Minnesota Grapples With Dog Flu Outbreak

Four new cases of canine influenza have been reported in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

The cases follow an outbreak of more than 200 cases in early April at Animal Humane Society shelters, the Star Tribune reports. That organization temporarily shuttered its shelters in Golden Valley, Woodbury and Coon Rapids as a result and also paused adoptions until at least mid-May.

There are now “strong indicators of community spread,” according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The infection causes symptoms similar to those of human influenza. However, it cannot be transmitted to humans.

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is advising owners to keep their dogs away from other dogs for now, according to the Star Tribune.