Outbreak of dog flu in the Midwest

Many dogs have been sickened by a particularly virulent strain of dog flu in the Midwest, and some veterinarians are urging dog owners to be cautious about dog-to-dog contact with strange dogs. Over 1,000 dogs have fallen ill in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, with many more sure to come.

 

The strain of flu has been identified as H3N2, which can cause coughing, fever, and a runny nose. As with human flu, dog flu can be fatal, particularly for dogs with compromised immune systems, puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs who are otherwise in a weakened state already.

 

H3N2 cannot be spread to humans, but it can spread to other dogs, and even to cats. Owners of sick dogs are urged to keep them away from dog parks and other areas where they could spread the germs to healthy dogs.