Michigan officials requiring canine flu case notification

Veterinarians and diagnostic labs across Michigan now must notify the state if they suspect canine flu or see a positive test for the disease.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says state veterinarian James Averill added canine influenza Wednesday to the state’s 2015 Reportable Disease list.

Three cases of canine flu that hit the Midwest earlier this year have been confirmed in Michigan, including one in Macomb County and two in Kent County.

Experts blame the epidemic on a strain called H3N2 that is seen in Asia and leaves pets feeling lousy for about two weeks. The virus gets passed through the air when dogs sneeze or by people when germs jump on hands or clothing, where they can live for hours.

Canine flu doesn’t sicken people.  (AP)