Miami-Dade County officials are urging dog owners to take proactive steps to protect their pets‘ health as they monitor a mysterious respiratory disease that has sickened some dogs and killed others in Florida and several other states across the country.
The Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department issued the warning as the Oregon Department of Agriculture documented more than 200 cases of the disease since mid-August.
“While there have been no reported cases in our area, we advise dog owners to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to ensure their pet’s well-being,” said Annette Jose, director of Miami-Dade Animal Services. “Keeping dogs up to date on vaccinations, including those that protect against respiratory diseases, is critical.”
The county also encouraged dog owners to limit their interactions with other dogs and be aware of potential symptoms.
NBC News reported that scientists at the University of New Hampshire may have identified a pathogen that could be making pets sick. The “funky bacterium” is “new as a potential cause of disease, but it is likely to be – or to have evolved from – a component of the canine microbiome,” said Dr. David Needle, head of pathology at the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire.
The pneumonia-like illness begins as a cough and gradually worsens, and the disease is resistant to antibiotics. In addition to coughing, sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, difficulty breathing and fatigue have been observed, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Dogs exhibiting symptoms may also test negative for common causes of respiratory disease.
Other states including Oregon, Colorado, New Hampshire and California have confirmed cases.
