H3N2: A New Strain of Highly Contagious Dog Flu Spreads Like Widlfire In The US

A new strain of dog flu called the H3N2 has been detected and is spreading like wildfire in the 25 states in the U.S. now. It was first encountered in Chicago on March last year and doctors managed to create a vaccine in November.

However, in December 2015, 80 to 90 dogs got sick in a dog day care facility in Kent. And just like human flu, this kind of animal disease is contagious. What is more alarming is that human who got in contact with an infected dog can transfer the disease to another dog.

"A lot of dogs in Seattle go to dog parks, doggy day care, boarding facilities -- any of your dogs that are coming into contact with other dogs are at risk," said Clare Foley a veterinarian in Emerald City Emergency Clinic in Seattle, according to AJC.

H3N2 symptoms include runny nose, fever, cough or even less obvious manifestations such as loss of appetite and lethargy. Hence, Helena Veterinary Service has recently confirmed a case of H3N2 from among their patients. "It is the first case we have ever heard of here", said Lindsay Hash, HVS Practice Manager.

Reports say that in March 2015, 1,000 H3N2 cases have been recorded in Chicago. Other states like Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Alabama, New Jersey, California, Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin, Texas and New York have also been confirmed to be the areas where H3N2 has already spread. American Veterinary Medical Association also reported that since its detection, 2,000 cases have now been confirmed positive over Washington D.C. and 40 other states in the U.S.

Hash advised pet owners to immediately seek medical attention from their veterinarians and have their dogs vaccinated upon seeing certain symptoms of H3N2. She also reminded them to make a call before bringing their pets to clinics as this virus has been reported to be very highly contagious.

Cats are also susceptible to the said infection; however, there have been no reports of human infection, according to Independent Record.