Dogs and Bird Flu

Bird flu in Dogs: A few cases of H5N1 bird flu in dogs has been reported as well as “horse” flu, another strain of avian influenza. Dogs in Thailand and Azerbaijan have been known to have died from H5N1 bird flu.

Horse Flu in Dogs: Horse flu, or equine flu, is the H3N8 strain of Influenza A, an avian influenza that has mostly affected horses, but has jumped to dogs, mostly racing greyhounds. Horse flu was first detected in horses 40 years ago, and has never been known to cause illness in humans. H3N8 flu in dogs is highly infectious, but causes only mild flu in 80 per cent of dogs it infects and results in complications in the remaining 20 per cent and an overall mortality of 6-8 per cent.

Dog to Human Transmission Not Reported: No studies have been done to definitively say that dogs can transmit bird flu to humans, but no transmission has ever been reported. A Thai veterinarian from Mahidol University in Thailand is quote in Thailand’s newspaper, The Nation, as saying that no dog to human transmission of H5N1 bird flu would be very difficult.

Dog to Dog Transmission: No studies have been carried out to say with certainty that dogs can transmit H5N1 bird flu to other dogs. Domestic cats have not been known to transmit H5N1 bird flu to other cats in normal situations, but it has been made possible under laboratory conditions. It is thought that dogs infected with H5N1 avian influenza or H3N8 horse flu could pass the flu to other dogs.

Suspected Transmission Through Eating Raw Poultry Meat: Dogs in Thailand were thought to have been infected with H5N1 avian flu after eating raw meat from ducks infected with bird flu. Dogs infected with H3N8 “horse” flu were mostly infected at dog tracks and their infection had nothing to do with contact with birds or bird derivatives.

Keep Dogs Away from Avian Flu Sources: To avoid H5N1 bird flu, dogs should not eat raw poultry suspected of bird flu infection. Follow the Tips to Cooking Poultry Properly. Dispose of dead birds properly by burying, or use the services of a waste disposal company. To prevent H3N8 “horse” flu, keep your dog away from dog tracks and other dogs who may be infected.

Treating Bird Flu in Dogs: Just like in humans, dogs can have complications from the flu such as secondary bacterial infections that need to be treated. Isolate dogs with bird flu from healthy dogs. Consult with your veterinarian about the use of antiviral drugs and other medications in treating your dog.