Meta-Analysis of Seroprevalence and Prevalence of Influenza A Viruses (Subtypes H3N2, H3N8, and H1N1) in Dogs.
Authors: Ramos-Martínez Ivan, Ramos-Martínez Edgar, Saavedra-Montañez Manuel, Santos-Paniagua Saraí, Segura-Velázquez René, Vicente-Fermín Onasis, Martínez-Aguirre Mayte, Ramos-Martínez Juan C, Peña-Corona Sheila Irais, Pastelin-Palacios Rodolfo, Sánchez-Betancourt José Ivan
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Influenza A Virus Circulation in Canine Populations Influenza A represents a genuine zoonotic concern with cross-species transmission potential affecting multiple animal populations including horses; this meta-analysis synthesised global prevalence and seroprevalence data to establish the burden of three major subtypes (H3N8, H3N2, and H1N1) in dogs. Researchers systematically reviewed publications reporting active infection or serological evidence of these influenza subtypes across diverse geographic locations, pooling data to generate robust international estimates with 95% confidence intervals. Key findings revealed seroprevalence rates of 7.96% for H3N8, 7.44% for H3N2, and 3.10% for H1N1, whilst active prevalence was notably lower at 0.395% for H3N8 but considerably higher at 17.8% for H3N2, suggesting variable circulation patterns between subtypes. The identification of dogs as a significant reservoir for equine, human, swine, and avian influenza viruses carries direct implications for equine professionals: working dogs on yards and competition facilities potentially pose transmission risks, particularly regarding H3N8 which has established equine-origin ancestry, warranting consideration of biosecurity protocols and awareness of influenza status in canine populations with direct horse contact.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Not applicable to equine practitioners; this study focuses on canine influenza epidemiology
- •Dogs may serve as a zoonotic reservoir species that could transmit influenza to multiple species including horses, relevant for understanding cross-species disease transmission
- •Understanding influenza prevalence in companion animals can inform biosecurity protocols on farms with both equine and canine populations
Key Findings
- •Seroprevalence of H3N8 influenza in dogs was 7.96% (95% CI: 2.03-16.8)
- •Seroprevalence of H3N2 influenza in dogs was 7.44% (95% CI: 4.51-10.5)
- •Seroprevalence of H1N1 influenza in dogs was 3.10% (95% CI: 0.890-6.01)
- •Prevalence of H3N2 was substantially higher at 17.8% (95% CI: 6.66-32.6), while H3N8 prevalence was only 0.395%
- •Dogs serve as a potential reservoir for human, swine, equine, and avian influenza A viruses