Modern vaccines have your dog covered for the canine influenza virus. A newer strain of the virus has, however, emerged – to which the current vaccine is rendered ineffective. Until a new vaccine is developed to combat the new virus, the whole country is at risk of an epidemic.
Viruses can spread like wildfire. One infection can spread exponentially. That is why even if there are no reported cases in the area, caution should still be exercised. Suspicious symptoms from dogs should immediately be reported to the veterinarian and isolated to avoid any potential spreading of the virus. Flu is quite common among dogs and will hit them anytime. But occurs more commonly among dogs who live in animal shelters, boarding kennels, or who actively participate in shows.
First diagnosed in April of 2015 in the Midwest, the new strain has been called H3N2. It soon spread into the Chicago area and other neighboring states. More and more cases have since appeared since the first reported infection. There have already been reported deaths from the virus.
You can ask your veterinarian Portland, OR for more information regarding your dog’s health.
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