A Fairfax County animal shelter in Virginia has confirmed cases of dog flu and now the kennel is on lockdown. Workers are telling people that it will be at least two weeks before the kennel reopens.

The new dog flu called H3N8 is highly contagious among dogs, however, humans cannot get the virus. Symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, wheezing, fever and/or decreased appetitie.

So far, one 15 year old dog has died and five other cases have been confirmed. The number of dogs that die from this disease are relatively small.

Usually no treatment is necessary, however, it is recommended that dog owners whose dogs are coughing or showing other signs of disease be kept away from other dogs.

In June the Dept. of Agriculture issued a conditional license for the first canine influenza virus vaccine. Intervet/Schering-Plough developed the vaccine and studies show that it can reduce incidence and severity of the disease. During the one-year conditional license period, the CVB will monitor and evaluate the product.

Click here for additional information on the Canine Flu Virus from the CDC

Pros and Cons on Vaccinations