Printer-friendly version
By Miriam Raftery
April 5, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Dog flu first appeared in Florida in 2004. But now a new and highly contagious strain has been identified in the Chicago area. It’s called Canine Flu H3N8. Over 1,000 cases have been identified and five have proven fatal, CBS news reports. While most cases are mild, the illness can also cause secondary complications such as pneumonia.
It has spread to 30 states including California. The most severe outbreak is in
The Chicago Tribune reports that some vet clinics have shut down and others are requiring separate entrances for dogs suspected of having canine influenza. Because the virus is highly contagious, some veterinarians are donning separate gowns for handling infected dogs.
Spread most often when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, the virus can travel up to 20 feet in droplets, so people can carry the virus on their clothes, shoes and hands. You can spread the disease from one dog to another, but dog flu is not transmissible to humans.
It can take up to 10 days after exposure for a dog to show symptoms, and a dog can contract the illness even from a dog that may seem healthy. In Chicago, vets are advising dog owners to keep dogs home and especially avoid places like dog parks.
Elsewhere, dog owners are advised to vaccinate their dogs if they plan to board them at a kennel, take them to a dog show, travel or visit places where there are many dogs in close quarters.
The dog flu vaccine is available in two doses, given two to four weeks apart.
Owners are also advised to disinfect furniture and household surfaces after an ill dog recovers, to avoid spreading canine influenza.
Recent comments