ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES A New Mystery Respiratory Illness in Dogs Sparks Alarm – GWC Mag gwcmagNovember 22, 2023074 views A respiratory illness of unknown causes is befalling dogs across the U.S. Here’s what to know about symptoms and how to keep your pup safe. Source: iStock The Gist: From August to November 2023, Oregon received over 100 reports of dogs with a mystery respiratory illness that did not respond to antibiotics, per the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association. As of Nov. 18, 2023, vets in Oregon told TIME that they are aware of cases in other states, including New Hampshire, California, Colorado, Washington, Illinois, Idaho and Indiana. The respiratory illness is perceived to be viral, with at least nine different bacteria and viruses linked to the mystery illness. Article continues below advertisement When your furry friend gets sick, it’s always hard for a pet parent. Your first instinct might be to seek out as many remedies as possible in search of a cure, but sometimes, finding a solution takes time and testing. However, people with pets are concerned about a new mystery illness on the rise in dogs that is currently antibiotic-resistant. Here’s what you should know. Source: iStock Article continues below advertisement A mystery respiratory illness in dogs is sweeping the United States. Beginning in August 2023, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) began receiving reports of what has been labeled “atypical canine infectious respiratory disease,” or CIRDC. The mystery puzzling veterinarians and other specialists is that the illness seems viral. However, determining a causation factor has been difficult because cases have tested negative on other diagnostic tests. If you have a dog who has been feeling under the weather recently, there are some symptoms you should be looking out for. According to the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, these symptoms include: Acute pneumonia rapidly becomes severe and can lead to “poor outcomes.” A chronic cough that could be mild to moderate and last for 6-8 weeks. Chronic pneumonia In all cases, the symptoms will be minimally or non-responsive to antibiotics, which is even more troubling. Article continues below advertisement Source: iStock Should pet parents be worried? Kurt Williams, director of the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University, told the Associated Press (AP) that “dogs have died,” but the exact number is unclear. Williams also noted that because there’s no clear way to define the disease or test for it, it’s equally difficult to get a handle on the number of dogs that have died from the illness. However, as per the AP, Williams did have a message for pet parents everywhere: “Don’t panic.” He also suggested that people keep their dogs up to date on vaccines. Article continues below advertisement Additionally, if your dog shows any symptoms not associated with the mystery illness, including the following, it’s always better to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian just in case, as per Oregon Veterinary Medical Association: Elevated temperature Runny eyes Sneezing Lethargy Not eating Coughing Thankfully, the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association has also included in their statement about the illness that the ODA is in contact with a wide range of veterinarians to begin sampling the illness, which will also be paired with “PCR testing using generic primers, virus isolation, and rapid whole genome sequencing” in hopes of getting to the bottom of the cause. Until further information is uncovered, it’s best to be cautious if you’re concerned about your furry friends.