Amid Outbreak, Michigan Veterinarians Required To Notify State About Cases Of Dog Flu
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Veterinarians and diagnostic labs across Michigan have been ordered to notify the state if they suspect canine flu or see a positive test for the disease amid an outbreak in the Midwest.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says state veterinarian James Averill added canine influenza Wednesday to the state's 2015 Reportable Disease list.
Three cases of canine flu that hit the Midwest earlier this year have been confirmed in Michigan, including one in Macomb County and two in Kent County.
Experts blame the epidemic on a strain called H3N2 that is seen in Asia and leaves pets feeling lousy for about two weeks. The virus gets passed through the air when dogs sneeze or by people when germs jump on hands or clothing, where they can live for hours.
Officials say it's highly contagious.
According to Michigan State University Veterinarian Thomas Mullaney, symptoms of dog flu include lack of appetite, lethargy, cough and fever.
A dog flu vaccine is available; but not all dogs need it, so ask your vet. Mullaney said it's often recommended that people who travel with their dogs get those pets vaccinated.
Canine flu doesn't sicken people.
TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
