An outbreak of canine influenza that began in Brooklyn may now be spreading to the Hudson Valley.
In a Gothamist article earlier today by writer Andres O’Hara, Brooklyn veterinarian Dr. Natara Loose said the virus can be deadly for up to 10 percent of dogs infected.
Then came the following update on Twitter at 6 p.m.
Dr. Loose confirmed 5 more cases and that someone with 2 sick dogs is now in Kingston NY, meaning the virus could spread to Kingston https://t.co/qIvsUIuw6w
— Andres OHara (@Andresputnik) May 16, 2018
Veterinarians are urging pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated. It doesn’t prevent infection, but greatly reduces the risk. The flu is highly infectious, with 80 percent of exposed dogs catching it, and contagious by air up to 25 feet away. Humans can’t be infected, but they can spread it by touch. If your dog has flu-like symptoms, call your vet immediately.
For information on precautions you can take, see the original Gothamist article and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation’s page on Canine Influenza.
Join the family! 
