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topknot · 06-28-2006, 06:36 PM

It called canine flu. It was originally mistaken for a potent strain of kennel cough. It is now identified as an influenza virus. Outbreak started in Florida Greyhound track in 2004, 8 -22 infected dogs died. It spreads quickly where dogs are housed together and can be passed down between dogs making casual contact on the streets. Even humans can transfer it from one dog to another. Since the virus is so new, dogs have no natural immunity against it. Like kennel cough, infected dogs will cough and gag for up to three weeks, but they also become seriously ill. Many dogs run a high fever and some go to develop viral pneumonia. Somewhere between 1 to 10 percent of the dogs stricken with this die. This canine flus is technically called Influenza A, subtype H3N8. They have also had cases in Texas as well. The flu has been confirmed now in 13 states and the District of Columbia. BAsed on DNA testing the virus mutated from the influenza virus that infects horses. The H3N8 virus is not related to the human virus or the H5N1 avian flu that has claimed over more than 60 humans lives in Asia. One day a vaccine may be an essential component of hte canine vaccination programs - at this moment there is not a vaccine for this virus.

This inforamtion was sumamrized form page 46 of the Yorkshire Terrier Magazine April/ May issue.

06-28-2006, 06:36 PM	#11
topknot Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: GA Posts: 3,787	Inforamtion on the Canine Flu - similar to kennel cough It called canine flu. It was originally mistaken for a potent strain of kennel cough. It is now identified as an influenza virus. Outbreak started in Florida Greyhound track in 2004, 8 -22 infected dogs died. It spreads quickly where dogs are housed together and can be passed down between dogs making casual contact on the streets. Even humans can transfer it from one dog to another. Since the virus is so new, dogs have no natural immunity against it. Like kennel cough, infected dogs will cough and gag for up to three weeks, but they also become seriously ill. Many dogs run a high fever and some go to develop viral pneumonia. Somewhere between 1 to 10 percent of the dogs stricken with this die. This canine flus is technically called Influenza A, subtype H3N8. They have also had cases in Texas as well. The flu has been confirmed now in 13 states and the District of Columbia. BAsed on DNA testing the virus mutated from the influenza virus that infects horses. The H3N8 virus is not related to the human virus or the H5N1 avian flu that has claimed over more than 60 humans lives in Asia. One day a vaccine may be an essential component of hte canine vaccination programs - at this moment there is not a vaccine for this virus. This inforamtion was sumamrized form page 46 of the Yorkshire Terrier Magazine April/ May issue.