iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Florida officials are monitoring an outbreak of “dog flu” that has already been confirmed or suspected of infecting 14 dogs. Seven of the cases are confirmed and six are suspected, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
This is the first time this highly contagious virus H3N2 has appeared in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. While the virus can spread rapidly among dogs, it cannot infect humans.
“This virus is spread by direct contact of a susceptible dog with a contagious dog, but it is also spread very effectively and efficiently with contact through contaminated clothing, contaminated hands, contaminated objects in the environment,” Dr. Cynda Crawford from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine said in a news conference Thursday.
Crawford said the virus can last on clothing or objects for eight to 24 hours and that it is impossible to tell the difference between the viral infection and a more common, less infectious disease like kennel cough.
Symptoms including cough, decreased appetite and lethargy during the first few days of illness. Most dogs can recover at home without long term complications, but Crawford said that dogs need to be quarantined for four weeks at home to stop the spread of the virus. Owners should notify clinics if they suspect dog flu before bringing their pets in so contact with other animals can be prevented.
Crawford emphasized that owners should ask vets to vaccinate their dogs for canine influenza, especially if the virus has been reported in their neighborhood or town.
“The more dogs in a community that we can vaccinate to build up community immunity, the better chance we have of keeping that virus out,” she said.
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