VALLEY STREAM, NY - In response to a canine influenza outbreak at a local pet boarding facility, Central Veterinary Associates urges all pet owners to have their pets vaccinated against the canine flu, if they have not already done so, prior to having their pets boarded. In the event their pet becomes ill as the result of the virus, Central Veterinary Associates provides emergency care around the clock, including holidays. According to the American Medical Veterinary Association, canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by a virus - the same virus found in horses with equine influenza. Dogs with a mild case of canine influenza may develop a soft, moist cough that lasts for 10 to 30 days and may have a thick nasal discharge, which is usually caused by a secondary bacterial infection. For dogs with a more severe case of canine flu, they may develop high fevers of 104 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit and have clinical signs of pneumonia, such as increased respiratory rates and difficulty breathing. On November 21, a canine flu outbreak was confirmed at PetSmart's doggie day camp and boarding facility in Farmingdale, New York. Eight dogs were diagnosed with the strain of canine flu. This is the third incident to occur in the Greater New York area in the past couple of months. On October 5, Bergen County, New Jersey officials closed down its animal shelter after a number of dogs came down with the flu. A few days later, several dogs were sickened by the virus at a boarding kennel in Rockland County, New York. More boarding facilities are increasingly concerned about the risk involving canine influenza. In a nationwide survey of 127 facilities conducted by Merck Animal Health, more than 25% surveyed already require dogs to get the canine flu vaccine before boarding. The survey further shows that 78% of the facilities to train its staff to identify canine flu and 43.3% of them have a local veterinarian who offers a flu vaccine. "It is important to vaccinate your pet for canine flu before bringing them to a boarding facility," said Dr. Steven Fox, President and Chief Executive Officer, Central Veterinary Associates. "There may be another pet with the virus that has not been vaccinated and is able to spread the virus to other unprotected animals. Pet owners must take the necessary precautions to keep their pet safe from the virus." Central Veterinary Associates currently offers vaccinations against canine influenza and pet boarding services and provides emergency care in the event an animal becomes sick. The Valley Stream hospital is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information or to make an appointment, call 1 (888) 4CVA-PET (428-2738) or visit www.centralvets.com. ### About Central Veterinary Associates Central Veterinary Associates is a 24-hour, full-service hospital that provides optimal small animal medicine, including exotic medicine. The main hospital is located in Valley Stream, which provides 24-hour care at its state-of-the-art facility. Central Veterinary Associates also has other convenient locations in Great Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, Far Rockaway and Belle Harbor. The hospital features intensive care units and intravenous infusion pumps and offers state-of-the-art radiology, endoscopy, ultrasonography, otoscopy and dentistry services. Central Veterinary Associates has over 100 staff members, including 14 veterinarians, as well as a board-certified radiologist and surgeon. For more information, call 1 (888) 4CVA-PET (428-2738) or visit www.centralvets.com.