TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The first cases of "dog flu" have been confirmed in Florida.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said Wednesday that 12 cases of H3N2 canine influenza have been confirmed in the state by the University of Florida.
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The highly contagious flu has been circulating around the country since 2015, but these cases are the first confirmed in Florida. Severn were reported Tuesday and by Wednesday the number was up to 12.
"They believe that it originated from two possible dog shows: one in Perry, Georgia, and the other in DeLand, Florida,” said Jenn Meale with the agriculture department. “All of the dogs that they're currently treating are in stable condition."
Most dogs have no immunity for the disease and are not vaccinated for it.
Pet owners are being urged to keep an eye out for symptoms in their dogs, including coughing, sneezing, fever, decreased appetite and lethargic behavior. Symptoms only show up in 80 percent of dogs, and the good news is most dogs recover at home without any further complications.
"It can spread quickly, especially in boarding kennels, hospitals, dog parks, places like that,” said Dr. Karis Dickey of North Florida Animal Hospital. “So if they show symptoms, they're spreading this disease, and they can spread it up to four weeks.”
While the virus has a low mortality rate and poses no risk to humans, dog owners are urged to call their veterinarian before going to a clinic so as not to spread the flu. To be safe, vets recommend limiting exposure to other dogs.
READ: University of Florida dog flu fact sheet
The Florida Humane Society said it’s taking similar precautions.
"Our guard is always up, and we're always extra careful, and I think this is just an opportunity for owners to kind of take the same awareness and take the same precautions that we would,” said Lisa Glunt with the Leon County Humane Society.
When left untreated, the flu can develop into potentially life-threatening conditions, veterinarian said.
"Usually they don't develop serious cases. Dogs that do develop serious cases can get pneumonia, and they need to be hospitalized for treatment,” Dickey said.
Veterinarians can vaccinate dogs against influenza viruses. The vaccines are not 100 percent effective but can reduce a dog's risk of getting the disease and also reduce their chance of spreading it.
Vaccines run between $20 and $40 and can be purchased from a local veterinarian.
Although less common, the disease has also been known to spread to cats.