TAMPA, FL -- Camille is barely a handful, just three-pounds at eight-weeks old, which is why Humane Society Vets were so worried when she got sick.
"Developed a fever and coughing and nasal discharge," said Dr. Terry Spencer.
Spencer says the pup shows some signs of canine influenza, or the H3N8 virus. It's an illness that, right now, there's no fast or easy way to test for.
"This is a new disease so animals don't have an immunity to it," said Executive Director Sherry Silk.
We're learning there's a new study happening at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay through the ASPCA. It'll keep track of shelter dogs that get the virus, which will give local vets a snapshot of how the virus spreads in our community.
"When a dog is coughing and sneezing, we can run that test and within the hour or the day, know what kind of virus or bacteria we're dealing with," said Dr. Spencer.
Meanwhile, Camille is much healthier. Vets say she's recovering from Bordadella, not the Dog Flu. "We started her on antibiotics and within 24-hours, she's immensely better," said Spencer.
But vets here say it's just a matter of time before the H3N8 virus makes pets in Tampa Bay sick.
"We have had no cases, knock on wood," said Silk. "If it's in Miami, we know it's coming."
On Saturdays, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay is offering dog flu vaccinations at a discounted price. Dogs will need two doses that will cost $12 each.
