Dog flu virus has arrived in Florida according to : marconews

Dog flu virus has arrived in Florida; experts urge vaccinationDog owners need to prepare for a highly contagious canine flu in Florida for the first time, and it's likely to pose a statewide threat, according to experts. Florida officials advise dog owners to check with their veterinarian to see whether their four-legged friends have been vaccinated against the flu strain. The South Florida native was the executive chef at Florida A&M University for three years before she decided to branch out on her own two years ago. Shacafrica "Chef Shac" Simmons (Photo: File photo)3. Tallahassee chef competes on Food Network showLocal chef Shacafrica Simmons, of "Chef Shac Catering," will be competing against three other chefs on the Food Network's Chopped show today at 10 p.m.




But, canine flu is extremely contagious and the most susceptible are the most social — dogs frequenting kennels, doggie daycare or dog parks. Florida's first outbreak of canine flu has stricken a dozen beloved Fidos, Rexes and Rovers in northern and central parts of the state. The last time a canine flu was detected in Florida was in 2004 at a greyhound track, Lukens said. Canine flu tends to be species specific, Lukens said, but it could mutate and jump species. Before that, it had been found only in Korea, China and Thailand, where it is believed to have derived from a bird flu, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dog flu virus has arrived in Florida; experts urge vaccination

Some dog owners who have kept up with prior dog flu episodes in recent years are going to be more aware of the vaccine availability, she said. Buzz60 3 of 7 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE MORE: CAT AND DOG VIDEOS What is America's most popular dog breed? Florida officials advise dog owners to check with their veterinarian to see whether their four-legged friends have been vaccinated against the flu strain. USA TODAY 6 of 7 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE MORE: CAT AND DOG VIDEOS How much does it cost to own a dog? The dog flu strain does not appear to infect humans.


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