Veterinarians in Cook County warn canine flu not over

The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association strongly recommends dog owners remain on alert and take precautionary measures to prevent their dogs from exposure to the canine infectious respiratory disease complex. Dr. Donna Alexander, director of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control, says severe canine respiratory cases are not diminishing, and to date more than 1,700 have been reported. In April 2015, two more dogs died, bringing the total fatalities to eight. Chicago Veterinary Medical Association President Dr. Anthony Coronado says the rapid response has helped slow new cases, but he added that canine influenza virus is a new disease in the canine world, and much like the human influenza, there are multiple strains. Visit www.chicagovma.org for CIRDC updates and resources.