The Dog Flu Could Infect Humans

By Caroline Coile

The H3N2 dog flu virus may be closer to infecting humans, according to a new study from the China Agricultural University. The H3N2 flu originated as a bird flu, then mutated and jumped to dogs around 2006. Now it is stabilizing and adapting to better recognize human receptors.

The researchers say that dogs may serve as intermediates for the adaption of avian flu viruses to humans–a cause for concern because people lack immunity to the canine version of the virus.

Currently, humans can only get the avian version from birds, and cannot pass it to other mammals. But during its time hosted by the dog, the virus has mutated to a version better able to pass between mammals. In fact, a recent study of infected dogs showed the virus had mutated to a more human-like version.

So far, no human has been infected with the dog flu. And researchers don’t really know what will happen. All they can say is to “be careful” and if you and your dog both get flu-like symptoms, maybe mention that to your doctor.

Increased public health threat of avian-origin H3N2 influenza virus caused by its evolution in dogs | eLife (elifesciences.org)

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=271167

Posted by Liz on Sep 3 2023. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.