3 Cases Of Canine Flu Hit Macomb, Kent County

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - State officials are reporting 3 cases of the canine flu. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says there is one case of the H3N2 canine influenza in Macomb County and two in Kent County.

The canine flu virus can cause runny nose and fever.

In April WWJ reported that more than 1,000 dogs had come down with dog flu in the Chicago area, noting that the flu was extremely contagious.

Veterinarian Thomas Mullaney, from Michigan State University, advised metro Detroiters planning a trip to Chicago to be cautious.

"Do common sense things like check to see if the place you are going has dogs, and are those dogs healthy," Mullaney said. "While in Chicago, I would limit access of my dog to public parks where lots of dogs are walked, and I would certainly limit access to doggie day care center and kennels."

Mullaney said outbreaks of dog flu began about 10 years ago in Florida and along the east coast, most of those appearing to be associated with horse racetracks.

"Do common sense things like check to see if the place you are going has dogs, and are those dogs healthy,"Mullaney said. "While in Chicago, I would limit access of my dog to public parks where lots of dogs are walked, and I would certainly limit access to doggie day care center and kennels."

Mullaney said outbreaks of dog flu began about 10 years ago in Florida and along the east coast, most of those appearing to be associated with horse racetracks.

The Associated Press reports both viruses can cause persistent cough, runny nose and fever in dogs. Experts tell the AP a small percentage of animals will develop more severe symptoms. Neither of the canine strains is contagious to humans, but one could sicken cats.
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