New details about the rare disease that is affecting dogs in the US
An epidemic has affected dogs in several states including California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
In a crisis that has kept pet owners across the United States in suspense, a mysterious respiratory illness has left veterinarians baffled and numerous dogs sick or dead. However, recent findings by researchers at the University of New Hampshire could shed light on the cause behind this epidemic that has affected canines in several states in the country.
Dr. David Needle, head of the pathology section at the University of New Hampshire’s College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, revealed to NBC News that a “strange bacteria” appears to be the culprit behind the canine respiratory disease. This bacteria, smaller than usual in size and genome, could evade dogs’ immune defenses in the upper respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and triggering serious symptoms.
Although the disease has not yet been formally named, it is characterized by a persistent cough, which can last between six and eight weeks, resistant even to antibiotics. Other symptoms include sneezing, runny eyes or nose, fatigue and difficulty breathing, the Oregon Department of Agriculture reports. The disease can progress to pneumonia, which is also resistant to antibiotics, and in advanced cases, can lead to death within days.
The research team, aware of the seriousness of the situation, has shared its preliminary findings ahead of the official publication of a research paper. Dr. Needle highlighted that these newly discovered bacteria could be part of dogs’ natural microbiome, although more research is still needed to fully understand their role in the disease.
So far, the epidemic has affected dogs in several states, including California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Although it has not yet been observed in Canada, the situation is a cause for concern for pet owners across the continent.
As for treatment, Needle’s team has not yet found a way to grow the bacteria in the lab, but they suggest that doxycycline could be an effective antibiotic. However, more research is needed to determine the best way to address this disease in dogs.
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Although there are no reports that humans or other animals have been infected, experts warn that the bacteria could evolve and pose a threat to other species. Therefore, prevention becomes a key piece in managing the situation.
During this holiday season, dog owners are urged to keep their pets away from areas prone to the spread of infection, such as community feeders, kennels, dog parks and groomers. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid close contact with large groups of dogs and opt for individual pet sitters or walkers during the holidays.
Dr. Kurt Williams, director of the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, advises dog owners to work closely with their veterinarians and make sure their pets are up to date on all vaccines, including canine influenza. If you have any symptoms of cough or other illness, he is urged to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of this canine epidemic, collaboration between veterinarians, pet owners, and animal health experts becomes essential to containing and understanding the threat this new bacteria poses to canine companions across the United States.
