City: "No Indication" Dog Flu Cases Tied To Newtown Park

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A Johns Creek veterinarian has stated a rise in canine influenza cases could be tied to an area dog park.

Dr. Beatriz Segarra, who practices at The Village Animal Hospital, on Monday told WSB-TV she’s seen at least 10 cases of suspected canine flu, and stated pet owners should consider avoiding dog parks until the illness is no longer posing a threat.

She also called on the city of Johns Creek to consider temporarily closing its Newtown Dream Dog Park, according to WSB-TV. She noted the flu is “very easy to catch” in dog park settings.

The park, located inside Newtown Park at 3150 Old Alabama Road, includes a fenced one-acre area and comes with artificial turf, sprinklers, obstacles for play time and water fountains. It also has separate areas for large and small breeds, benches, shelters and shade trees.

City officials said they’ve received “no indication that there have been any canine influenza cases connected to the Newtown dog park,” said spokesperson Doug Nurse.

Nurse added the city is reaching out to other municipalities to inquire about their action plans and are consulting area veterinarians and the University of Georgia Small Animal Clinic for guidance.

“We strongly urge all dog owners to maintain their dogs’ shots and vaccinations for the safety of their pet and the pets of others,” he said. “We ask that people refrain from visiting Newtown dog park if their dog exhibits any signs of canine influenza.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website on the topic, canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by specific virus known to infect dogs. Signs of illness include cough, runny nose and fever. However, the CDC adds not all dogs will show these symptoms.

The severity of illness associated with canine flu in dogs can range from no signs to severe illness resulting in pneumonia and sometimes death.

The CDC notes nearly all dogs are susceptible to infection, and the illness tends to spread among dogs that are housed in kennels and shelters. The virus is spread to other dogs by direct contact with respiratory secretions through coughing and sneezing from infected dogs, by uninfected dogs coming into contact with objects that are contaminated and by moving those contaminated items between infected and uninfected dogs.

Pet owners whose dogs are showing symptoms are strongly advised not to expose their dogs to others. More information about canine influenza can be found on the CDC’s website.

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Photo credit: city of Johns Creek