feedNew Dog Flu Spreads in U.S., But Death Rate Is Low
Oh, terrific. Something else to watch out for.New Dog Flu Spreads in U.S., But Death Rate Is Low: Canine influenza, a sometimes deadly disease, has struck pet dogs in New York, Florida, and Massachusetts, researchers said at a press conference held ... by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ... Canine flu was first discovered last year after an unusual illness began to appear at greyhound racetracks in Florida. ... [T}he sick greyhounds had a type of influenza ordinarily found only in horses. This finding is the first scientific report of an equine influenza virus jumping the species barrier, and researchers are unsure how it occurred. Virtually 100 percent of exposed dogs become infected, the researchers said. The virus is spread from dog to dog via coughing, contaminated objects, and even people. Nearly 80 percent of dogs exposed to the virus contract only a mild form of the disease ... Canine influenza symptoms include low-grade fever, cough, and nasal discharge.So far no human cases have been found, but since it started with horses, there's already a history of species crossing. Drat. Did that say virtually 100% of dogs exposed get the disease? That's quite a percentage. Let's hope it doesn't start killing more dogs, or we may have something pretty darn serious on our hands. Sit. Stay. Go
tags ∴ canine ⋰ CanineInfluenza ⋰ disease ⋰ dog ⋰ dogs ⋰ flu ⋰ influenza ⋰ NationalGeographic ⋰ CDC
