*📌 Executive Summary
Confirmed cases: 412 dogs in 12 Texas cities (58% increase vs. 2024).
Dominant strain: H3N8 with PA-X mutation (more contagious).
Severe symptoms: Secondary pneumonia in 23% of cases.
How to protect your pet: Bivalent vaccine (H3N8 + H3N2) + isolation protocols.
Mortality data: 4.1% (vs. 2.3% in 2024).
*1. The Outbreak in Numbers (2025)
📊 Official Data from the CDC and AVMA
City Confirmed Cases Deaths Contagion Rate
Houston 142 6 1 dog infected 2.3
Dallas 98 4 1 dog infected 1.8
Austin 67 3 1 dog infected 1.5
San Antonio 105 5 1 dog infected 2.1
*🔬 Why Is It Worse in 2025?
New PA-X mutation: Increases viral replication in the respiratory tract.
Lack of herd immunity: Only 32% of Texas dogs vaccinated (goal: 70%).
*2. Symptoms Every Owner Should Know
🚨 Clinical Signs (Degree of Urgency)
Symptom Mild Moderate Emergency
Dry cough ✔ ✔ ✔ (if persists >72h)
Yellowish nasal discharge ✖ ✔ ✔ (with blood)
Fever (>39.4°C) ✖ ✔ ✔ (>40°C)
Apathy and loss of appetite ✔ ✔ ✔ (+ vomiting)
Tip from Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Cole (Texas A&M):
“If your dog goes to parks, daycares or hotels, watch for even mild coughing. This strain quickly progresses to pneumonia.”
*3. How to Protect Your Dog: Practical Guide
💉 Vaccination (Cost-Benefit)
Bivalent vaccine: Cross-protection against H3N8 and H3N2.
Where to find it: Banfield Clinics, VCA and Petco (US$ 45-60/dose).
Efficacy: 89% against hospitalizations (AVMA data).
🛡️ Isolation Protocols
Avoid:
Parks, daycare centers and pet stores for 14 days if there is an outbreak in your city.
Radical hygiene:
Wash paws with 2% chlorhexidine solution after walks.
Disinfect collars with 70% alcohol.
🏥 When to See a Veterinarian?
Emergency: Fever + green/yellow nasal discharge.
Home care: Cough without fever → Isolate and monitor for 48h.
*4. Available Treatments (2025)
💊 FDA Approved Medications
Drug Function Cost (US)
Baloxavir marboxil Antiviral (reduces viral load) US$ 120/treatment
Doxycycline Prevents pneumonia US$ 30-50
Immuno-V Supplement Strengthens immunity US$ 25-40
*5. Economic Impact and Government Actions
Texas veterinary clinics report 40% increase in hospitalizations.
Subsidies: Texas approved US$ 500k for vaccinations in shelters.
Pet shops are requiring proof of vaccination for grooming services.
*6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can humans get canine influenza?
A: No, but dogs can transmit it to other pets (ferrets, cats in rare cases).
Q: Does the vaccine have side effects?
A: Mild local pain (5% of cases) or low fever (1%).
Q: My dog has had the flu. Does he need to be vaccinated?
A: Yes! The new H3N8-PX strain evades previous immunity.
