Which species are affected by the canine influenza virus?

The canine influenza virus specifically affects dogs, making them the primary species impacted by this particular virus. Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by an H3N8 or H3N2 subtype of the influenza virus. It can lead to symptoms similar to those of kennel cough, such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and in severe cases, fever and pneumonia.

While ferrets can be susceptible to different strains of the influenza virus and other species may have their own viral infections, the canine influenza virus is primarily associated with dogs. The distinction is important for managing outbreaks and understanding the transmission dynamics, as it emphasizes the need for vaccination and preventive measures specifically in dog populations. Cats and birds are not known to be affected by this virus, as they are not hosts for canine influenza. Therefore, focusing on dogs as the species affected provides clarity on where clinical attention and preventive strategies should be directed.