Several laboratory tests are available to detect outbreaks of canine influenza.

CIV infection should be suspected in dogs with respiratory signs.

Serology

Serology to detect CIV-specific antibodies is the most reliable diagnostic test for confirmation of CIV infection.

• This testing should be performed in conjunction with other tests to confirm canine influenza.
• The timing of serum sample collection is also critical. CIV-specific antibodies can be detected in a hemagglutination inhibition assay as early as 7 days postinfection; however, reliable detection occurs after 10 days of clinical signs.^2,24

Therefore, it is important to note that a negative antibody titer for serum samples collected before day 10 does not rule out CIV infection.^2,4 In addition, because the presence of antibodies only indicates exposure but not necessarily active infection, it is necessary to compare an acute titer with a titer taken at least 2 weeks later (a convalescent titer) to confirm a four-fold or greater rise in antibody titer (seroconversion) in order to prove that there was a recent active infection.^2,4

Serum samples can be submitted to:^2,4

• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Diagnostic Center
• Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories
• University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories