The canine park at Piper Park in Larkspur, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal)
The county is warning canine homeowners in Marin to guard the animals from potential publicity to respiratory sicknesses, together with a mysterious new ailment known as atypical canine infectious respiratory illness.
The situation, also referred to as aCIRD, has induced lasting respiratory illness and pneumonia and doesn’t reply to antibiotics.
“California is one of at least 10 states with cases, which are estimated to be in the thousands nationwide,” the county’s public well being workplace mentioned in an advisory on Friday.
No instances of the ailment have been reported in Marin but, based on Dr. Matt Willis, the county’s public well being officer.
“If a dog is experiencing cough, sneezing and difficulty breathing, owners should contact their pet’s veterinarian for evaluation and possible treatment,” the general public well being workplace mentioned. “Sick dogs should not have contact with other dogs, including in kennels, groomers, dog day cares or group walks.”
Willis mentioned that though a number of the signs for aCIRD would possibly resemble different canine respiratory situations — such because the flu or kennel cough — a canine with aCIRD will “test negative for all the normal respiratory infections.”
“Some of those are vaccine-preventable,” he mentioned. “This one is not.”
Lisa Bloch, communications director for Marin Humane, mentioned she was unaware of any instances within the Bay Area.
“It’s not canine influenza, and it’s not really known exactly what it is — such as viral vs. bacterial,” Bloch mentioned. “So no, there is no vaccine for it yet.”
“So while it’s always smart to be cautious, there is no need for panic,” she added. “And as always, people should consult with their vet if they have concerns.”
Cases have been reported in Southern California. On Nov. 21, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported receiving a number of stories of aCIRD.
Oregon officers have reported no less than 200 instances since mid-August.
Willis mentioned officers have discovered no proof that aCIRD is transmissible from animals to people.
The county mentioned signs may embrace a continual mild-to-moderate respiratory an infection that lasts greater than six weeks that’s minimally or not aware of antibiotics; continual pneumonia that’s minimally or not aware of antibiotics; or acute pneumonia that turns into extreme in 24 to 36 hours.
The county recommends that homeowners of probably sick dogs ought to, along with contacting the a veterinarian, isolate the animals at home for 14 days after signs began. Residents ought to quarantine probably uncovered dogs for seven days and monitor them for signs.
The county additionally advises residents to disinfect surfaces usually with an EPA-registered disinfectant or a bleach answer.
More particulars and suggestions are on-line at shorturl.at/frLN4.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
