Health Dept Warns Residents to Watch for Signs of Canine Influenza

With the canine influenza outbreak afflicting more than 1,000 dogs in Chicago, the DeKalb County Health Department notes that anyone concerned about their pet’s health, or whose pet is showing symptoms of canine influenza, should contact their veterinarian. Symptoms may include a soft, moist cough or dry cough, high fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, and lethargy. Some infected dogs may not show symptoms at all while some cats have also incurred infection and respiratory illness.

Jane Lux, Public Health Administrator notes “the Health Department has not received any reports of canine influenza” in DeKalb County, but cautions that because this is an emerging disease, almost all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no immunity. Dogs exposed to the virus become infected and nearly 80% show clinical signs of disease.

Pet owners may wish to keep their dogs away from dog parks and from kenneling animals to reduce the spread of the virus. A fact sheet about canine influenza can be found on the American Veterinary Medical Association website www.avma.org.