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Be aware, but don't panic. That’s the message Mutt Strut organizers and the Indiana State Board of Animal Health are providing when it comes to the dog flu. A letter on the Mutt Strut website says they’ve been receiving many questions about canine influenza but that the event is safe for healthy pets.
The flu appears to be a new strain of the virus that’s spread across the Midwest in recent weeks. It has been detected in Lafayette but not in Indianapolis.
Dr. William Finney, is Harrison College’s Northwest Campus President as well as curriculum manager for its School of Veterinary Technology. He says pet owner should use common sense before heading out to Mutt Strut.
"Maybe if they’re not doing well and you just don’t think they feel good, they just don’t bring them with you that day, leave them at home." sats Finney.
Dr. Finney says students and volunteers will be taking extra precautions at aid stations to help make sure it’s a safe environment. Other safeguards include bringing your own water and dish or having your dog vaccinated.
The dog flu is similar to human flu, while it doesn’t appear to be transmittable to people, it is treatable and animals with healthy immune systems are likely to fully recover.
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