The horse influenza virus H3N8 was diagnosed in dogs in the U.S.A. in 2005. Since then the virus has spread to dogs in most U.S. states. Antibodies against the virus have also been detected in dogs in other countries.
Due to regular import of dogs to Iceland, the veterinary authorities are concerned that the virus may be introduced to dogs and subsequently horses in Iceland. To mitigate this risk samples are taken from all dogs in import quarantine in Iceland for H3N8 antibody measurments. Keldur has been responsible for this screening procedure, i.e. sample management and shipment for analysis abroad.
Contact person: Vilhjálmur Svansson.