Kenosha – At least 1,100 Chicago-area dogs have come down with a highly contagious strain of canine flu — and six have died — in what researchers said is a strain of the virus never seen before in the United States.
Chicago was the first location outside of Asia that has seen H3N2 cases. The highly contagious disease, which began spreading at the end of March, is a full-blown epidemic in the city.
The current outbreak, the largest and longest-lasting in the region, is caused by a strain closely related to the Asian strains of the flu virus, laboratory scientists at Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin said in a statement this week.
Symptoms include persistent and lingering cough, lethargic behavior, poor appetite and a fever, said Dr. Donna Alexander, administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal & Rabies Control.
No cases have been identified in Kenosha County, but animal clinics are getting bombed with questions from concerned pet guardians, and some are asking about flu vaccinations.
“This virus has only been seen in Korea and China and our cases in Chicago are the first of its kind on our soil,” Kimberly Cerny, the practice manager at Blum Animal Hospital in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, said in a statement to NBC Chicago.
Veterinarians began reporting cases of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease, or CIRD, in January, said Cook County spokesman Frank Shuftan. There may be more cases than have been reported, Shuftan said.
“A lot of vets are so busy now they’re having a difficult time even calling our office,” Shuftan said.
Veterinarians told NBC Chicago the current outbreak is a more severe strain of he virus, allowing dogs to develop the disease faster.
Having your dog vaccinated with the H3N8 strain may help lessen the severity if the dog is exposed to H3N2.
People can also take preventive measures to protect their dogs, such as avoiding close contact with other dogs. If you do come in contact with other dogs, wash your hands and clothing before making contact with your dog.
The vaccination procedure is one initial vaccine, a second vaccine shot two to four weeks later and an annual booster.
Vets are treating the cases by treating the symptoms and dispensing antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.
There is an incubation period of two or three days and a five- to seven-day period of clinical signs, but dogs can be contagious for up to two weeks.
In Kenosha, the reaction has been less urgent, with county and city dog parks remaining open.
Canine flu symptoms
The symptoms of the H3N2 and H3N8 strains of canine flu:
— persistent cough
— runny nose
— high fever
— nasal and eye discharge
— decreased eating
— lethargy
Source: Veterinarian Nikki Seibert of Westosha Veterinary Hospital
