Dog Respiratory Illness Spreading: Mystery Disease confirmed in 19 states
Currently (February 2024), 19 states report outbreaks of a mysterious canine respiratory illness causing serious concern among pet owners. Veterinarians do not have many answers, but here is what we do know. Updated 2-7-2024
PET HEALTH
John
2/6/20242 min read
Dog Respiratory Illness Spreading: Mystery Disease confirmed in 19 states
What You Need to Know:
Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC). This refers to one of the current complex groups of respiratory diseases in dogs that can have multiple potential causes, including various viruses and bacteria.
Symptoms include coughing, fever, lethargy, sneezing, and runny eyes, with some dogs developing pneumonia.
This viral infection can lead to pneumonia and breathing difficulties in dogs. In severe cases, the infection can be fatal.
Vaccines are available but have limited effectiveness against newer circulating strains.
Also, according to veterinarians, Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) cases seem to be on the rise in some areas. This is another upper respiratory infection usually caused by Bordetella bacteria or canine parainfluenza virus. It's highly contagious between dogs.
Research continues into the role different pathogens, especially viruses and mycoplasmas, play in CIRDC and identifying effective treatments. Studies are underway, but the exact cause is unknown. There may be a connection between the bacteria identified by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of New Hampshire.
The cause of the illness has not yet been definitively identified. Symptoms include coughing, fever, lethargy, sneezing, and runny eyes. Some dogs may get pneumonia; in some cases, the infection might result in death.
Based on genetic sequencing of 30 dogs affected in the state in 2022 and another 40 from Rhode Island and Massachusetts in 2023, the University of New Hampshire's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory believes it has found a bacterium that may be responsible for the illness.
According to the most recent data from Louisiana State University's School of Veterinary Medicine, Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC) has been reported in at least 19 states across the United States. Cases have been confirmed, starting on the West Coast with Washington state, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, North Dakota, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine.
How concerned should dog owners be?
Vets recommend ensuring dogs are current on core vaccines and immunity supplements. Avoid exposure to sick dogs when possible, and contact a vet if respiratory illness is suspected to help control outbreaks. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed, depending on the cause.
The University of Pennsylvania's professor and veterinarian, Deborah Silverstein assures there's no need for panic, urging caution and staying informed. Veterinarians advise dog owners to remain cautious. See our full length article listed in the video description. If your dog shows symptoms, get them to a vet.
William Hagans, a veterinarian at the Town & Country Animal Clinic in Hagans, Kentucky, told WYMT News that this new respiratory infection is causing more severe symptoms and a faster decline than regular Kennel cough patients.
They also reminded dog owners that there is no evidence that the disease can be transmitted to humans.
Dr. Judy Morgan recommends foods and supplements to increase your pet's immune system here:
https://drjudymorgan.com/blogs/blog/mysterious-canine-respiratory-infection-prevention-and-support
See the AKC-Canine Health Foundation Fact Sheet on Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease for a thorough explanation and additional information here:
Watch this YouTube video on the subject:
