Beware! Dog Flu Virus Could be Heading Towards Humans

Highlights:

In the age of multiple pandemics, Chinese scientists warn against mutating dog viruses that may affect humans
The virus has descended from a type of avian flu first detected in dogs in 2006
While there is no reason to panic, it is important to be aware that the H3N2 canine flu viruses can cause serious respiratory illness

Haven't we had enough virus attacks? From COVID-19 to H3N2, viruses are attacking and mutating left, right, and center. These viruses were all strangers to the environment but have now mutated and carry the ability to cause infections.

If this wasn’t bad enough, Chinese scientists have now issued a warning against a possible threat.

Quiz on Flu
Influenza (or rather, the flu) is a cold weather infectious condition that affects the young and old alike. Though most reported cases are mild, the flu can sometimes cause severe and life-threatening complications in both children and adults, thanks to wrong medications and improper vaccinations. Learn more about the disease from our Flu Quiz and guard yourself and your family from a possible infection.

‘It might be time to watch out for a mutating dog-flu virus that might spill over to humans.’

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Mutating Flu Virus in Dogs Inching Closer Towards Humans

A team of Chinese scientists has said that they have discovered strains of the influenza A-H3N2 virus, which is currently circulating in dogs. The worst part is that all these strains have the capability to spill over into humans and cause virus infections, similar to COVID-19 and monkeypox among others.

"Humans could one day be struck down by 'dog flu' a mutated form of avian influenza which is slowly evolving," warn scientists.

A team of Chinese researchers examined swabs from almost 4,000 dogs for the study. According to the findings, which were published in the journal eLife, the H3N2 canine influenza viruses (CIVs) are evolving faster than usual and can detect human-cell receptors. This property of the H3N2 canine virus allows it to replicate in humans.

In the paper, the scientists wrote: "We found that, during adaptation in dogs, H3N2 CIVs became able to recognize the human-like receptor, showed gradually increased hemagglutination (HA) acid stability and replication ability in human airway epithelial cells."

H3N2 was discovered in dogs almost 20 years ago. The virus infection can cause your poor pooch to suffer from a runny nose and cough and can turn deadly in some extreme cases.

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Should We be Worried?

With the rising COVID-19 cases, ignoring the possible mutation of this dog virus may not be a wise idea. The main reason why one should be aware of this infection is because the human population lacks immunity to the H3N2 CIVs, and even preexisting immunity gained from the present human seasonal influenza viruses cannot provide any protection against the H3N2 CIVs.

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What is the Dog Flu Virus?

The H3N2 CIVs, sometimes referred to as H3N2 canine flu viruses, were originally identified in 2006. It originated from the H3N2 strain of avian flu. According to studies, dogs that contract H3N2 CIVs can develop serious respiratory conditions. Fever, sneezing, and coughing are a few of the virus's more significant symptoms.

Reference:

Increased public health threat of avian-origin H3N2 influenza virus caused by its evolution in dogs - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37021778/)

Source-Medindia

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