Vet fights dog track respiratory illness

[bigdoglover]

NBC2 News Online

Patrick Flanary

BONITA SPRINGS: A deadly sickness is believed to be responsible for the deaths of 16 dogs this week at the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track. Veterinarians believe the virus came from another Florida track, and they're working to stop it from spreading.

"It's just tragic," said race spectator Steve Schwiger.

The animals live in close quarters, and experts say the respiratory virus spread faster than the appearance of symptoms.

"When they breathe, when they sneeze, it's microscopic. It's not something you can see with your eyes," said track vet Hakim Hamici.

Hesitant to put a label on the virus, Hamici has taken steps to quarantine the track hounds until it's clear what killed the younger competitors.


"They have more problems than the older ones. Older ones have a better immunity," Hamici said.

The kennel quarantine at the greyhound track will remain in effect indefinitely. Researchers are analyzing blood drawn from the dogs to determine a cause of death.