Spread of Unidentified Canine Respiratory Illness Mapped in the U.S.

Recent reports from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine have indicated the spread of a mysterious canine illness across 16 states. Termed Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC), the illness has led to an increase in cases of fever, cough, and fatigue among dogs over the past year. The origin of the disease remains unclear, and affected dogs exhibit severe symptoms, sometimes resulting in fatality. Confirmed cases have been documented in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Notably, Oregon has reported over 200 cases. While the specific nationwide case count is not officially disclosed, symptoms of the illness include persistent tracheobronchitis, characterized by prolonged inflammation of the trachea and bronchi, leading to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Additionally, some dogs have shown resistance to treatment, with rare cases of rapidly progressing pneumonia resulting in fatality within a day. Particularly vulnerable are breeds with short snouts, like pugs and French bulldogs, due to their predisposition to respiratory illnesses. As the cause and effective treatments remain unidentified, veterinarians recommend maintaining dogs' overall health and ensuring they are up to date on vaccinations. Collaboration between the United States Department of Agriculture and multiple states and labs is ongoing to investigate the illness's origins and potential treatments.