ASPCA to study 'dog flu'

It's hard to miss the headlines about Swine Flu these days, but how about "dog flu"?

The ASPCA has announced it is kicking off a three year study to better understand how influenza impacts canine.

It's an an effort to help animal shelters develop effective testing methods to limit how the disease gets into communities nationwide.

“Canine Influenza is a newly emerging disease that does not discriminate by breed or age,” said Dr. Miranda Spindel, of the ASPCA. “It is critical that we gain a better understanding of the transmission of CIV in order to limit its effects.”

The ASPCA is backing the study which will look at Canine Influenza Virus (CIV). The study is being funded by the Morris Animal Foundation.

The ASPCA believes the study will help veterinarians to develop effective testing and control methods to limit how the disease effects dogs around the country.

Scientists will also determine how Canine influenza changes over time in a similar process that affects human influenza.