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Not avian but canine...

Dogs Getting Flu In South Florida

POSTED: 4:51 pm EDT September 21, 2005

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- A strain of the flu is spreading across Florida -- but this form of influenza attacks dogs, not people.

Florida agriculture officials said they are seeing a jump in the number of cases of canine influenza being reported at shelters, boarding facilities and clinics.

The cases are being reported across the state, especially in South Florida.

The respiratory disease causes symptoms similar to kennel cough but is more serious. Officials said canine influenza usually requires the attention of a veterinarian.

The virus is highly contagious.

The state is concerned that the spread of the virus could increase as Hurricane Katrina evacuees temporarily relocate to Florida with their pets.

Some develop more acute symptoms and among those dogs the mortality rate is between one and five percent.

Canine flu is a newly emerging disease that was identified recently in racing greyhounds by University of Florida researchers.


247 posted on 09/21/2005 2:29:17 PM PDT by steve86 (@)
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To: BearWash

That's interesting BearWash.

Do you have handy a url to this dog flu problem?
Thanks.

(I'm lazy.)


257 posted on 09/21/2005 4:15:59 PM PDT by Cindy
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