Dog Flu Outbreak Is Serious, Vets Say

Veterinarians in Chicago say that the outbreak of canine influenza is serious, with some dogs having died from the infection.

According to CBS News, the Chicago canine flu outbreak has affected around 1,000 dogs and has claimed the lives of at least 5.

Dr. Tal Guidry of Guidry Animal Hospital in Carencro says that the likelihood of the epidemic reaching Acadiana, while not impossible, isn't very probable:

This strain of influenza cannot be contracted by humans, but is highly contagious dog-to-dog.  If your pet hasn't traveled to the Chicago area, or hasn't been around dogs who have, you have little to worry about.  The symptoms are similar to the flu symptoms in humans: fever, runny nose, cough.  If you are concerned about your dog developing the infection, there is an annual vaccine available (but the benefits at this time, he adds, do not outweigh the risk of side effects of the vaccine).  If your dog has traveled to the Chicago area within the past few weeks, it would be a good idea to keep them quarantined and monitored for 10-14 days. - Dr. Tal Guidry, D.V.M.

Animal control officials in Chicago are encouraging people to keep their dogs away from other dogs (avoiding dog parks/boarding kennels/play dates) until the outbreak is under control.

(CBS, Youtube)