to other animals, has now been confirmed as transmittable to felines. Just recently, when cats housed at a Wisconsin shelter began showing signs of illness with atypical respiratory disease symptoms, tests determined that the cats were infected with H3N2, the same influenza virus found in dogs.

H3N2 Virus Found in Dogs and Cats

H3N2 Findings

When the shelter cats originally became ill, H3N2 was suspected to be the cause, as there were already confirmed cases of H3N2 infected dogs within the same shelter. While it was known that a cat was diagnosed in 2015 with the canine flu, the Wisconsin cats make up the first confirmed report of multiple cats infected with the virus.
Follow-up testing of the individual shelter cats showed repeated positive reactions and also an increase in the viral loads. The University of Wisconsin has now determined that the virus seems to be able to replicate itself and is capable of spreading from cat to cat.
In order to reduce the chance for spreading, the infected cats were quarantined. None of the facilities’ infected cats or dogs have left the shelter, and the chance that the infection may have spread is being monitored carefully.

H3N2 Symptoms

The signs of infection in the cats included symptoms similar to those found in H3N2 infected dogs. Both types of animals presented with respiratory issues, including:

• Runny nose
• Congestion
• General malaise
• Lip smacking
• Excessive salivation

The infected cats all recovered quickly, and the virus caused no fatalities.

H3N2 Vaccine

A vaccine for the H3N2 virus in dogs is now available, but no vaccine has yet been approved or has been recommended for use with cats.

Background Information of H3N2

• The first case of canine flu, H3N2, was identified within the United States in 2015, and since that time H3N2 has been confirmed in dogs within 29 states
• Able to survive and infect year-round, H3N2 is highly contagious and spreads via:
• Airborne
• Physical contact
• Human contact
• Animals are at increased risk for exposure to the virus when in locations, such as:
• Animal shelters
• Breeding kennels
• Pet stores
• Doggie day care
• Training facilities
• Grooming facilities
• Veterinary clinics
• Dog parks
• Boarding facilities

Precautions to Avoid the Spread of H3N2

Since H3N2 is very contagious and can spread in multiple ways, care needs to be taken with animals that are either suspected of infection or ones that are diagnosed with the disease. Preparations to avoid the spread of virus particles to healthy animals within a clinic should be followed, for example:

• Isolation
• House animals suspected and/or diagnosed with the virus separately, away from other animals
• Complete the animal’s examination in a separate room, disinfect the room after the animal exits
• Use safety clothing: gloves and gown at a minimum
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the animal
• Use throwaway shoe covers or a disinfectant footbath when exiting the examination room
• Completing billing and appointment scheduling needs in a way that avoids contamination of people and animals in waiting room

Client Information Regarding H3N2

It is important to advise clients that the virus can easily be passed to healthy animals. Informing them of the following steps may help to reduce the chances for exposing healthy animals to the infection.

• Isolate pet from other animals until veterinarian confirms the animal is healthy and no longer contagious
• Whenever they handle the animal, touch food or water bowls, empty litter box they should wash their hands with soap and water
• After being with isolated animal, it should be advised that they change their clothing and/or disinfect their shoes

In less than a year H3N2 in dogs has spread through 29 states. While there is now a vaccine available for dogs, it is only a matter of time before the numbers of H3N2 cases observed in cats rises.

Contact your Covetrus representative at at 855.724.3461 if you are interested in more information regarding H3N2 and its prevention!

Source:
http://www.wvdl.wisc.edu/index.php/canine-influenza-virus-found-cats/

Load more comments