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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