When greyhounds at a Florida racetrack began falling ill in 2004 veterinarians quickly diagnosed the disease as an outbreak of canine influenza. First identified over 40 years ago, canine influenza is a virus that acts very similarly to the human flu. Soon greyhounds at other racetracks throughout the South began falling ill, some of which suffered major complications as a result of the outbreak.

These Labrador pups are the picture of vibrant health. But owners should watch for signs of lethargy, runny nose or cough and immediately have any dog exhibiting such symptoms examined by a veterinarian.

Veterinarians quickly realized that this particular strain of canine influenza, known as a H3N8, was not the common strain of the flu. This particular strain had originally been found in horses but had mutated to infect dogs as well, similar to the H1N1 flu in humans, which originated in pigs and later mutated, allowing the virus to be spread from person to person.

Since 2004, canine influenza H3N8 has spread throughout much of the country. Currently 20 states have reported cases of the flu and it will likely spread nationwide before the outbreak ends. Although not commonly fatal to dogs, canine influenza should be a concern to anyone who operates kennels, breeding facilities or travels with hunting dogs.

All gun dog owners need to be aware of the danger canine flu represents to their hunting dogs and should take steps to avoid contact with the disease. Breeders need to take special steps to avoid bringing canine flu into their kennel facilities since females and their pups are at higher risk for complications and death than most dogs.

"The disease spreads just like human flu," says Mark Hayes, DVM, of Mount Orab Veterinary Clinic. Hayes has to be especially aware of highly contagious canine diseases such as H3N8 because of the number of dogs that are in his facility at one time.

Similarly, breeders and gun dog owners that have their dogs in contact with other dogs need to be particularly aware of how the disease spreads and how to avoid it. Even though it is rarely fatal canine influenza can still cause respiratory distress, weight loss and can spoil hunting season for you and your hunting companion.

"The canine flu virus can live almost anywhere in a dog's environment. Kennels, dog boxes, bedding, water and food dishes and even collars can hold the virus and dogs that share any of these things will be exposed to everything that the other dog comes into contact with," Dr. Hayes says. On most days his clinic will see between 15 and 50 dogs, any one of which could be carrying the flu.