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What is The Canine Flu? What You Can Do To Protect Your Pets.
I found the below article this morning about the Canine Flu and it seemed to be quite alarming. This strain of the virus has sickened more than 1,000 dogs in the Chicago area. That is such a large number. They say it is seen mostly where dogs are in kennels. With that said, I want you know that you choices. In-home pet sitting is where the pet sitter comes to your home so you do not have to put your pet in a kennel. Contact Love and Kisses Pet Sitting if you would like to schedule your FREE meet and greet and to discuss your options if you are in the Union County NC area. This is a great option for you. 704-763-9857
Updated: 04/14/2015 12:45 PM
Created: 04/14/2015 11:10 AM KSTP.com
By: Cassie Hart
http://kstp.com/news/stories/s3765271.shtml
An outbreak of a canine flu that has sickened more than 1,000 dogs in the Chicago area is caused by a strain of virus never seen before in the U.S.
Scientists at Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin say the outbreak is closely related to Asian strains of influenza A H3N2 viruses. This new strain will develop faster in dogs and is seen mostly where dogs are in kennels, according to researchers. Scientists originally thought the Midwest outbreak was caused by the H3N8 strain, which was first seen in the U.S in 2004.
The outbreak is highly contagious and has killed at least five dogs. So far, no outbreaks have shown up in Minnesota.
It can be transmitted from person to dog, but there is no evidence that it can be transmitted from dogs to humans. H3N2 has also caused infection and respiratory illness in cats. Dogs are contagious for about two weeks and should be kept away from other dogs during that time.
Both strains can cause high fever, loss of appetite, coughing, nasal discharge and lethargy. Symptoms may be more severe in cases caused by the H3N2 virus. Some infected dogs may not show symptoms at all.
Flu vaccines are available for dogs, but it’s unclear if the current vaccine will provide protection from the new virus.
Concerned pet owners should get to their veterinarians about testing and treatment.
Have you heard about the brand new H3N2 dog flu sweeping through Chicago and sickening and killing dogs? It may actually be worse than you think: round-the-clock testing has unveiled that this heretofore unknown canine influenza was originally an avian flu that made a “mammalian adaptation” and has been infecting dogs and cats in Asia since 2007. Now it is here in the epicenter of the U.S. Will it sweep across the country and endanger dogs everywhere? Will this deadly flu become like the bird flu in Asia and the swine flu in England, both of which did transform into a flu affecting people? Dr. Donna Spector is based in Chicago and we made a special episode of THE EXPERT VET to answer these questions and more.
Please listen HERE A special report on the dog flu sweeping Chicago: how to protect your dog and yourself, co-hosted by Dr. Donna Spector http://ow.ly/LEsTR
