Grypa psów

The purpose of this paper was to provide essential and practical information about canine influenza. Until the beginning of the 21st century, it was believed that dogs were not susceptible to influenza A virus infection. This view changed when an outbreak of the severe respiratory disease occurred in racing greyhounds in Florida in 2004. The disease was caused by equine influenza virus H3N8, transferred from horses. Dogs may also suffer from respiratory disease caused by avian influenza virus H3N2. This virus originated in birds, transferred to dogs, adapted and spread between dogs. Both viruses usually cause mild respiratory symptoms associated with outbreaks in dog shelters or in animals from multi dog households. To date, there is no evidence of canine influenza viruses transfer to people. However, many dogs live in very close contact with humans. It cannot be ruled out that, like pigs, dogs can act as a “mixing vessel” of the influenza viruses, so epidemiological role of influenza-infected dogs deserves special attention and monitoring.