Canine flu reports reach Raleigh

As many as 200 dogs in North Carolina may be dealing with the symptoms of canine influenza (dog flu), according to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Animal Welfare Section.

Posted 2:27 p.m. Jul 22, 2015 — Updated 12:43 p.m. Jul 23, 2015

RALEIGH, N.C. — As many as 200 dogs in North Carolina may be dealing with the symptoms of canine influenza (dog flu), according to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Animal Welfare Section.

Three dog flu cases have been confirmed in Asheville and Winston-Salem, and officials said they have received reports of other suspected cases in Greensboro. A Raleigh dog may also have the virus.

Dogs sick with the flu have a cough, runny nose and fever and may be lethargic or eat less. In most cases, the flu passes within a few weeks and the dog makes a full recovery. As with the flu in humans, secondary infections can develop and lead to more serious illness or even death.

Canine flu spreads quickly from dog to dog. Dogs can pass it on by physical contact, such as coughing and sneezing, and through shared food bowls or collars. People who touch dogs ill with the flu can spread it to other dogs as well.

Veterinarians are not required to report cases of canine flu to the state, but the Department of Agriculture has asked them to do so to help track where the illness is spreading. Veterinarians are asked to voluntarily report cases to the at 919-715-7111 or agr.aws@ncagr.gov.

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