CO: Veterinarians concerned as “unusual” respiratory illness spreads amongst dogs in Colorado Springs - is it COVID-19?

[Shiloh]

Source: https://krdo.com/news/2023/11/17/vet...orado-springs/

Veterinarians concerned as “unusual” respiratory illness spreads amongst dogs in Colorado Springs
By Tyler Cunnington
Published November 17, 2023 5:51 PM



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - A highly contagious, and potentially deadly dog illness is spreading in Colorado Springs, and veterinary clinics are now warning dog owners as the number of cases is growing.

The Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital says they've seen five cases this past month that match the symptoms of the new illness, but add that local emergency hospitals they've been in contact with have reported nine cases in just the last week. Some of those cases proved deadly.

"There is no known treatment because we don't know what we're up against," explains Cristy Fisher, co-owner of Pine Creek Vet Hospital.

Typically, respiratory issues in dogs are tested for and traced back to 'kennel cough' or canine influenza, which saw an outbreak in Chicago and then in Colorado Springs years ago. However, Fisher says this new illness is unlike those typical diagnoses...

[sharon sanders]

Please see:

California - Encinitas-based veterinarian warns pet owners of unusual increase in dogs with mystery illness

California - Severe Canine Respiratory Disease at San Diego Humane Society

NC: 2 dogs die of canine influenza at the Wake Co. Animal Center

CO: Severe kennel cough cases on the rise in Denver metro dogs

[Michael Coston]

Statements and Updates on An Unidentified & Infectious Respiratory Infection In Dogs (Multiple States)





#17,768

This week there have been numerous media reports of an as-yet unidentified respiratory illness affecting dogs in multiple states (e.g. Oregon, Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Washington, Idaho, California, etc.) - with cases apparently going back to at least last summer.

While a viral illness is suspected, it has yet to be identified. Tests for canine H3N8, and other respiratory viruses common to dogs, have come back negative.

While scattered cases of similar illnesses have been reported since last year, this outbreak gained attention last August after an outbreak was reported in and around Portland, Oregon. Symptoms include a mild cough that frequently progresses to severe pneumonia, and which can be fatal.

We've several reports. First, from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, a press release from earlier this month.

NOVEMBER 9, 2023

CANINE INFECTIOUS RESPIRATORY DISEASE IN OREGON

Media Inquiries: Please direct your requests to the Oregon Department of Agriculture spokesperson.

Published 8.7.23 | Updated 11.9.23

In August 2023, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) began receiving reports of an atypical canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRDC) circulating in the Portland metro and Willamette Valley areas. ODA received over 100 reports of illness meeting the criteria from veterinarians.

ODA is actively working with reporting veterinarians and specialists at OSU’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine (CCVM), the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL), and the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (USDA-NVSL) to find the causative agent behind these cases.

What is Currently Known

Based on the cases reported as of late summer 2023, ODA provided this case report "heat map" (shown at right), accurate as of that time.

Based on the epidemiology of the cases reported to date, ODA says the cases appear to share a viral etiology, but common respiratory diagnostic testing has been largely negative. A handful of cases do test positive for M. cynos, but that is not believed to be the underlying causative agent.

The cases reported to ODA appear to primarily fall within three general clinical syndromes:

• Chronic mild-moderate tracheobronchitis with a prolonged duration (6-8 weeks or longer) that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.
• Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.
• Acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24-36 hours.

Next Steps

ODA has engaged with several emergency veterinary practices to begin widespread sampling of potential respiratory cases, which will be paired with PCR testing using generic primers, virus isolation, and rapid whole genome sequencing in hopes of diagnosing an etiologic agent.

ODA is working with pathologists and virologists at the OVDL, as well as the USDA-NVSL, to implement a diagnostic testing plan. ODA is awaiting genome sequencing results on several acute samples from the USDA, which may provide guidance moving forward.

Should Dog Owners Be Worried?

We suggest caution rather than worry.

Periodic outbreaks of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) can occur in a dog population. At least nine different bacteria and viruses have been linked as causes of CIRDC, which is transmitted by respiratory droplets. Infection with more than one bacterial or viral agent is common. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, and lethargy. If your dog shows these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. We encourage you to speak to your veterinarian about what vaccines are appropriate for your dog. These may include canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza.

If you have concerns about your dog being present in groups of dogs, such as at an agility event or while boarding, we recommend that you consult with your veterinarian about recommendations for infection prevention and mitigation.

General suggestions for dogs attending events or situations with a group of other dogs include:

• Make sure all dogs are up-to-date on all their vaccines including canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza.

• For event organizers: Dogs should have a health check 12-24 hours before the event. Have a DVM onsite checking dogs for health issues (mild nasal discharge, cough, elevated temperature, being off food).

• Please consult with your veterinarian for dog-specific advice before attending any events where dogs are congregated.

CIRDC Backgrounder

Periodic outbreaks of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) can occur in a dog population and some cases can be serious. Transmitted by respiratory droplets, both viruses and bacteria can cause CIRDC.

CIRDC cases more commonly occur in animals housed in settings such as shelters, boarding, or training facilities rather than in animals housed in private homes, especially those with limited access to other dogs.

Veterinarians treat cases according to the dog's symptoms and severity of symptoms. Treatment may include antibiotics. Most dogs, especially those vaccinated against respiratory illness, experience a mild illness.

Symptoms of CIRDC include coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, and lethargy. If your dog shows these symptoms, please check with your veterinarian.

• CIRDC cases more commonly occur in animals housed in settings such as shelters, boarding, or training facilities rather than in animals housed in private homes, especially those with limited access to other dogs. like with other respiratory pathogens, the more contacts your dog has, the greater the risk of encountering a dog that’s infectious.
• Reducing contact with sick dogs. This can be harder to determine but if a dog looks sick (coughing, runny nose, runny eyes), keep your dog away from it.
• Keep sick dogs at home and seek veterinary care.
• Avoid communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs.
• Ask your veterinarian for advice on which vaccinations your dog should have. Common vaccinations include canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza.
• If it's sick, consider having your dog tested with a PCR test to help determine the causative agent (viral/bacterial), if possible.

We will update this information as events warrant.

Two days ago the American Veterinary Medical Association published an update (excerpts below).

Oregon dealing with respiratory illness incidents in dogs
Causative agent remains unknown

By Malinda Larkin
November 17, 2023

The cause behind a canine infectious respiratory disease that began circulating in the Portland metro and Willamette Valley areas of Oregon a few months ago remains a mystery.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) has received more than 200 case reports from veterinarians since the middle of August, said Andrea Cantu-Schomus, communications director with the ODA, on November 16.

Dr. Ryan Scholz, Oregon state veterinarian, is working with reporting veterinarians and specialists at Oregon State University’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL), and the Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (USDA NVSL) to find the causative agent behind these cases.

“Based on the epidemiology of the cases reported at this point, the cases appear to share a viral etiology, but common respiratory diagnostic testing has been largely negative,” Cantu-Schomus wrote in an email. “A handful of cases do test positive for M. cynos, but that agent is not believed to be the underlying causative agent.”

(SNIP)

The ODA is working with pathologists and virologists at the OVDL as well as the NVSL to implement a diagnostic testing plan in these cases. Complicating matters, however, is that in most cases tested to date, it appears that the period of shedding may already be passed by the time cases are seen by the reporting veterinarians.

To address this limitation, the ODA has connected with several emergency veterinary practices to begin widespread sampling of potential respiratory cases, which will be paired with PCR testing using generic primers, virus isolation, and rapid whole genome sequencing in hopes of diagnosing an etiologic agent.

The ODA is also working with an animal rescue entity in the Salem area, which had several cases within their rescue population, to collect samples for serology. The OVDL will be testing these samples using broad serologic tests to hopefully narrow down the pool of potential etiologic agents, Cantu-Schomus said.

(Continue . . . )

And finally we have this statement, from Colorado State University.

Respiratory illness strikes canine community in Colorado’s Front Range, CSU veterinarians warn

16Nov, 2023

By CVMBS Communications

By Brooke Garcia, CVT

A contagious illness leading to upper respiratory infection is affecting the canine community along the Front Range of Colorado, surprising pet owners and veterinary circles in recent months. The possible virus, which is under intense observation by Colorado State University veterinarians, has been linked to cases of severe pneumonia and, tragically, resulted in some fatalities.

The uptick in cases has left veterinarians looking for answers and pet owners on edge. While coughing with the typical syndrome usually only lasts seven to 10 days, some cases this year have continued coughing for several weeks. In addition, while pneumonia occurs in some typical kennel cough cases, this year the numbers of pneumonia cases seem higher.

“Contagious respiratory disease in dogs (kennel cough or the canine infectious respiratory disease complex) is common and there are multiple viral and bacterial causes,” said Dr. Michael Lappin, board-certified internal medicine veterinarian at the CSU James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital. “However, in recent months, cases are being diagnosed more frequently and the course of disease is different than usual, surprising both pet owners and veterinary health care providers. It is currently unknown whether these unusual cases are caused by a virus or a bacterium, or a combination of both types of infection.”

CSU experts are working to unravel the mysteries surrounding this unusual syndrome and are are particularly interested in determining whether the cause is a new or exiting virus or bacterial infection. Dr. Amanda Cavanagh, board-certified emergency veterinarian and head of the CSU Small Animal Emergency and Urgent Care service, expressed concern and eagerness for better understanding and data to inform treatment and disseminate information.

“The health and well-being of our canine companions are paramount,” Cavanagh said. “We are actively learning about this illness, its causes, transmission, and potential treatment measures to protect our beloved pets.”

Clinical findings and tests completed to date suggests that most dogs with the unusual syndrome have a virus that primarily targets the respiratory system, leading to secondary bacterial infection and pneumonia in affected dogs. The mode of transmission remains unclear, but early observations indicate it appears to be contagious, and CSU veterinarians are treating patients in isolation to contain the spread. Veterinarians and public health officials are studying whether this is a new virus or bacterium, or a more pathogenic form of a known agent, Lappin said.

(Continue . . . )

The good news is we haven't seen any indications that this canine illness can be spread to humans, or other animals. The not-so-good news is this illness does appear to be spreading, and until it can be properly identified, effective treatments may be remain elusive.

Stay tuned.

https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/11/statements-and-updates-on-unidentified.html

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.presstelegram.com/2023/1...-deal-with-it/

Mystery illness infecting dogs in LA County; Here’s what is known and how to deal with it
Symptoms of the illness — which is being called Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD) — include coughing, nasal discharge, sneezing and a lack of energy
By Ryan Carter | rcarter@scng.com | Daily News
PUBLISHED: November 21, 2023 at 1:08 p.m. | UPDATED: November 21, 2023 at 1:09 p.m.

Los Angeles County public health authorities on Tuesday, Nov. 21, urged dog owners and veterinarians to take precautions after a mysterious canine respiratory illness, which has been previously reported in other states, appears to have infected animals locally.

Since Thursday, Nov. 16, the L.A. County Public Health Department has received 10 case reports from veterinarians about dogs that seem to have caught the “sudden respiratory illness of unknown origin,” Public Health officials reported. Those dogs tested negative on an array of tests for common viruses and bacteria specific to canines.

Symptoms of the illness — which is being called Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD) — include coughing, nasal discharge, sneezing and a lack of energy, according to the Public Health Department, which sent out a release on Tuesday afternoon.

Local officials are investigating the cases to confirm whether a new respiratory disease is infecting dogs in the county. The investigation includes coordinated efforts with state and federal efforts...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...p/71716644007/

Mysterious and fatal dog respiratory illness now reported in 14 states: See the map.
Natalie Neysa Alund
Updated 4:33 p.m. ET Nov. 27, 2023

An unknown and potentially deadly contagious canine respiratory illness that began in one Western state this summer now spans more than a dozen states, the nation's lead non-profit veterinary organization is reporting.

As of Monday the disease had been reported in 14 states stretching from Florida to California and the cause of the mysterious illness remained under investigation, American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) President Dr. Rena Carlson, told USA TODAY.

In Oregon alone, veterinarians and animal sanctuary owners have reported more than 200 cases since mid-August. The remaining 13 states have not yet reported their respective numbers...

[sharon sanders]

Veterinarian prescribes COVID-19 drug for mystery dog illness: 'It's kind of a death sentence if we don't'

Updated: 8:52 PM EST Dec 3, 2023


snip

Veterinarian Doug Swain said Cash is one of the more severe cases of the illness he's seen over the last year. During the past month, his patients's symptoms have become more severe — coughing up blood and showing intense inflammation in their lungs.

Swain said the cases he has seen align with the illnesses reported symptoms nationwide, but unlike other places, he said many of the sick dogs around Cass County, which is around 90 miles outside of Des Moines, Iowa, and around 53 miles from Omaha, Nebraska, have not come in contact with other animals.

A trend he has noticed in cases is the owner's health. Swain said in the more severe cases he's treated, the pet's owner reports recently having COVID-19. Additionally, Swain sees similarities between COVID-19 symptoms and the symptoms in dogs.

more... https://www.wesh.com/article/veterin...=snd-autopilot

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

A mysterious respiratory disease affecting dogs, now in Canada?

Elyse Allard
Published yesterday at 3:00 a.m. CST

A mysterious respiratory illness has been found in hundreds of dogs in the United States and may have already arrived in Canada. American veterinarians are also invited to report new cases to the government in order to find the pathogen in question. In Canada, experts are reassuring, even if they urge owners to exercise caution.

PCR tests carried out on sick dogs, the results of which were negative, alerted the American Veterinary Medical Association. However, these may be false negatives if the animal, for example, was tested too early or too late during the development of the disease, specifies the president of the Association of Quebec Veterinary Doctors in Small Animal Practice, Dr. Eve-Lyne Bouchard.

However, if these tests are true negatives, we have respiratory diseases for which we do not know the microbe, the pathogen, the virus or the bacteria. This is what is worrying , says Dr. Bouchard. Another surprising aspect: infected dogs do not respond to antibiotics which normally cure known respiratory diseases.

The country's expert on the issue, Ontario Veterinary College professor Scott Weese, wants to reassure the public: Respiratory illnesses in dogs are caused by a number of viruses and bacteria and, at this stage, nothing proves that we are dealing with [a new disease]. Professor Weese says many studies are being done to determine whether or not this is a new virus.

One thing is certain, cases of respiratory diseases recorded in the country are on the rise. Compared to the same date last year, pet insurers received 70% more claims in Quebec concerning this type of illness. In Ontario, this increase is 25%.

The return to normal activities of dogs, who are also emerging from a period of isolation linked to the pandemic, could be to blame, according to Scott Weese. Far fewer people have sent their dogs to daycare and kennels, and that's often what prompts [their owners] to get them vaccinated against kennel cough. And we've changed the way we socialize and the way dogs interact with each other , he says.


Be careful, but don't panic

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, which asks U.S. veterinarians to report suspected cases of this respiratory illness, most affected dogs have only mild symptoms and recover within 7 to 10 days. Only a small percentage of them develop a serious form of the disease.

Factors that increase the risk of a dog becoming seriously ill:
he is part of a short-nosed breed (like the French bulldog);

he is very young or very old;

his immune system is weak;

he already has a respiratory or heart disease.

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association

The Association of Veterinary Doctors of Quebec invites owners to monitor their pet's symptoms and to call their clinic if in doubt. A persistent cough, significant loss of appetite or thirst, difficulty breathing, or vomiting could mean a dog should go to the veterinarian.

Still according to the association, the best way to prevent an animal from developing a serious illness or transmitting an infection to its peers is to keep its vaccines up to date. As with humans, isolation of sick dogs is required. Otherwise, the concept of a bubble, which consists of always spending time with the same people and thus avoiding the spread of diseases, also applies to our four-legged friends.

Regarding the risk of transmission of the disease from dogs to humans, the American Veterinary Medical Association is categorical: the risk of people becoming ill following exposure to animals affected by this respiratory disease is extremely weak.

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2033974/maladie-respiratoire-chiens-canada

[Pathfinder]

LSU VET MED RAISES AWARENESS ABOUT ABOUT ATYPICAL CANINE INFECTIOUS RESPIRATORY DISEASE COMPLEX (ACIRDC): SYMPTOMS, RESEARCH, AND PRECAUTIONS


December 04, 2023

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine wants to keep pet owners informed about Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC), which has been seen in 16 states but has yet to reach Louisiana. With a focus on prevalence, clinical signs, pathogenesis, screening, treatment, and prevention, LSU Vet Med aims to educate the public on this concerning issue.

Prevalence


A chronic respiratory disease with characteristics of aCIRDC is now present in 16 states:

• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• Nevada
• Oregon: more than 200 cases have been reported to date
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington

It has not yet been reported in Louisiana, according to publicly available information; it is impossible to predict with certainty if and when it will be seen in our state.


Clinical signs fall into three clinical syndromes:

• Chronic mild-moderate tracheobronchitis with a prolonged duration of 6 to 8 weeks or longer. Signs include coughing, sneezing, and serous or mucoid oculonasal discharge.
• Chronic pneumonia minimally responsive to antimicrobials. Signs may include dyspnea (labored breathing), systemic signs in some patients.
• Acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and may lead to death in 24 to 36 hours.
• The latter manifestation is rare.

Pathogenesis (how a disease originates and develops)

• There is no known single causal pathogen.
• Work done by Dr. David Needle and team at the University of New Hampshire’s Hubbard Center for Genome Research suggests that a nonculturable, novel bacterium with no cell wall, tentatively named IOLA KY405 with similarities to Mycoplasma, is incriminated; it is phylogenetically distinct from most well-characterized bacteria in people and dogs.
• This conclusion has been reached by deep sequencing of 21 of 31 samples submitted to date.
• Dr. Needle and team have been studying samples from Oregon, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island; they are due to receive samples from Colorado and Illinois
• There is currently no evidence of zoonotic potential (no evidence it can be spread from animals to people).

Screening for pathogens causing CIRDC (“kennel cough”)

• Syndromic respiratory PCR panels are available to rule out known respiratory pathogens causing CIRDC, including one by LSU Diagnostics (LADDL):
  • Canine adenovirus-2
  • Canine distemper virus
  • Canine herpesvirus-1
  • Canine influenza A virus
  • Canine parainfluenza
  • Canine pneumovirus
  • Canine respiratory coronavirus
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Bordetella bronchiseptica
  • Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus
  • Mycoplasma cynos
  • Mycoplasma canis
• LSU Diagnostics can identify three main canine influenza virus subtypes: H1N1, H3N8, H3N2
• Nasopharyngeal and nasal swabs should be taken within three to four days of signs first being observed, in the acute phase of disease.
• Specimen collection swabs and transport medium can be overnight shipped to veterinary clinics.
• Turnaround time at LSU Diagnostics is 24-48 hours.
• The remaining sample after the 12-pathogen PCR panel has been run can be sequenced, with a turnaround time of 3 to 5 days, in an endeavor to identify incriminated pathogen(s).

Treatment

• Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, potentially including:
  • Cough suppressants if the cough is dry and unproductive;
  • Saline nebulization, so long as it does not exacerbate the cough;
  • Oxygen therapy, and in severe cases ventilation;
  • Antimicrobials if there is evidence of secondary bacterial infection;
  • Fluid and nutritional therapy.
• There is no response to typical antimicrobials used in respiratory infections; indiscriminate administration of antimicrobials is strongly discouraged.
• General guidelines are predicated on duration of clinical signs:
  • <10 days and no evidence of pneumonia: No specific treatment. Treat for seven to 10 days.
  • >10 days and fever, lethargy, inappetence, plus mucopurulent discharge: Consider doxycycline or (less desirable) amoxicillin-clavulanate.
• If there is evidence of pneumonia with systemic signs:
  • Enrofloxacin alone or in combination with ampicillin or clindamycin.
  • Re-evaluate in seven to 14 days; total duration of treatment may extend to 4 to 6 weeks, with a transition to oral therapy as soon as possible.

Prevention

• Prevention involves avoidance of exposure, which is thought to be via infected saliva or sputum droplets.
• The risk of exposure is increased in dog daycare centers, parks, shelters, and boarding or training facilities where dogs socialize, etc.
• Being current on routine vaccination, including DA2P and Bordetella bronchiseptica, is recommended.
• Vaccination against canine influenza virus is appropriate for pet dogs or those in custody for prolonged periods; two doses and at least four weeks are required to develop immunity.
• Sanitization of all common areas, fomites, and contaminated items with accelerated hydrogen peroxide or calcium hypochlorite is recommended.
• Standard isolation and quarantine measures for symptomatic dogs, using Personal Protective Equipment, will minimize exposure to unaffected dogs.

Travel


The holidays are a time of year for travel, so please take precautions.

• Don't put your dog into a new population of dogs if you can help it.
• Make sure your dog is properly vaccinated before it goes into a population of dogs (e.g., dog park, boarding facility, etc.).
• Take special care when considering whether you need to bring your dog to another state and board it.
• If you're traveling with your dog over the holidays and are considering boarding facilities, ensure that the facility has vaccine requirements and a plan for handling sick animals.

...

https://www.lsu.edu/vetmed/news/2023/canine_respiratory_disease.php

[Shiloh]

Source: https://newsmediarelations.colostate...te-fall-spike/

Canine respiratory illness cases down across Colorado; CSU continues to investigate fall spike


Reports of canine respiratory disease in Colorado have dropped from peak case numbers last year, according to Colorado State University veterinary experts. CSU researchers, however, are still investigating the potential origins of the fall spike.

“The great news is that the number of cases being reported in Colorado has been dropping since our suspected peaks between August and December,” said Dr. Michael Lappin, an internal medicine specialist and director of the Center for Companion Animal Studies at CSU. “Why that trend is occurring is unknown but may be related to our pets spending less time in social situations that might include ill dogs during the winter months.”

Last year’s wave of canine respiratory disease differed from previous versions. Dogs experienced prolonged coughs, up to several weeks, and more cases developed what appeared to be secondary pneumonia. In September, October and November, CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital saw more than double the cases of canine pneumonia compared with the same period in 2022. Cases also spiked elsewhere, including Oregon, California, Florida and New Hampshire, as well parts of Canada.

In Colorado, CSU experts have been working with partners across the state on multiple fronts to investigate the origin of last year’s elevated numbers, Lappin said. Those efforts have included examining whether any of the previous spikes were the result of one of the 10 viruses or bacteria already known to cause canine respiratory disease, if any of those pathogens have changed or if there are any new causes...

...Separately, Dr. Blaire MacNeill, a clinical microbiology resident at CSU, led a medical records review of 87 cases of suspected infectious respiratory disease from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital between Sept. 1 and Jan. 18. The majority of cases entered the hospital through the urgent care department. That review, however, revealed no obvious patterns of organisms previously recognized to cause infectious respiratory disease. Four of the cases were fatal, one of which involved a dog that had another pre-existing condition...