Possible canine flu cases reported in Raleigh and Wake County
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- It looks like a canine flu outbreak that has sickened many dogs in other parts of the country may have arrived in the Triangle.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture says it's looking at two presumptive cases in Raleigh and in northern Wake County.
Dr. Patricia Norris, Director of Animal Welfare at the NC Department of Agriculture, said it's not a surprise as North Carolina is a big vacation destination and people in and out of the state are traveling to all parts of North Carolina.
Norris said none of the cases are confirmed because it's an expensive test, and owners are not opting to pay for the lab test. They're simply choosing to treat their dogs.
The virus can cause persistent cough, runny nose, and fever in dogs. Experts say a small percentage will develop more severe symptoms. The virus has been associated with some deaths.
"We used to think it was just kennel cough before," said Dr. John Santilli at Mayfair Animal Hospital in Cary. "Now, it could be influenza."
Santilli told ABC11 that younger dogs and elderly ones face the biggest risk, including death in some cases.
Pet owners with sick dogs should not take pets into areas where they could interact with other dogs especially kennels or dog parks.
"A dog can cough or sneeze and it just goes through the air and the next thing you know every dog in the vicinity can become infected," said Santilli.
The virus is not thought to be contagious to humans.
Experts urge pet owners to stay up to date with all vaccinations.
For more information on canine influenza, check out these websites:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/canine-influenza-viruscanine-flu
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canineflu/keyfacts.htm
