Lawrence Humane Society officials are advising dog owners not to transport their pets to states affected by an outbreak of canine influenza.

A new strain of the virus, commonly referred to as dog flu, has affected more than a thousand dogs in the Midwest, with cases in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio, according to a press release. No cases have been reported in Kansas.

“Our highest priority is to provide community education to prevent an outbreak here in Lawrence,” said Kate Meghji, executive director of the Lawrence Humane Society.

Because the virus spreads easily, virtually all dogs that are exposed will become infected, said Dr. Jennifer Stone, medical director for the Lawrence Humane Society. Dogs not showing symptoms still can spread the virus to other dogs.

Symptoms include cough, runny nose and fever and typically develop two to four days after exposure. Symptoms can range from no signs to severe pneumonia occasionally leading to death.

Researchers are still evaluating whether the dog flu current vaccine is effective against the new strain of the virus. Currently, shelter officials are recommending that the public not vaccinate their own dogs until more information is available.

Because dogs in a shelter environment are the most vulnerable to this virus, Lawrence Humane Society officials have begun vaccinating shelter dogs with the currently available vaccine. While it can’t prevent infection, it will reduce the severity of the illness, Meghji said.

The Kansas State Diagnostic Laboratory is offering canine influenza testing at a reduced cost. For more information, contact the laboratory at 866-512-5650. For more information about canine influenza, visit cdc.gov/flu/canine.