This marks the first two cases documented in Washington state of the novel virus that has sickened at least 2,000 dogs nationwide since last spring, according to Public Health — Seattle and King County.
Two dogs housed at a Kent kennel late last month tested positive for the H3N2 strain of canine influenza, or dog flu, Seattle health officials confirmed Friday.
That marks the first two cases documented in Washington state of the novel virus that has sickened at least 2,000 dogs nationwide since last spring, according to Public Health — Seattle and King County.
Officials with the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine have confirmed no other cases of canine influenza in the state, spokesman Charlie Powell said Friday.
Dozens of dogs fell ill at Holiday Kennels in Kent in late December. Kennel staff closed the business until it could be sanitized.
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Dog owners should watch for symptoms of the canine flu, which include coughing, runny nose and fever. Most dogs will recover without incident, but some could develop serious illness.
Canine influenza isn’t spread to people but may affect cats or other pets, such as ferrets and guinea pigs. The H3N2 strain was first detected in the U.S. in March. It sickened 1,000 dogs in Chicago and the Midwest before spreading to animals across the country, federal veterinary officials said.
Dog owners should keep sick animals away from kennels, doggy day cares, dog parks and other places where the animals congregate to help prevent wider spread of the virus.