More dogs coming down with flu in USA, virus came from horses

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Main Category: Veterinary
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS
Article Date: 15 Oct 2005 - 13:00 PDT

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A strain of horse flu virus which is now infecting dogs in the USA is spreading and infecting many more pets. As there is no preventable vaccine, veterinarians expect this flu to continue to spread.

Even though the flu is not preventable, it is treatable. About one in twenty dogs are dying. However, veterinarians say that with early diagnosis and treatment the influenza is treated effectively.

The cross over from horses to dogs started in racetracks with greyhounds coming down ill. It then spread out and has now infected many pets throughout the country in states from the Atlantic to Pacific coasts (east, west, north and south).

The symptoms are very similar to Kennel Cough, hence the reason some dogs are not getting the right treatment straight away.

The symptoms include:
-- Cough
-- Runny nose
-- Slight fever

About 30% of tissue samples sent in by vets who think their animal has flu are coming up positive for this strain.

The most vulnerable places for infection are where many dogs are gathered together, such as kennels, race tracks, pet rescue centers and dog shows.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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