Genetic characterization of avian-origin H3N2 canine influenza viruses isolated from Guangdong during 2006–2012

Canine influenza virus (CIV) is an emerging pathogen that causes severe and acute respiratory disease in dogs. In 2006, the H3N2 canine influenza virus was first identified in dogs from Guangdong province in China. Up to now, nine CIVs have been isolated from different populations in Guangdong. The nine isolates were grouped together with the canine H3N2 viruses isolated from dogs and felines in Korea, when the eight phylogenetic trees constructed were compared. These findings emphasize the importance of CIV surveillance in this region for understanding the genesis of this virus, and it is important to remain aware of the potential of H3N2 CIV to be transmitted from dogs to the human population.