by Michelle Psaltakis, staff reporter

Canine influenza [H3N2], an outbreak in the midwest, has caused a panic in many dog owners. This outbreak started in 2007 in Asia and was then brought to the midwest, affecting Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio.

So far there have been 1,000 cases reported for the Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease, out of these cases, six dogs have died so far. This influenza affects dogs. Researchers  haven’t found out if it affects any other animals, but they think the disease might affect cats.

“I’m scared for my pets [two dogs and cat]. If it starts to spread I don’t think I could bare to see them sick. At first I thought it wasn’t a big deal, until I heard how many cases were being reported,” pet owner Peter Lawrence said.

Symptoms for H3N2 are: cough, runny nose, reduced body weight and fever. Some dogs don’t show symptoms, which is causing a panic in many dog owners. A precaution all dog owners should take is making sure to keep dogs away from nose to nose contact.

“So far, we haven’t had any dogs [in New York] sick from H3N2, but for precautionary reasons, make sure you keep your dogs away from making contact. If they start to show symptoms bring them to the vet right away, even if it’s nothing,” veterinarian Dr. Ottenbreight said.

H3N2 is not contagious for humans or related to the H5N1 (bird flu). They have a vaccine for another canine influenza virus [H3N8], but it does not help dogs with H3N2. Renee Brantner Shanesy, recommends that pet owners vaccinate their dogs but it’s not required.