Unfortunately the Texarkana AKC All Breed Dog Show that was scheduled for June 18 and 19 has been cancelled.

The recent outbreak of canine influenza virus ("dog flu") in other states has prompted the 2017 dog show in Texarkana to be cancelled. The Kennel Club of Texarkana hosts this annual event at the Four States Fairgrounds Entertainment Center. Last year, Jim Arnett with the Kennel Club said they expected more than 800 dogs for the event. Since the dog show brings so many people and dogs in from all over the United States, for the safety of our community and those attending the event, there will not be a dog show next weekend in Texarkana.

Cases of dog flu have been getting closer and closer to the Arklatex in the past few weeks. The recent outbreak of dog flu in Florida and Georgia has now arrived in Texas and Louisiana. In early June 2017, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory diagnosed two positive cases of dog flu with the strain being confirmed as H3N2. Louisiana State University Veterinary School also confirms two dog flu cases in Louisiana, as close to us as Monroe. The dogs could have been exposed to the virus while attending an out of state dog show.

There are special vaccinations to help prevent your dog from catching dog flu. The normal yearly vaccinations that you get for your dog does not cover dog flu. In calls to vet clinics in Texarkana, some have the vaccines on hand and other do not. So far, there have not been any reports of dogs in our area having dog flu. If you are concerned about your dogs and dog flu, you should contact your veterinarian to discuss your options.

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