BOSTON — A 6-month old poodle was diagnosed with dog flu at the MSPCA-Angell Animal Hospital in what the MSPCA calls the first case of dog flu that originated in Massachusetts.
According to the MSPCA, the poodle had not traveled to any of the outbreak states (New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and California), so the case must have originated in Massachusetts.
“Meaning canine flu has officially arrived in Massachusetts,” the organization said.
The dog was treated and released after two days.
The MSPCA says it was not able to confirm whether the dog had the more severe and highly contagious H3N2 strain or not.
Doctors are encouraging owners of dogs with existing respiratory illness to talk with their veterinarians about vaccinating their pet.