November 8, 2017 - Since the outbreak of H3N2 canine influenza virus (CIV) occurred in the Chicago area in the spring of 2015, CIV has been confirmed in several other states including Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, Minnesota, Florida, and Michigan, often resulting in local outbreaks such as the recent cases in Ohio. Additional outbreaks in the coming weeks would not be unexpected due to increases in holiday travel, boarding, and comingling of dogs.

The MSU VDL and other laboratories are voluntarily contributing testing information to provide a more complete picture of H3N2 activity nationwide. This information is available through the Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Canine influenza is a reportable disease in Michigan and any positive cases within the state must be reported to the State Veterinarian's office.

The MSU VDL can test for influenza A by PCR. This test will detect both of the strains known to infect dogs (H3N8 and H3N2). Based on current data available, positive samples are almost always H3N2 at this point. To request this test, simply write "Influenza A PCR" on the submittal form. Please call us at 517.353.1683 for more information regarding collection protocol, pricing, or with other questions.

Because signs of many infectious respiratory diseases are similar, differential diagnostic testing is needed to identify the specific cause of illness. We encourage clients to consider our canine respiratory disease panel (80984) or the core panel plus (80985) if distemper is also suspected. If influenza is part of a differential diagnosis, the influenza PCR can be performed in addition to the panel for an additional charge.

Dogs can shed viral and bacterial pathogens that cause infectious respiratory diseases during the incubation stage before showing any clinical signs. Testing within the first few days of illness is very important because this shedding is rather limited in duration.

Vaccines are available for both H3N8 and H3N2 CIV. Veterinarians and pet owners are encouraged to include travel and pets' exposures to other settings where animals comingle in their conversations about which vaccinations are appropriate. For those wishing to reduce the number of vaccinations where possible, vaccine titer screening (canine vaccine antibody panel, 80101 and canine vaccine panel + lepto, 95996) is available for assessing immunity status in previously vaccinated animals. These panels include canine distemper, canine adenovirus, and canine parvovirus.

We have also developed a guide to help clinicians educate pet owners about canine influenza. Canine Influenza: Answers for Pet Owners addresses frequently asked questions and can be printed for use in clinics. Contact us to request printed copies.

For additional information, please see the resources below:

Canine Influenza FAQ (AVMA)
Canine Influenza Reference for Veterinarians (AVMA)
Canine Influenza: Pet Owners' Guide (AVMA)