What is Dog Flu and Canine Influenza?
Dog flu or canine influenza is a strain of influenza (flu) that affects primarily canines (dogs). It is believed to have originated in 2005 in the United States as equestrian influenza (horse flu). The exposure and transfer apparently occurred at horse racing tracks, where dog racing also occurs.
As with bird flu among human beings, there is great concern that the dog flu could kill many otherwise healthy pets.
Here are some of the related news on dog flu or canine influenza.
New Dog Flu Spreads in U.S., But Death Rate Is Low
National Geographic News - September 27, 2005
“A new, highly contagious respiratory virus thought to affect only the greyhound racing industry is now being detected in family dogs.
Canine influenza, a sometimes deadly disease, has struck pet dogs in New York, Florida, and Massachusetts, researchers said at a press conference held yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”
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Deadly Dog Flu Jumped from Horses
NewScientist.com News service - September 27, 2005
“The deadly canine flu that has been making domestic dogs and racing greyhounds ill in the US jumped from horses in a “very rare event”, say scientists.
Although the possibility that the virus could also jump to humans cannot be ruled out, scientists are urging calm. But researchers at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta say they will be monitoring human exposure.”
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