Canine Influenza – Dangerous to Humans?
Like in humans, canine influenza is a viral infection. The pathogens are subtypes of the influenza A virus in both dogs and humans. These subtypes are largely species-specific. So far, no case is known where an infected dog has infected a human. Nevertheless, possible future mutations (changes in the genetic material) of the virus cannot be ruled out.
Dogs can infect other dogs. In rare cases, a dog can infect a cat. This subtype is derived from avian influenza.
The course of the disease in dogs is usually mild. More severe courses and, in rare cases, even **Death** are possible. Symptoms appear 2–4 days after infection. The dog can infect other dogs (and cats) even before it shows the first symptoms itself. Isolate your animal if it has respiratory symptoms and introduce it to a veterinarian.
There is no vaccine available in Germany and it is currently not necessary. Please do not confuse it with the vaccine against parainfluenza, kennel **Cough**!
- Signs of canine influenza can include:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Respiratory distress
- Respiratory noises
- **Cough**
- Nasal discharge
- Ocular inflammation
- Diarrhea
- Central nervous system disorders
- Jaundice
To protect your dogs and cats, prevent **Contact** with poultry stocks in your region if there is a corresponding danger, and prevent your animals from running around uncontrolled. Do not feed raw poultry meat, even if the risk of infection in this way is extremely low.
For travel at home and abroad, you can find out about the current spread of avian influenza on the homepage of the Friedrich Löffler Institute.
