Saturday, May 23, 2015

Animal protection group: Dog flu suspected in Massachusetts

Animal protection group: Dog flu suspected in Massachusetts

By The Associated Press

Posted May. 22, 2015 at 8:13 PM

BOSTON - A Boston-based animal protection group says it's preparing for a possible influx of canine influenza after a terrier in Massachusetts came down with symptoms resembling those of a dog flu strain that has sickened more than 1,000 dogs in the Midwest.

Officials at the Angell Animal Medical Center announced Friday that they suspect a 5-year-old female terrier from Watertown that was brought to the center's Waltham location May 3 had the virulent flu strain, which doesn't affect humans. They're awaiting test results for confirmation. The center is run by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The terrier is recovering at home.

Veterinarians are urging dog owners to only bring their pets to the vet if they're experiencing severe symptoms such as vomiting and a hacking cough.

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