Transmission of Equine Influenza Virus to English Foxhounds
Author Information
Author(s): Janet M. Daly, Anthony S. Blunden, Shona MacRae, Jodi Miller, Samantha J. Bowman, Jolanta Kolodziejek, Norbert Nowotny, Ken C. Smith
Primary Institution: Animal Health Trust, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK
Hypothesis
Canine respiratory tissue possesses the relevant receptors for infection with equine influenza virus.
Conclusion
The study demonstrated that equine influenza virus can be transmitted to dogs, and that their respiratory tissue has the necessary receptors for infection.
Supporting Evidence
- An outbreak of severe respiratory disease in English foxhounds was linked to equine influenza A virus.
- Postmortem examinations revealed pneumonia in affected hounds.
- Serum samples from hounds showed antibodies to equine influenza virus strains.
Takeaway
This study shows that a virus that usually infects horses can also make dogs sick, and that dogs have the right parts in their bodies to catch this virus.
Methodology
The study involved retrospective analysis of an outbreak, serum sample collection, and immunohistochemical testing.
Limitations
The study is limited by its retrospective nature and the small number of cases examined.
Participant Demographics
The study involved a pack of 92 English foxhounds, with ages ranging from 9 months to 9 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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