Dog flu establishes in Connecticut

HARTFORD, CONN. - 10/21/05 - Canine influenza has reached Connecticut with two cases confirmed by the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University, reports State Veterinarian Mary J. Lis.

The newly identified influenza strain mimics kennel cough but does not respond well to conventional antibiotic treatments, experts say. First recognized in racing Greyhounds, canine influenza has spread to dog populations in a handful of states. Death due to pneumonia complications occurs in up to 8 percent of all cases, experts say.

The Connecticut cases, confirmed via serologically positive tests, came from a West Hartford kennel where employees noticed an increasing number of respiratory problems among intakes, Lis says. Although the virus is highly contagious, she advises veterinarians not to be alarmed.

"Everyone is concerned, but I don't think we need to send out an alert," Lis says. "Influenza in general has been getting a lot of press lately. It's the season for respiratory disease."

For more information on canine influenza, see DVM Newsmagazine's November issue.