Jun 03 2009
6 Deaths - DOG FLU RETURNS in Pennsylvania!
By 69 NEWS WFMZ-TV
(Republished & video from wfmz.com)
Another kind of flu is in Pennsylvania now. And it’s already shut down two animal shelters in Philadelphia. Officials think the “canine flu” has killed six dogs so far, so the shelters are being closed indefinitely. It’s a rare disease, but one all dog owners and animal shelters need to take seriously.
WFMZ’s Joel D. Smith reports…
>>REPORTER: At animal shelters like this one in Philadelphia, usually the goal is adoption. Right now, it’s survival. Officials suspect an outbreak of dog flu.
>> Rachel Lee: Canine influenza is a highly contagious disease. It’s carried in most of population and usually a very mild disease, but what we’re seeing is a very severe, very acute rapid onset disease.
>> REPORTER: The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has shelters in the Juniata and Hunting Park sections of Philadelphia under quarantine indefinitely. Six dogs have died since last Wednesday, four have been euthanized.
>> DAMON MARCH: That’s very concerning because that’s relatively close to our area, and we have so many dogs packed into a relatively small space, that canine influenza is a reality for us.
>> REPORTER: So what are they doing here to combat it? What they always do. They’are keeping the dogs all separated, and keeping this entrie place as clean as possible. There’s no danger to humans, and this is not related to the swine flu, but there’s also no vaccine for dogs, so early detection and antibiotics are the only way to fight it.
>> MARCH: The most obvious signs would be a cough, hacking cough a dog would have, especially if there’s any kind of pressure on the neck, so if you’re walking your dog you’ll see that. Also, nasal discharge, so a really runny nose, or really runny eyes would be a symptom.
>> REPORTER: Also watch for dogs acting very tired, seemingly overnight. The dog flu comes on fast, but can be treated, if caught in time.
Original Article: http://www.wfmz.com/view/?id=1081785
MORE CANINE INFLUENZA INFORMATION:
http://dogtravelnetwork.com/dog_travel_news/?p=474
