RALEIGH -- After an explosion of reports of canine flu this past Spring in the Midwest, the virus is now in North Carolina. State veterinary officials received confirmation of three cases of canine flu in Asheville and Winston-Salem.

Dr. Misty Vargas at the American Veterinary Medical Association says the virus is highly contagious and easily spread from infected dogs to other dogs through direct contact, and by people moving between infected and uninfected dogs.

"About 80% of them do contract the virus, [but] the good news is about 90% of them do recover within about two weeks with proper care."

According to reports, more than 200 dogs in the State may have the virus, but since it is not a reportable disease in North Carolina, the problem could be more widespread. Veterinarians are asked to voluntarily report cases to the State Ag Department.