Summer 2019 Saber Tails 63
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America
PBGVCA Sponsors Research on Canine Influenza
By Laura Liscum, Assistant Chairman, PBGVCA Health Committee
Canine influenza is a
highly contagious viral in-
fection that primarily af-
fects dogs who are in close
contact with each other
at kennels, groomers, and
day care facilities. It is also
a concern for those who attend or bring their dogs to
shows such as the PBGVCA National Specialty. The virus
is transmitted through droplets or aerosols when infected
dogs cough, bark, or sneeze. Amazingly, the virus can re-
main alive on your hands up to 12 hours, on your clothes
up to 24 hours, and on surfaces such as bowls, collars, and
leashes for up to 48 hours. Think about that the next time
you pet the dogs at a show and then return home to your
beloved PBGV.
There are two strains of canine influenza viruses in North
America. The H3N8 version originated in horses and
spread to dogs approximately 20 years ago. More worri-
some is the H3N2 version of the virus that was first de-
tected in dogs in Asia in 2007. This virus came to the U.S.
in 2015 through the importation of dogs from South Ko-
rea. Our North American dogs had no immunity to this
version of the virus and it spread rapidly.
It is estimated that 80% of dogs who are exposed to the ca-
nine influenza virus develop disease. Most exhibit a mild
Check out DogFlu.com for a visual display of the
rapid spread of these viruses.
https://www.dogflu.com/outbreak-map
80% of dogs who are exposed
to the canine influenza virus develop disease.
Most recover within 2-3 weeks;
however, up to 10% of the affected dogs die.
Have you ever shown a dog in a conformation event?
If so, please participate in this short online survey designed to gather information about your dogs,
practices you follow to keep them healthy, and your concerns about infectious diseases
at the events where your dogs compete.
http://go.osu.edu/dog-show-survey
form of the disease, consist-
ing of a persistent cough, na-
sal discharge, and low fever.
They may become lethargic
and have no appetite. Some
dogs are more severely af-
fected. They develop signs of
pneumonia, with high fever and increased respiration rate
and effort. Most affected dogs recover within 2-3 weeks;
however, up to 10% of affected dogs die.
The AKC Canine Health Foundation has funded Drs.
Scott Weese (University of Guelph, Ontario), Jason Stull
(Ohio State University), and Cynda Crawford (University
of Florida) to survey dog show participants and identify
modifiable factors linked to the spread of canine influenza
virus at shows. The investigators propose to develop a sur-
veillance network to serve as an early warning mechanism
of disease occurrence, which would benefit dog show
participants and the entire canine community. PBGVCA
contributed to this research grant because canine influen-
za has the potential to affect any PBGV, whether they are
gathered to compete in conformation and performance
events, playing at the dog park, or snuggling with you
after you’ve petted a dog in the neighborhood.
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