The dog flu, canine influenza, or the H3N8 virus, is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs. It is thought to have originated in horses and jumped to dogs somewhere around five years ago. It is one of several viruses associated with what’s commonly referred to as “kennel cough.”
The dog flu has been documented in 30 states, but is very prevalent in Colorado, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania.
Most dogs recover within two weeks, however, some dogs progress to pneumonia and have died. The mortality rate is around 5%. Compare that to a 2% human mortality rate for the 1918 Spanish flu. Fortunately, a vaccine is in the works and should be available soon at a vet near you.
Read the story here.
Update: For those who kindly asked, Kelly and Andy are free of the dog flu, but many dogs here on the front range are not so fortunate. Until we get a better idea how wide spread a problem it is we've curtailed their social activities and will keep them out of Doggie day care and avoid kenneling.
1 comment:
Does Kelly have dog flu? I hope not!
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