Increasing Georgia cases of dog flu traced to show at Perry Agricenter

Canine influenza virus is on the rise in Georgia after a dog show in May at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture reports multiple dogs that attended the show last month have developed respiratory disease and tested positive for the H3N2 strain.

The canine competition in Houston County drew dogs, from multiple states, that have been traveling to dog shows across the nation.

Veterinarians are reporting an increase in flu cases in dogs appearing at exhibitions and competitions.

Several kennels in Georgia are reporting increased cases of respiratory illness and those dogs are currently being tested for the H3N2 strain, which has been confirmed in at least three cases in Georgia.

“Contact your private veterinarian immediately if your dog develops canine influenza-like symptoms,” Georgia State Veterinarian Dr. Robert Cobb said. “To prevent the spread of the virus, be sure to establish and maintain proper bio-security procedures.”

The canine flu strain is strong and has a high infection rate.

Common symptoms are coughing, sneezing, fever and lack of appetite, Cobb said.

Affected dogs should be isolated until a diagnosis is made and veterinary care is administered.

The virus apparently does not spread to humans and is rarely fatal for dogs.

Most recover without complications, the news release stated.

For more information on treatment and prevention, visit www.agr.georgia.gov.

This story was originally published June 8, 2017 at 6:51 AM with the headline "Increasing Georgia cases of dog flu traced to show at Perry Agricenter."