CNN
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From New Hampshire to Oregon, researchers are trying to understand the cause of a rare and deadly infectious respiratory disease in dogs.
This mysterious disease isAtypical canine infectious respiratory disease” the Oregon Department of Agriculture said in a Nov. 9 news release. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, and fatigue.
This was reported by veterinarians in Oregon. More than 200 items I have been sick since mid-August. Other cases have been reported in Colorado, Illinois and New Hampshire.
“Based on the epidemiology of the cases reported at this time, it appears that the cases share a viral etiology, but most common respiratory diagnostic tests were negative,” said the Oregon State Veterinarian. Dr. Ryan Scholz said to American Veterinary Medical Association.
In other words, dogs with an unidentified disease will show similar signs of upper respiratory disease, but will not usually test positive for common respiratory diseases. And he said the disease is generally resistant to standard treatments. Dr. David B. Needlea pathologist at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and clinical associate professor at the University of New Hampshire.
“The syndrome we are investigating does not seem to have a high mortality rate, and rare animals can develop acute, sometimes fatal pneumonia after a long period of chronic illness,” Needle said. Ta. “We believe these may be secondary infections.”
Needle said he is part of a team trying to identify the disease and find common DNA segments by collecting samples from local veterinary hospitals and comparing the results.
“If what we identify is a pathogen, it is likely a host-adapted bacterium that has a long history of dog colonization,” Needle said. He said the bacteria could have become virulent through “evolutionary events” such as natural mutations or acquiring genes from another source.
He said researchers received samples from Oregon and will also receive samples from Colorado, Illinois and other states for testing.
of Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory The institute director told CNN in an email that they have also reported cases of the mysterious dog disease.
“We are seeing an increase in the number of dogs with respiratory illnesses (cough, fatigue, fever) that have been showing symptoms for more than a few days,” said Kevin Snekvik, executive director of the institute and a professor at Washington State University. said. University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Snekwik said the Washington lab has not reported any dog deaths from the mysterious disease, but labs in other states have reported several deaths.
While this news may be alarming, “instead of worrying, we recommend paying attention.” Oregon Veterinary Medical AssociationThe website says:
Although this particular disease is rare, periodic outbreaks of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) can occur in dog populations. Causes of CIRDC transmitted by respiratory droplets “As a result, at least nine different bacteria and viruses have been associated,” the association said.
“Infection with multiple bacterial or viral pathogens is common. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny nose or eyes, and lethargy. If your dog exhibits these symptoms, contact your veterinarian. please.”
Dog owners should help keep their pets healthy by making sure they are healthy. Latest information on all vaccinesThese include infections such as canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza, the association said.Other tips include:
• Reduce contact with large numbers of strange dogs. As with other respiratory pathogens, the more contact you have with dogs, the higher your risk of encountering a contagious dog.
• Reduce contact with sick dogs. This may be difficult to determine, but if your dog is not feeling well (cough, runny nose, watery eyes), keep your dog away from you.
• Keep sick dogs at home and seek veterinary care.
• Avoid multiple dogs sharing a communal water bowl.
