Kennel cough disrupts dog racing statewide

FLORIDA (AP) -- A severe outbreak of kennel cough has canceled greyhound racing at three tracks across Florida and forced quarantines at others.

Races have been canceled in Palm Beach, Sarasota and St. Petersburg. Quarantines are being imposed at many other tracks. Derby Lane racetrack in St. Petersburg reports at least half of the 1400 greyhounds at the track have experienced symptoms of kennel cough.

Many dogs spend the six-month racing season at the track kennels. The infection thrives when dogs are confined in close quarters. The disease is not ordinarily fatal and usually runs its course in about three days.

Derby Lane in St. Petersburg is one of the largest parimutuels in the state. It shut down racing for an indefinite period last Monday, but is continuing simulcast wagering and poker in the card room.

Sarasota Kennel Club tentatively plans to resume racing today.

©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.