Contagious dog flu arrives in Florida | Video

A highly contagious flu that affects dogs has been found in Florida for the first time, University of Florida officials said Wednesday.

All 12 cases appear linked to exposure to infected dogs at two recent dog shows. One was May 19-20 in Perry, Georgia. The other show was the following weekend in Deland, a spokeswoman for the university's College of Veterinary Medicine said Wednesday.

Afterward, some of the dogs got the virus from being exposed to dogs who were infected at the two shows.

Tests of six other dogs are pending.

Veterinarians in central and north Florida are treating many dogs that are suspected to have dog flu, said College of Veterinary Medicine spokeswoman Sarah Carey. All dogs being treated are stable.

The virus is the same type blamed on a severe outbreak of canine influenza in Chicago in 2015. Since then, it has affected thousands of dogs in more than 30 states, according to the University of Florida researchers.

The virus can affect cats, but not humans, according to researchers.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, the flu originally spread to dogs from horses. It has been seen in horses for 40 years.

More:What dog owners need to know about H3N2 canine flu

Mortality is low and there is a vaccine that helps prevent it, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Most dogs aren't immune to the virus, so dogs of any breed or age can be infected if exposed to the virus. Symptoms in dogs can last for more than two weeks.

To prevent the spread of the virus, people who suspect their dogs are infected should contact a veterinarian. Call before going in.

Vaccinations come in two parts, requiring two shots, three to four weeks apart. The cost is about $32 per shot.

The Florida Veterinary League in Vero Beach advises pet owners to ask which strains of flu are covered by a shot. Shots especially are recommended if pets are being taken out of state to  places such as Georgia where the flu is common, said league office manager Heather Stevens.

Dogs that get the flu should be isolated from other dogs for a month, researchers said.

The virus is especially contagious in kennels, pet daycare centers, pet stores and grooming places. The virus can survive in food and water bowls, collars and bedding and on people's clothing or hands for up to 24 hours. Hand washing and laundering kills it, according to researchers.

Usually, it is spread by one dog directly contacting another dog. A dog's cough can spread the virus more than 20 feet.

There is no evidence the virus affects people. However, it has made some cats ill.

Dogs with the flu typically have a fever, loss of appetite and energy during the first few days.  According to  state officials, dogs can overcome the illness at home, however about 20 percent  get pneumonia and may need hospitalization.

Cats sneeze and may have runny noses. Usually, they don't cough.

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