USDA approves canine influenza vaccination

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced earlier this week that the USDA approved its TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 (TruCan Ultra CIV) vaccine, which is designed to provide broad respiratory disease protection from canine influenza. With the USDA approving TrueCan Ultra CIV, Elanco’s Tru Portfolio is complete, and it is also the first vaccine line to be recommended by Fear Free.

"This vaccine not only offers broad protection against canine influenza but also integrates seamlessly into our Tru Portfolio. Our commitment to delivering safe, effective, and advanced solutions reaffirms our position as a trusted partner in animal health, driving forward our mission to enrich lives through the health of animals,” said Bobby Modi, executive vice president, US pet health and global digital transformation, in an organizational release.1

According to the release, in a study conducted by Elanco, and its data on file, TruCan Ultra CIV was shown to be highly effective in protecting dogs, plus improving clinical signs such as:

• None of the vaccinated canine patients developed lung lesions post H3N2 challenge
• There was 100% percent neutralization of 33 currently circulating canine influenza field isolates
• Proven to reduce viral shedding
• Proven safe across multiple ages and breeds of the dogs in the field safety study

A case of canine respiratory virus can be devastating for veterinary clinics, patients, and clients, and in some cases, can cause the clinics to shut down, causing a massive financial impact. There is also the risk of canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRDC), also known as kennel cough,2, a collection of respiratory diseases caused by various agents, such as canine influenza virus.1

In cases of CIRDC, a classic sign is frequent, honking coughing that comes on suddenly and is sometimes also described as gagging or retching. For patients with CIRDC, the coughing can worsen with activity or exercise. Patients with CIRDC mostly recover within 7 to 10 days, but depending on the infecting organism(s) and the patient’s ability to fight it, dogs can develop more severe signs such as decreased appetite, lethargy, productive cough, and rapid or labored breathing. When it comes to CIRDC, some breeds are also at a higher risk for those more severe symptoms, especially brachycephalic dogs.

"Fear, anxiety, and stress in pets can stem from many factors, including illness," said Marty Becker, DVM, founder of Fear Free.1 "When veterinarians have effective tools to help protect pets from diseases like canine influenza, it can contribute to a smoother, less stressful experience for both pets and their people. Solutions like TruCan Ultra CIV support the goal of reducing fear, anxiety and stress by keeping pets healthier and more comfortable in the veterinary setting."

You can learn more about TruCan Ultra CIV on the Elanco website.

References

1. Elanco receives USDA approval for TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 (canine influenza vaccine) bringing to market a high standard of respiratory protection. News release. July 9, 2025. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.elanco.com/us/newsroom/press-releases/elanco-receives-usda-approval-for-trucantm-ultra-civ-h3n2-h3n8-canine-influenza-vaccine-bringing-to-market-a-high-standard-of-respiratory-protection
2. Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (Kennel cough). American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-kennel-cough