Unexplained dog respiratory illness raises concerns

NEW YORK: Public health authorities are sounding the alarm as a puzzling respiratory illness affecting dogs, known as Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD), has surged across several states.

The illness, first reported in Oregon, Colorado, and New Hampshire, has now reached pets in Los Angeles.

Despite rigorous research, the origin of this mysterious illness remains elusive. Tests for common canine viruses and bacteria have yielded negative results, raising concerns among veterinarians. Notably, aCIRD appears to affect dogs of all ages, with cases ranging from nine months to 11 years.

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Symptoms of aCIRD include coughing, nasal discharge, sneezing, and lethargy. Initial stages may resemble kennel cough, but if untreated, it can progress to pneumonia. Worryingly, some cases have proven fatal, prompting urgent action from pet owners.

Veterinarians, such as Dr Lindsey Ganzer from Colorado Springs, emphasise the importance of recognizing early signs.

Dr Ganzer, who has treated 35 cases, advises pet owners to avoid areas with a high concentration of dogs, including boarding facilities, doggie daycares, and dog parks.

Dr Ganzer urges swift veterinary attention for symptomatic dogs, citing the potential for rapid progression. She stresses that early treatment increases the chances of preventing pneumonia.

Expressing concerns about a potential post-holiday surge in cases, she encourages pet owners to be cautious about exposing their dogs to crowded environments.

Dr Stephen Kochis, chief medical officer for the Oregon Humane Society, echoes the caution, advising owners to isolate dogs showing respiratory symptoms and seek prompt veterinary care.

In response to the growing threat of the dog illness, public health authorities recommend concerned dog owners seek veterinary assistance and isolate their pets for 28 days after the onset of illness.

Additionally, they recommend a 14-day quarantine from other dogs within the same household to prevent potential transmission. The veterinary community emphasizes the importance of awareness and precautions to curb the spread of aCIRD.