Canine influenza or dog flu refers to varieties of Influenzavirus A that create influenza in canines and are endemic in canines. The highly contagious equine influenza virus H3N8 was found to infect and kill greyhound race dogs that had died from a respiratory illness at a Florida racetrack in January 2004. The exposure and transfer apparently occurred at horse racing tracks, where dog racing also occurs. H3N8 is responsible for a major dog flu outbreak in New York state in all breeds of dogs. From January to May 2005, outbreaks occurred at 20 racetracks in 10 states (Florida, Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, West Virginia, Kansas, Iowa, Colorado, Rhode Island and Massachusetts). There is no evidence that the virus could infect people. Medical News Today referencing September 26 issue of Science Express (Vol. 309, No. 5743)

See also

• Bird flu
• Horse flu
• Human flu
• Swine flu

Sources