MICHIGAN –Veterinarians in Michigan are now required to report cases of canine influenza to the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
According to a release, vets must notify the department if they “suspect or have a positive test” of canine flu. In May, three cases wereconfirmed in Michigan, including two in Kent County.
At that time, veterinarians were not required to report the cases to the state.
Dog flu is a highly contagious illness. Signs of infection include fever, lethargy, coughing and nasal/eye discharge. Most dogs infected with the flu recover within two to three weeks, according to a release.
There is a vaccine to protect against the H3N8 type of dog flu, but not the H3N2 type.
“By adding canine influenza to the state’s reportable disease list, it provides a much clearer and more accurate picture of where the virus is in Michigan aiding us in our prevention and response efforts,” State Veterinarian Dr. James Averill said in a release.
