Indiana Dog Owners Warned About Outbreak of Canine Flu

Local dog owners are being warned about canine influenza. Surrounding states, including Illinois, Michigan and Ohio, are reporting an outbreak. 

Research indicates the outbreak is linked to H3N8, -a strain that has been in the U.S. for several years, and also to a newer strain, H3N2. 

Elizabeth Murphy with the Broad Ripple Animal Clinic says Indiana has a few reported cases, but the numbers could go up. 

“People do travel quite a bit, especially right now," Murphy says. "We expect to see some cases most likely popping up in our area as well”

Murphy says the dog flu can spread by contact with respiratory secretions of an infected dog, through the air with coughing and by contact with contaminated surfaces. It is not spread to humans.

She says it’s important for dog owners to consider getting a flu vaccination, especially if the dog socializes with other dogs.

"Many dogs now go to daycare, the kennel or the groomer or dog parks," Murphy says. "For those dogs they are in a high risk group because they are around a lot of other dogs." 

Not all dogs will show signs of illness, but symptoms include coughing, runny nose, fever and reduced appetite.