In what is believed to be the first scientific report of equine influenza virus jumping the species barrier, University of Florida veterinary researchers say the virus is the likely cause of a respiratory disease outbreak that killed eight racing greyhounds from kennels in Jacksonville in January. Although the researchers stress the findings involve only these particular Jacksonville dogs, they will investigate possible connections to similar disease outbreaks that have affected racing dogs in Florida and elsewhere in recent years. These outbreaks could have a significant economic impact on the greyhound racing industry due to track closures and quarantines on dog movement between tracks.
