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Michigan authorities are closely watching mysterious dog illness outbreak in Ohio

Steve Carmody/Michigan Radio

Officials in Michigan are paying close attention to a mysterious outbreak that's killing dogs in Ohio.

During the past month, more than a half dozen dogs in the Akron and Cincinnati areas have been sickened by a mysterious illness.  About half have died, some only about 48 hours after first showing symptoms, which include severe diarrhea and vomiting.

Veterinarians in Ohio have not yet identified the virus they believe is behind the outbreak. And they don't know whether the deaths are related.  There is some suspicion the illness may be related to case in California where a dog died after falling ill with a virus common in pigs.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is monitoring the situation.  A spokeswoman says the department is watching for “any potential signs [or] symptoms” in dogs in Michigan.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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