Several animal shelters across Chicago say they're seeing a resurgence of the highly contagious canine flu that hit the city last year.
The Chicago Tribune reports the illness has sickened at least 150 dogs so far. Chicago's Anti-Cruelty Society has halted dog adoptions and temporarily shut two downtown adoption centers. It has 100 ill dogs at its main facility.
Officials with the rescue group PAWS say it is caring for 40 to 50 dogs sick with canine flu. Founder Paula Fasseas says the group treated 350 dogs during last year's outbreak.
The animal welfare groups think this sickness is the same strain from last year. That outbreak sickened 1,700 dogs in Cook County starting last spring. The vaccines available at veterinary offices may not prove effective at combating this particular strain. You should talk to your local veterinarian if you have concerns regarding your pet.
Experts attribute the increase to spring weather and more dogs interacting.
