Dog Flu Spreads Across several States

You’re bow-wow best chum might be in for a hard time because a new flu strain has begun to spread quite rapidly. As the dog flu spreads across several states, authorities have registered more than 2000 new cases.

• The new strain is called H3N2;
• The disease can be transmitted through close contact;
• Symptoms may include fever, runny nose, apathy, loss of appetite and even coughing.

The emergency situation has been declared in December when the Kent kennel received and treated 80 dogs infected with the new strain of flu. Although this is not the first time the disease emerged, it would seem that it has begun to manifest all the signs of a full-blown epidemic.

H3N2, or the new strain of dog influenza, was first encountered in the month of March. Since the first encounter, nearly 25 states have reported cases of this type.

Doctor Claire Foley, a vet working for the Emerald Emergency Clinic, came forth in order to offers a couple of clarifications on this subject.

According to the vet, although the symptoms are restricted to dogs, even human are susceptible of becoming infected with the disease. Moreover, infected humans are capable of transmitting the disease to other dogs if they are in close proximity.

Foley also cautioned all dog owners to stay away from dog parks, caring centers or other boarding facilities because they could be breeding grounds for the new strain of influenza.

Also, the vet instructed dog owner how to detect if their dogs are coming down with the flu. According to the symptomatology, your dog might have caught an H3N2 strain of influenza if he or she exhibits the following signs: a runny nose, high fever, coughing, apathy or a general lack of appetite.

If your dog does exhibits these symptoms, then you should rush him to your local vet for a consultation.

The dog flu spreads across several states, quickly transforming into a full-blown epidemic. According to several inland reports, it would seem that approximately 1000 new case has emerged in Chicago. Also, it would seem that the spreading area has dramatically increased. As of now, the infection zone includes other states such as Ohio, Iowa, California, Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin, Indiana, New York and Texas.

All in all, it would seem that the vets managed to confirm over 2000 new cases emerging in the area surrounding Washington DC.

Since the disease started to sprout wings, several scientists have begun working on a vaccine. After a few week, they’ve managed to synthesize a vaccine for the disease and begun inoculating several infected canines.

In conclusion, if by chance your dog displays the symptoms listed above, please take him to the vet as soon as possible.

The dog flu spreads across several states, infecting thousands of canines, and encompassing nearly 40 states.

Photo credits:www.wikipedia.org