Health

Dog Flu Outbreak Sweeps Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) ― An aggressive strain of flu appears to be affecting dogs in the Chicago area.

CBS 2's Mike Parker reports that Milo is a 7-year-old golden retriever who just recovered from a tough new strain of canine influenza that seems to be sweeping through Chicago.

"He was coughing a lot and wheeezing and he had a discharge coming out of his eyes, kind of an odd color," said Sarah Rack, Milo's owner. "That's when we knew something was wrong."

Derrick Landini, a North Side vet, says he's treated some 40 dogs with symptoms of this new flu in recent weeks.

"We have more than one case confirmed now and there are reports coming back that its indicative of canine influenza virus," Landini said.

Infected dogs can experience severe coughing for up to 30 days, along with a fever. This flu can lead to pneumonia in very young or very old dogs, and it can have a death rate of five percent. It is not contagious for humans.

Dr. Landini believes dog beaches, like the one at Montrose and the lakefront are prime areas for infection. Should owners and their pets stay away?

"I would probably hold off for a while," Landini said. "I don't want to put the fear of God in them, it is something that's going to run its course. It is treatable, just try to use common sense if there's a hacking dog around."

Most of the dog owners we talked to knew about the flu, but went to the beach anyway.

"They can get it at daycare, at a kennel," said Ed Fairman, dog owner. "They can get it anywhere dogs hang out with each other."

This virulent strain of flu has popped up in Florida, Nevada, New York and Wisconsin during the last four years or so, but it is new to Chicago.

Vets say that most dogs that get it will be okay, with antibiotics and anti-cough medication. Sooner or later, this flu will run its course.

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