NATIONWIDE – A respiratory illness, currently unidentified, has been affecting dogs in at least 14 U.S. states, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Veterinary professionals are being urged to report cases as research efforts intensify to determine the nature of the pathogen.
Though no cases have been formally reported in New Jersey yet, officials warn that the disease could already be here and if not, it is just a matter of time. Cases were reported early this week in neighboring Pennsylvania.
The illness, which has the potential to be fatal, remains a mystery as researchers investigate whether it is viral or bacterial. It may be a variant of “kennel cough,” a well-known canine respiratory disease.
Dogs affected by the illness exhibit symptoms like persistent coughing lasting four to six weeks. This coughing can indicate mild bronchitis or progress to pneumonia. Some cases have rapidly developed into pneumonia within a day or two.
While there is little evidence to suggest human transmission, veterinarians are advising dog owners to exercise caution, especially during the holiday season when pet travel and kennel stays are common.
Reports of the disease have been increasing over the past few months, prompting the AVMA to issue more public advisories as the holiday season approaches.
Oregon has seen about 200 cases, with additional cases reported in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Efforts to identify the cause are underway in Oregon, with the Department of Agriculture collaborating with state and national diagnostic laboratories. The Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences has linked the illness to severe pneumonia cases and some fatalities.
Rena Carlson, president of the AVMA, highlighted the disease’s atypical nature and the uncertainties surrounding it. She emphasized the need for vigilance regarding potential transmission to other species, including humans and cats.
In New Hampshire, experts are investigating a new bacterium as a possible cause, though antibiotics have shown limited effectiveness.
Carlson advises dog owners to keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date and to seek veterinary assistance promptly if symptoms appear.