Mysterious Canine Illness Sparks Concern: LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Ala. A mysterious illness is hitting the U.S. once again. This time, its impacting our canine friends.
Similar to kennel cough, this illness is not going away and is even leading to death in some cases. It’s causing a lot of concern for pet owners and those who provide shelter for canines with no place to call home.
Its a nightmare! What will happen, in some shelters, is theyll just put down everything that comes in sick because how would you be able to head off a massive outbreak? Florence Lauderdale Animal Services Director Cheryl Jones said.
Florence Lauderdale Animal Services has not had a case of the mysterious illness to date but is putting in extra work to make sure the disease doesnt get inside the facility, and if it does, it doesnt spread.
Theres no test for it, Jones said, Were just carefully watching the population, segregating any dogs that come in that have an upper respiratory quarantining them away from the general population.
Jones says the shelter currently has around 110 dogs and hopes worries about the disease dont cause a drop in adoptions.
If you know youre going to be moving, please dont wait until the last minute to call us to re-home your animal, Jones said. If you have an issue with your animal, please reach out to us for some help. Obviously, if you have space in your home and you can foster an animal, that would help us reduce the population here especially during the holidays.
Jones is encouraging dog owners to avoid doggy daycare or boarding for the time being unless absolutely necessary. She also says to watch for symptoms of respiratory illnesses.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, some symptoms to watch out for include: coughing, trouble breathing, and a runny nose.
ALSO READ: Animal Rescuer Faces Charges: A Tale of Neglect and Redemption
Also Read: Christmas Cheer Takes Over Courtland and Moulton: Annual Parades Bring Southern Magic
Our Reader’s Queries
What are the symptoms of mystery illness killing dogs?
What are the signs of the enigmatic dog sickness? The sickness presents as chronic tracheobronchitis, causing inflammation of the trachea and bronchi for a duration of six to eight weeks or more, as per authorities. Indications of tracheobronchitis consist of coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
What is the disease spreading in dogs in 2023?
Trupanion, a pet insurance company, reports an increase in claims for dogs with respiratory illness in multiple states. Marshall, the company’s representative, estimates at least 35 cases in Rhode Island, but the actual number is difficult to determine as not all cases are reported.
What is the dog disease that is going around?
A sudden surge in a puzzling sickness in dogs across the US might make pet parents rethink their holiday arrangements for their furry friends. Sixteen states have reported instances of the newly labeled Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex.
Is mysterious dog illness contagious to humans?
Human health is not at risk from the dog respiratory illness, according to experts. Veterinary and animal health partners are currently investigating the cause of this illness. A mysterious and fatal respiratory illness in dogs has been reported in 14 states. Check out the map to see where it has been reported.