Originally published October 14 2005
Dog flu cases spread across the U.S.
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Experts estimate that five percent of dogs infected with this new strain of influenza die after displaying symptoms that include lethargy, heavy breathing and nasal discharge.
Every inch the pampered purebred, the fluffy white dog named Curry stands like a statue for his haircut at the Best Friends Pet Resort and Salon.
But Curry, a 5-year-old bichon frise, was one sick puppy a month ago.
And this was a kennel that was forced to close for three weeks after more than 100 dogs began showing signs of a new disease, canine influenza virus, also known as dog flu.
Experts say the flu is spreading steadily through the dog population, unchecked by antibodies or a vaccine.
"One-hundred percent of dogs will be susceptible," said Edward Dubovi, director of the animal virology lab at Cornell University.
Cynda Crawford, a veterinary immunologist at the University of Florida, said researchers are getting 30 to 40 percent positive readings on the blood and tissue samples sent in by veterinarians who think they might be treating a dog with influenza.
The symptoms include a cough, low-grade fever and a nasal discharge.
She said she sees reports of dog deaths "on a daily basis," but cannot estimate the number of deaths nationwide because most will not be reported and "just because a dog dies of pneumonia does not mean it had canine influenza virus infection."
That has resulted in a lot of lonely dogs, as pet owners keep them home to avoid the flu.
At least two deaths have been counted in the suburbs north of New York City.
About 15 dogs were sick enough to go to veterinary hospitals, but the sheepdog was the only one that died.
Dubovi said researchers are at work on a vaccine "and the question is how fast we can get it out there and how effective it is.
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