Veterinarians reporting dog flu uptick in central Illinois

Veterinarians in central Illinois say canine influenza has sickened dozens of dogs in the Bloomington and Normal area over the past few days.

The (Bloomington) Pantagraph reports that veterinarians are urging dog owners to keep their animals away from other dogs and take their dogs to the veterinarian if they show symptoms.

Dr. Kirsten Pieper of the Animal Emergency Clinic of McLean County says the most important thing pet owners can do is keep their dogs at home until the outbreak is under control.

The newspaper reports that the first case in the area was confirmed two weeks ago and since then the number of cases has risen.

Dr. David Bortell of Bortell Animal Hospital in Bloomington says the sickness "really hit" this past weekend.