Recently a test performed at The?Iowa State University Laboratory confirmed the recent strain of Canine Flu in Sioux City. The Virus had circulated the Midwest first starting in Chicago and has found it’s way west here in Siouxland. Posing a risk to some pet owners, and a scare to others.
35% of our work-day consists of complete disinfection of our tools and equipment
We do take our job extremely seriously here at Poo Sux, regardless of the material we deal with and the level of seriousness given the nature of our business- it is in fact, a serious job. Each yard we disinfect all of our equipment, at the end of the day we go a step further to make sure the tools are fully disinfected. A serious job in the sense the time this takes us amounts to 35% of our labor.
Pet Parks and hotels closed, but may be re-opening soon
We know the Dog Park at Bacon Creek has shut down but is set to reopen Wednesday, the Dog Wood Hotel has retracted some of their services temporarily, and we can only imagine the amount of worry you are faced with at home given all the warnings on the News Channels and Newspapers.
Amount of cases have slowed in Siouxland
Luckily we’ve been informed the amount of dogs with the flu is starting to slow down and we haven’t heard of any dogs in Siouxland who have died from the Flu.
Here are some black and white stats we?ve collected through online sources, the CDC, and other local news agencies.
Interesting Canine Flu Facts
-
Less than 1% Of Infected Dogs have Died
A local news agency reported that in recent weeks more than 1,000 dogs had been affected by the virus, while it only killed 5. This is spanning from January to March.
-
It Cannot Infect Humans
The CDC says there has been no evidence to suggest the virus can infect humans nor has a single report been made.
-
Some dogs infected do not show signs of illness
-
Some dogs with extreme cases have pneumonia like symptoms
-
Influenza A H3N2 Virus was first detected in South Korea in 2007
-
Influenza A H3N8 Virus was first detected over 40 years ago in horses
Experts believes it?s changed itself to infect dogs.
-
There are 2 major types of Dog Flu H3N8 and H3N2
H3N8 was first seen in horses in the last 40 years but has been found in dogs.
-
Cats can be affected
the H3N2 virus had been reported to affect cats as well as dogs.
Disclaimer: We are not doctors or experts in veterinarian ?health. The information provided has been collected from the CDC website and?transmitted.?The expressed concerns of pets and how you handle?your pet is ultimately up to you. You should consult with a veterinarian if you have questions regarding suggestions to your pet’s health and recognize all pets are different and can have different health limitations. ?
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/news/canine-influenza-update.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/news/flu-activity-expands.htm