INTERSPECIES TRANSMISSION AND ADAPTATION OF INFLUENZA VIRUS TO DOGS

Abstract

Influenza viruses are widespread worldwide pathogens with a wide range of hosts, including virtually all warm-blooded animals. Influenza A viruses have the ability to adapt quickly to new hosts due to rapid mutation and combinative variability based on high mutation rates and segmented genome structure. The ever-growing new strains that break the interspecies barrier and are new zoonotic pathogens are one of the most serious public health problems. Traditionally, peculiar attention is paid to avian influenza viruses as the main reservoir of influenza viruses and the main source of new highly pathogenic strains. However, in recent years, canine influenza has come into focus following several outbreaks in North America and South Asia caused by the influenza H3N8 and H3N2 virus. Thus, influenza epidemics in pets may pose a threat to the emergence of new zoonotic pathogens and their rapid spread due to the high numbers and close contact of these animals with humans, although currently the risks to humans are not well understood. This article presents data on the epidemiology of influenza A viruses in dogs, considers evidence of the ability of influenza viruses to intraspecific transmission, adaptation to the host and the formation of new influenza A virus lineages through genomic reassembly within the dog body. The described facts justify the need for systematic monitoring and in-depth study of canine influenza viruses to ensure preparedness for inevitable outbreaks and pandemics, as well as to identify the role of interaction between pets and humans in the light of the “One Health” concept and the threat of the emergence of new zoonotic viruses.