PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed illness – USA (03): (OR) Willamette Valley, dog
Reply-To: noreply@isid.org
UNDIAGNOSED ILLNESS – USA (03): (OREGON) WILLAMETTE VALLEY, DOG
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date: Thu 9 Nov 2023
Source: Central Oregon Daily [edited]
https://centraloregondaily.com/dog-respiratory-illness-deaths/
An unknown respiratory illness is infecting dogs in Oregon’s
Willamette Valley. Some cases have developed into fatal, acute
pneumonia, killing some dogs within 2 days. But experts are urging pet
owners not to panic.
“I come to the dog park every day with my 2 dogs, so if it’s here I’d
like to know about it,” dog owner [JB] said.
Not much is known about the disease other than signs are similar to
those of kennel cough and canine influenza. The disease is also
resilient to antibiotics.
While this may sound alarming, Chief Veterinary Officer for the Humane
Society of Central Oregon Crystal Bloodworth says dog owners should
not panic.
“There’s always a degree of concern. It’s why we vaccinate our pets,
and there’s actually multiple vaccines, both injectable, into the nose
which can be given to dogs to boost their immunity if they are exposed
to one of these diseases,” Bloodworth said.
Bloodworth says while they have recently seen respiratory illnesses in
their kennels, nothing has appeared to be out of the norm.
“The signs have been coughing with a couple of dogs with nasal
discharge. We haven’t had any more significant signs, no pneumonia,
certainly no deaths,” Bloodworth said.
The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association says owners can protect
their dogs from respiratory illnesses by ensuring they are up to date
on their vaccines, reducing contact with unknown dogs, and avoiding
communal water bowls.