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Dangerous disease appears in dogs, how to care for four-legged friends

2023-11-21 10:19:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Dangerous disease appears in dogs, how to care for four-legged friends

Illustrative photo

An unknown disease has been rampant in dogs and in some cases it has been fatal. CNN reports that researchers in New Hampshire, Oregon, are trying to understand what is causing the infectious respiratory disease in dogs.

The mystery illness is described as an "atypical canine infectious respiratory disease," the Oregon Department of Agriculture says, and symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny eyes or nose, and lethargy.

Veterinarians in Oregon have reported more than 200 cases of the disease since mid-August. Meanwhile, other cases have been reported in Colorado, Illinois and New Hampshire.

Where did the disease come from?

Needle, a pathologist, said he is part of a team trying to identify the disease and find common segments of DNA by collecting samples from local veterinary clinics and comparing the results.

"If what we have identified is a pathogen, it is likely that the bacteria are host-adapted bacteria with long histories of colonizing dogs. An 'evolutionary event' such as spontaneous mutation or acquisition of a gene from another source could has caused the bacteria to become virulent, " he said.

What can dog owners do?

While the news may be troubling, "We suggest caution rather than alarm," says the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association's website.

While this particular disease is uncommon, “Periodic outbreaks of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) can occur in a canine population. At least nine different bacteria and viruses have been linked to cause CIRDC, which is transmitted by respiratory droplets," the veterinary association said.

Dog owners should help keep their pets healthy by making sure they are vaccinated with canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza vaccines./ CNA