Posted: Aug 1, 2022
HOMEWOOD, Ala. (WIAT) — Canine Influenza is rapidly spreading across the country and has significantly impacted Alabama for the first time.
The virus is new, discovered 17 years ago, and, unfortunately, due to recent discoveries, dogs are not immune to the virus.
H3N8 and H3N2 are the two virus strains currently in the state.
Symptoms of the virus are coughing, sneezing, and loss of appetite. Signs you’ll generally see if a dog has kennel cough.
One in five dogs with the virus will develop severe symptoms, while up to eight percent of dogs infected may die from canine influenza complications.
A recent study shows that 80 to 90 percent of dogs exposed to the virus will become infected.
Veterinarians recommend pet owners keeping dogs inside for the next three weeks to keep them safe and vaccinated.
“Stay away from where a mass of dogs congregate, such as dog parks, pet stores, and boarding facilities,” veterinarian at Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic, Dr. Andy Sokol, said. “Right now, many boarding facilities are reducing their intake or completely shutting down due to it spreading so rapidly. “
https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/canine-influenza-spreading-rapidly-across-alabama/