What is canine influenza and should I be concerned about the new dog flu virus?
The internet and e-mail have helped spur rumors and growing worry among dog lovers of a newly discovered respiratory virus known as canine influenza, or the dog flu, that has killed dogs in numerous states. While there is legitimate concern among veterinarians, kennel operators, and pet owners due to the lack of a vaccine and insufficient immunity to the new dog flu, Internet and hearsay tales of massive dog fatalities due to canine influenza are just that – tales. The disease is only deadly in rare cases — about 10 percent in puppies and old dogs, and approximately 5 to 8 percent in adult dogs, according to experts — and most dogs recover from the infection, but it is of legitimate concern because it appears to be spreading rapidly. Additionally, nearly 20 percent of infected canine influenza dogs do not display any clinical signs but can still spread the disease. Approximately 80 percent of dogs exposed to the virus contract only a mild form of the disease, which mimics kennel cough,
