Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2016 4:05:13 GMT -8
I would avoid 'Dog Parks' as well...just never know what possible bacteria is lurking around those frisky canines playing there --- and HOOK WORMS are highly contagious and lives in the soil.
Dog Flu: New Strain of Canine Influenza Virus Detected in 2 More States, Veterinarians Say
The new H3N2 dog virus strain, which was first detected in Chicago kennels last March, has emerged in Washington State and Montana, health officials said Tuesday. It sickened 2,000 dogs in 25 states.
What are the signs and symptoms? Symptoms include cough, runny nose, and/or fever. Sick dogs may be lethargic. Dogs can come down with the flu within 24 hours of exposure. Some dogs don’t show symptoms, but are able to infect other dogs for weeks. This strain of canine influenza isn’t particularly deadly, but can cause a secondary infection like pneumonia, which can kill dogs.
How does it spread? Just like with human flu, the virus can be spread by direct contact, contaminated objects such as hands, surfaces, clothing, etc., and through droplets in the air, which may travel up to 20 feet or more. The virus can live in the environment for about 2 days and on hands and on clothing for up to 24 hours. If the virus enters a kennel or other closed group, a high percentage of the dogs become infected, and most will be symptomatic.
Once this virus gets a foothold in the community, there is a risk of continued transmission, especially at places where dogs congregate such as dog parks/beaches, dog daycare and boarding facilities, grooming facilities, and veterinary clinics. Dog owners whose dogs are coughing or showing other signs of respiratory disease should not expose their dog to other dogs, and should contact their veterinarian. Early veterinary evaluation is crucial to identifying and stopping potential outbreaks.
Does this strain of canine influenza infect humans or other animals? No human infections with canine influenza have ever been reported. In Asia, canine influenza virus H3N2 has been reported to infect cats, although transmission to cats in the US has been extremely rare. There is some evidence that guinea pigs and ferrets can become infected.