IrishMeg
10-13-2005, 03:41 PM
Okay, I'm a freak about my dog and admittedly I worry waaaay too much about him. I'm hoping you guys can ground me a little. ;)
There is a "dog flu" going around South Florida right now. Every dog park I've been to has warning signs posted about it. Would you worry about this? Would it keep you from going to the park? In case it matters, which they are saying it doesn't, he is fully vaccinated. He actually has to go for his yearly shots in two weeks.
Here is the article
http://www.tampabays10.com/thismorning/thismorning_article.aspx?storyid=19163
Dog Flu spreading in parts of Florida
Tallahasse, Florida - A strain of the flu is spreading across Florida -- but this form of influenza attacks dogs, not people.
Florida agriculture officials say 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 say 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.
There is a "dog flu" going around South Florida right now. Every dog park I've been to has warning signs posted about it. Would you worry about this? Would it keep you from going to the park? In case it matters, which they are saying it doesn't, he is fully vaccinated. He actually has to go for his yearly shots in two weeks.
Here is the article
http://www.tampabays10.com/thismorning/thismorning_article.aspx?storyid=19163
Dog Flu spreading in parts of Florida
Tallahasse, Florida - A strain of the flu is spreading across Florida -- but this form of influenza attacks dogs, not people.
Florida agriculture officials say 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 say 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.