Mystery Respiratory , Illness Among Dogs , Spreads to More US States.
'Newsweek' reports that dogs across the United States have fallen sick with a mystery illness called Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC).
The cause of aCIRDC, which has now been
reported in at least 19 states, remains unknown. .
Most recently, cases have been reported
in Maine, North Dakota and Texas. .
Other states to report cases include Washington state,
Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Nevada, .
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maryland, Indiana,
Illinois, Idaho, Georgia, Florida, Colorado and California.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said the agency , "is currently working with multiple state animal
health officials and diagnostic laboratories
regarding reports of respiratory illness in dogs
that, in rare cases, has progressed rapidly to death.".
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said the agency , "is currently working with multiple state animal
health officials and diagnostic laboratories
regarding reports of respiratory illness in dogs
that, in rare cases, has progressed rapidly to death.".
Spokesperson Mike Stepien told
'Newsweek' that the agency has, "not yet definitively
identified the cause of illness.".
The mystery disease was first reported in
Oregon earlier in 2023, with over 200 reports
largely focused around the Portland area.
As a result of the unknown illness, several
annual dog events were canceled over fears of
the disease spreading and health officials have
warned owners to limit dog socializing.
As a result of the unknown illness, several
annual dog events were canceled over fears of
the disease spreading and health officials have
warned owners to limit dog socializing.
Symptoms reportedly include sneezing,
watery eyes, cough, fever and lethargy, while more
extreme cases can lead to pneumonia and even death.
At this point in time, I don't think there
is reason for extreme alarm. I do think it's
a time to be cautious and to stay informed, Deborah Silverstein, Professor and veterinarian at
the University of Pennsylvania, via 'New York Times'
