Exposure of dogs to influenza A and B viruses

Dogs have not typically been considered natural hosts for influenza viruses. However, two canine influenza subtypes, H3N8 and H3N2, have been associated with infection in this species, posing a potential zoonotic threat. In this study, a serological investigation was conducted to assess the seroprevalence of human seasonal influenza viruses (type A and B), as well as canine and avian influenza A viruses, and the H7N1 virus, in a population of adult household dogs. A total of 256 serum samples were analysed by the hemagglutination inhibition and virus neutralization assays. The seroprevalence rates were 0.78% and 77.34% for human seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses; 0.39% for both the B Yamagata and B Victoria lineages; and 1.17% for H7N1 virus. None of the samples tested positive for avian or canine viruses. These findings suggest that household dogs can be exposed to human seasonal influenza viruses, emphasizing the importance of continued surveillance of influenza viruses within canine populations.