AVMA posts canine influenza interim guidelines

In response to the recent identification of canine influenza in dogs, the AVMA has released "Control of Canine Influenza in Dogs—Questions, Answers, and Interim Guidelines." The document was developed to provide guidance on managing affected dogs and to assist persons working with or handling affected dogs. The document also answers common questions about the disease.

Some of the topics covered are what to do if a dog has a cough, what diagnostic tests will determine whether a dog has the disease, and how a dog with canine influenza is treated. The document also covers whether canine influenza virus can be passed from dogs to horses or other animal species, whether dogs die from the disease, and in what states the disease was confirmed.

The AVMA developed the document with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, and the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. First released Oct. 17, the document may be updated as more information becomes available.

To view the interim guidelines, log on to the Public Health section of the AVMA Web site and "canine influenza."