A canine influenza outbreak has sickened more than 1,000 dogs in the states surrounding Michigan.

Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana have all seen cases of the virus, some of them deadly.

WWMT-3 reports that the first cases of the dog flu occurred in Chicago in recent months. 5 cases were fatal. From Chicago, the canine influenza spread to other states in the midwest.

According to Live Science,  experts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Cornell University say this is a new strain of flu that hasn't been seen before in the U.S. It's believed to have originated in Asia.

The virus is highly infectious. It spreads through nose to nose contact with other dogs at places like doggy day care centers, veterinary clinics and dog parks.Dog owners are asked to watch out for a high fever, sluggishness and coughing.
 
The virus is not transferable to humans, but if you come in contact with a sick dog, you could transfer the virus to other pets.

If your dog seems sick, avoid social situations with other pets and see a veterinarian right away.

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