We’ve all heard about mad cow disease, we’ve all seen the frenzy the west Nile virus had inspired in the media. What about the bird flu do you remember that? Of course you did! It hasn’t been that long since people began wearing hospital masks just to walk outside for fear of viruses. Nowadays we hear about the swine flu and the fear it has caused, well today I just came across a new one while browsing a forum post at CavalierTalk

Its called the Dog flu, Canine Influenza H3N8. Yes you heard right, there have been cases of a new outbreak, but instead it has been affecting mans best friend, the canine population!

Before anyone starts buying face masks for their furry friends let me first gladly inform you that there is a vaccine that has been already developed, so if your afraid that your dog might be susceptible to the disease be sure to stop by your Veterinarian and get an appointment for a shot.

The Dog flu has already taken the life of a 15 year old whippet and sickened 26 dogs at the Virgina Fairfax County Animal Shelter. Officials report that the way the disease had gotten to Virgina was due to the fact that dogs come and go through the animal shelter system and they believe that it may have been brought down from Philadelphia or D.C.. While attempts to isolate the spread of the virus has been implemented there is still a chance of spreading. In the past there have reports of the disease in places such as San Diego, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh, but they all had been dealt with quickly

Dogs are at risk of contracting the disease if they are in contact with various dogs such us a dog park, animal shetler, or even a doggie daycare. As long as 1 dog has a trace of the disease all the dogs that it comes into contact with it has a chance of getting the disease as well. If your dog experiences daily contact with various dogs, especially through doggie day care services, be sure to grab the vaccine ASAP to be sure that your dog does not become a victim.

Raj Salwan of the Oakland Tribune reports that, “The canine flu virus mutated from a virus that has affected horses for more than 40 years. Since there has never been a case of the equine virus affecting humans, experts are fairly certain that the canine influenza virus will not infect humans, either.” As far as humans are concerned simple precautions are in order. Although humans may not be affected by the virus, humans can still become a host vehicle for the virus to be transferred to other dogs. Such as when one persons pets a dog with the virus and pets another one later on without the virus that dog has a chance of getting the virus due to the transfer.

If you bring your dog to a doggie daycare that has not been informed yet of this possible spread of disease be sure to let them know as this is a serious problem were many canines congregate! As for dog parks and other public places I recommend to exercise a measure of caution when visiting such areas as to be sure that your pup/dog does not become affected.

Again I remind all those who believe their dog may be at risk to check with their vet on getting the vaccine as the best medicine for all medical problems is prevention so that does it even begin!

Do you know of anyone who has been affected by the disease? Has your dog contracted the disease? How is he/she? Drop a comment on your thoughts regarding the Dog Flu and be sure to warn your friends!

*More information can be found at these following sites:
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/18/dog-canine-virus.html
http://www.mercurynews.com/columns/ci_13546595?nclick_check=1

*Picture: A Cavaliers reaction to the dog flu, just rubbish >=(. Haha. Again thanks again to all those who have donated!