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PHiE 2019, 100(2)

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Probl Hig Epidemiol 2019, 100(1): 1-9pl

Canine and feline influenza and its implications for public health based on the US experience


Anna Świątecka 1/, Leszek Markuszewski 2,3/, Aneta Klimberg 4/, Izabela Kucharska 5/

1/ Animal Hospital, Fairfax, VA, USA
2/ Społeczna Akademia Nauk w Warszawie
3/ Rada Sanitarno-Epidemiologiczna przy Głównym Inspektorze Sanitarnym w Warszawie
4/ Katedra Higieny i Epidemiologii, Wydział Lekarski i Nauk o Zdrowiu, Uniwersytet Zielonogórski
5/ Główny Inspektorat Sanitarny w Warszawie

Summary
Influenza is an infectious disease caused by viruses. Due to their antigenic drift and shift, some of these viruses have the potential to cause pandemics or epidemics. There are three different types of influenza virus: influenza A, B, and C, all of which can infect and cause illness in humans. Another, D type virus has also been identified (confirmed only in cattle populations). In this article, the authors have focused on influenza viruses identified in dogs and cats - animals living in close proximity to people. Unlike the viruses infecting humans, canine and feline influenza viruses are not seasonal. In view of the very interesting dynamic of influenza viruses, it is important to monitor the changes they undergo in both humans and animals. Special attention should be paid to cases where a virus is transmitted to a new species (such as bird flu in cats), as this may be the first warning sign of changes that may pose a serious public health threat.

Key words:  influenza, influenza virus, dogs, cats, antigenic drift and shift, health threat, public health