Florida: Vets urge dog owners to vaccinate against dog flu outbreak

[Eugene]

Source: Miami Herald

JUNE 01, 2017 1:47 PM

Vets urge dog owners to vaccinate against dog flu outbreak

BY ELIZABETH KOH AND BROOKE HENDERSON
[e-mail]

Veterinarians are urging Florida dog owners to get their pets vaccinated as a highly contagious strain of canine influenza spreads throughout the state.

More than a dozen cases of the virus strain have been confirmed in North and Central Florida since last week, and cases have been reported near the Orlando area. The virus is not usually fatal, but untreated cases can lead to more serious and even life-threatening pneumonia.

“There is an imminent threat for dogs to be exposed to this virus in this state,” veterinarian and University of Florida professor Cynda Crawford told reporters Thursday. “Now is the time for vets and dog owners to consider getting their dogs vaccinated as soon as possible.”

The virus causes a frequent cough in dogs, as well as sneezing and a runny nose that lasts for about two weeks. But the virus is also highly contagious: Infected dogs can transmit the germs up to 20 feet by sneezing or coughing, and the virus itself can survive on objects like clothing, leashes or toys for up to 24 hours after contact. The virus can also be transmitted one-way to cats, though no vaccine for cats against H3N2 is approved for use.

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Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article153803139.html

[radical noodle]

1. Thanks for posting this!

My daughter is coming to visit in a couple of weeks and is bringing her two dogs. I'll tell her about this.