Canine influenza is caused by infection with a specific type of influenza virus. Influenza viruses belong to a large group of RNA viruses classified as influenza A, B or C. These virus types are further divided by the numerical strain of the virus surface proteins, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). In North America, canine flu is most commonly caused by Influenza A (virus type) strains H3N8 and H3N2.

In the early 2000s, a change in a horse influenza virus (equine H3N8 strain) in Florida resulted in a novel canine influenza virus (CIV)
that was able to be easily transmitted between dogs. This influenza virus (H3N8) spread within the North American dog population resulting in numerous disease outbreaks. Other CIV’s have been identified since that time, such as H3N2. Rarely, human-to-dog infections with human influenza (e.g. H1N1) have been reported.

Can people get sick with canine influenza?

Unlikely. At this time, the risk of dogs and cats causing a human outbreak is considered very low, however it is not impossible.

Learn more about how it’s spread, what to look for, how it’s diagnosed, treatment options, how to stop it from happening to your dogs and outbreak management.

Read the full article from the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation.