Mysterious respiratory illness is spreading amongst dogs
Increased cases of dog respiratory illness reported in multiple states
While pet owners across the U.S. planned for holiday travel last fall, many were hit with a fear for their four-legged friends as multiple states reported increased cases of dog respiratory illness. Read more.
New illness shows symptoms similar to kennel cough
The illness showed symptoms similar to canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), also known as kennel cough, but was resistant to typical treatments. Oregon called it a mystery, and soon cases were reported from more than a dozen states. The United States Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratories began sequencing some cases but found no connection to a single infection or a new pathogen. Find out more.
Potential factors contributing to the rise in respiratory illness
Experts believe the rise in respiratory illness among dogs can be attributed to several factors. Disrupted vaccination schedules during the pandemic and the popularity of flat-faced dog breeds may have weakened dogs’ resistance to illnesses. Additionally, dogs returning to shared care facilities have increased chances of exposure. Learn more.
New Hampshire labs studying potentially novel pathogen
A study from the University of New Hampshire has flagged a potentially new pathogen linked to dog respiratory illness. While more research is needed to confirm this, the finding raises interesting possibilities in understanding and treating the illness. Click here to read more.
Expert advice for pet owners
Pet owners are advised not to panic but to ensure their dogs’ vaccines are up to date and to consult their veterinarians for a risk assessment. Trupanion, a pet insurance company, has launched a collaborative effort to gather more data on pet illnesses and create an early warning and detection system. Find out more.
