Canine Flu Testing at PADLS
Canine Influenza: Canine influenza or dog flu, is a highly contagious viral infection of dogs and can also infect cats. Canine influenza is the same group or Type A influenza virus similar to Human, Swine or Avian flu. At present, two strains of canine influenza virus have been identified in the United States: H3N8 and H3N2. There is no evidence that either strain of canine influenza (H3N8 or H3N2) can infect humans.
Disease diagnosis can be arrived at by using PCR which is considered a rapid, sensitive and specific assay and is a similar test used to detect flu infections with Matrix gene in other animal species. A nasal or oropharyngeal swab can be submitted in 3-5 ml BHI or viral transport medium to labs for diagnosis. For details visit PADLS.org or search for Influenza A PCR for additional guidance.
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