If it’s nice weather outside, it’s normal to feel like going for a walk with your canine companion. However, if you live in South Florida, it is not recommended that you do so at this time, as county officials are warning that there is a spread of a highly contagious virussimilar to COVID in humans, among dogs.
The virus, called CIRDC or canine infectious respiratory disease complex, “practically infects the respiratory tract of dogs and can cause a pretty serious infection, including pneumonia,” according to Dr. Maria Serrano, chief of Miami County Animal Services. Dade.
The aforementioned institution reported that recently there have been “a large number of cases” of CIRDC reported by veterinarians and animal rescue facilities in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Pinellas counties.
The exact number of cases is unclear, but they still include the county’s animal shelter in Doral, where a “small population” of dogs showed signs of illness. The canines were treated by veterinarians and have since been transferred to an outside facility to recover.
For its part, the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center reports that CIRDC is “very common” and can easily spread from one dog to another. In fact, the virus is also known as “kennel cough” or “canine cough.”
“At least nine different bacteria and viruses have been linked as causes of CIRDC,” they say from Ohio University. In addition, they mention that “the disease can be diagnosed after several dogs have a sudden appearance of these signs shortly after being together in a common area.”
The virus can also be spread “through the air and on hands,” making it “as routine in an animal shelter as the common cold is in a daycare,” according to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. However, it is worth mentioning that it is only transmitted to dogs and does not affect people or other pets in the community.
Please keep yourself informed on the symptoms and preventative measures of the Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC).
If you suspect your dog may have become infected, please visit your veterinarian for PCR testing and supportive treatment. pic.twitter.com/KixIvfZXKx
— Miami-Dade County Animal Services (@AdoptMiamiPets) March 23, 2022
Most cases are mild, although some dogs can become seriously ill. Symptoms can last seven to 10 days, but if it goes past that time or the situation becomes difficult, officials say owners should contact a veterinarian immediately.
According to Miami-Dade Animal ServicesSymptoms include cough and runny nose (with or without blood), watery eyes, retching, and lack of appetite, although some dogs may be asymptomatic. On the other hand, morbidity threats include fever, runny nose, depression, anorexia, and shortness of breath.
Officials also said owners should keep their animals up to date on routine vaccinations and recommend monitoring them for respiratory signs, such as coughing and sneezing. Also, it is advised to avoid dog parks and public places with other dogs.
Due to the increase in cases, Animal Services is suspending some of its functions for now, such as “vaccines, microchips, spaying and neutering.” They are also not accepting dogs from owners who don’t want them or can’t care for them, and only take in injured, sick and aggressive strays.
Off-site pet adoption events are also being temporarily suspended. In fact, a Miami Beach charity event called Pup Glow 2022 has been postponed, according to 7 News.
As for the infected dogs at the county’s animal shelter, veterinarians “were able to intervene quickly before these cases escalated,” Miami-Dade County Animal Services said.
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