Influenza A virus subtype H3N8

H3N8 is a subtype of the species Influenza A virus that is endemic in birds, horses and dogs. It is the main cause of equine influenza and is also known as equine influenza virus. In 2011, it was reported to have been found in seals. Cats have been experimentally infected with the virus, leading to clinical signs, shedding of the virus and infection of other cats. In 2022 and 2023, three people in China were infected with H3N8, with one fatality, marking the first time a human has died from this strain of flu.