Department of Agriculture officials say canine flu reported in Georgia

ATLANTA — Georgia State Veterinarian Dr. Robert Cobb has confirmed an increase in the prevalence of canine respiratory disease found in dogs associated with exhibitions and assemblies, resulting in dogs from multiple states being diagnosed with Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) infections.

Animal health officials with the Georgia Department of Agriculture said this increase in canine flu is associated with a high virulence and infection rate. Officials said the strain of CIV currently being observed is H3N2.

“Contact your private veterinarian immediately if your dog develops canine influenza-like symptoms,” Cobb said. “Common symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, lack of appetite and fever. To prevent the spread of the virus, be sure to establish and maintain proper biosecurity procedures.”

Officials with the department said dogs from multiple states attended a dog show in May held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, after which many of the dogs had recently attended shows in other states. Following the show in Perry, multiple attending dogs developed respiratory disease and have been found positive for H3N2.

Several kennels in Georgia are reporting increased respiratory disease. Isolation and testing is in progress. At least three positive H3N2 cases have been confirmed in Georgia, officials said.

Officials said the virus does not appear to affect humans but is highly contagious in dogs. The mortality rate for canine influenza is low, and most dogs recover without any complications. Affected animals should be isolated until a diagnosis is made and appropriate veterinary action is taken.

Canine influenza is not reportable to the Department of Agriculture. Further information from the agency was not immediately available.

For more information regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of canine influenza, visit www.agr.georgia.gov.