Overview

A significant outbreak of an unknown respiratory illness in dogs has been reported across various regions of the United States, including Oregon, California, Colorado, Georgia, Florida,

Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. This bulletin provides essential

information about the outbreak, its symptoms, and recommended precautions.

Symptoms

Affected dogs display symptoms similar to kennel cough or canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). These symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
•  Eye and nose discharge
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Fever

Unlike typical infections associated with kennel cough and CIRDC, these cases do not respond to standard medical treatments and can be more severe.

Current Understanding

Veterinary experts, including those from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (NHVDL), are investigating this outbreak. While the exact cause remains unidentified, preliminary investigations suggest the presence of a non-culturable, bacterial-like organism in some cases. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the illness fully.

Recommendations for Dog Owners

• Vigilance for Symptoms: Monitor your dogs for any signs of respiratory illness and seek veterinary care if symptoms are observed.
• Avoid Dog-to-Dog Contact: Minimize your dog’s interaction with other dogs, especially in communal environments like parks, kennels, and daycares.
• Isolation and Quarantine: Follow standard isolation and quarantine procedures for dogs showing respiratory signs.
• Vaccinations: Ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations, including DHPP, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and canine influenza virus.

Diagnostic and Treatment

• Diagnostic Testing: Consult with veterinarians for appropriate testing, such as respiratory PCR panels, especially if your dog has been in contact with other dogs.
• Treatment: Treatment varies based on severity. Mild cases may resolve without intervention, while severe cases might require hospitalization and supportive care.

Ongoing Research and Updates

Research is ongoing, and veterinary institutions are closely monitoring the situation. Dog owners and veterinary practitioners are encouraged to stay informed through updates from credible sources.

Contact Information

For more information or to report cases, contact your local veterinarian or refer to updates from veterinary health institutions like Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.

Transmission Prevention

Because so little is known about the cause of this atypical canine respiratory disease, it is difficult to make targeted microbial cleaning and disinfectant recommendations as to its prevention. However, general recommendations would certainly include copious cleaning alongside use of EPA approved disinfectants that qualify for “Emerging Viral Pathogen Claims” (against pathogens like canine parvo virus), and the use of liquid surface sterilizers.

This bulletin provides a summary of the current situation and recommendations. For detailed information and updates, please refer to the respective veterinary health institutions' websites and communications.

Sources: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine,University of Florida's Shelter Medicine, New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory