Kennel cough spreading in South Island

Press Release: New Zealand Veterinary Association

Kennel cough, a highly infectious dog illness, is spreading in the South Island, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association. It has caused the cancellation of the Southland Agility and Obedience two-day dog show in Invercargill this weekend.

"Veterinarians in Southland, and other parts of the South Island, are reporting cases of kennel cough. Some of these cases were probably contracted at dog shows or other dog events," says the association's companion animal spokesperson, Pieter Verhoek.

Kennel cough is not usually life threatening. It causes a dry hacking cough and infected dogs may become unwell and go off their food. Some dogs will recover without treatment within a few days, but in others the cough can last for up to eight weeks. MORE>>