Mysterious dog respiratory illness caused by new bacterial infection, say researchers

A new type of bacterial infection may be causing a mysterious dog respiratory illness that has sickened dogs across the country.

A new type of bacterial infection may be the cause of a mysterious respiratory illness that has affected many dogs across the country, according to researchers. The illness, which has led to the death of some dogs, is characterized by a persistent cough, runny eyes, and sneezing.

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire's Veterinary Diagnosis Laboratory and the Hubbard Center for Genome Studies have identified a previously unknown bacterium that may be responsible for the illness. This discovery was made through genetic sequencing of samples from infected dogs in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

The newly discovered bacterium is described as "a funky bacterium" by Dr. David Needle, a pathology section chief at the University of New Hampshire. It is smaller than a normal bacterium and has a smaller genome size, making it difficult to find and sequence.

The researchers believe that the bacterium may be a component of the dog microbiome, which consists of harmless bacteria and other microorganisms that aid in digestion. However, the bacterium may have evolved into a potential cause of disease in dogs.

Despite the discovery, scientists are uncertain whether the same bacterium is responsible for the illness in dogs across the nation. The Oregon Agriculture Department has reported over 200 cases of the respiratory infection in dogs, with a small percentage resulting in death. Other states with reported cases include Colorado, California, Indiana, Illinois, Washington, Idaho, Georgia, and Florida.

Due to the lack of a test for the illness, the exact number of affected dogs remains unknown. However, researchers have suggested that the antibiotic doxycycline may be effective in treating the illness.

The discovery of the new bacterium may explain why some dogs are getting severely ill, as smaller pathogens are more likely to evade a dog's immune system and cause pneumonia. The illness can manifest as an inflammation of the respiratory tubes, chronic pneumonia, or acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and may lead to death.

To prevent the spread of the illness, experts recommend keeping dogs out of crowded areas such as kennels and dog parks. They advise working closely with a veterinarian and ensuring that dogs are vaccinated against respiratory diseases.

Ultimately, it is best to leave dogs in their own environment with a house sitter or dog walker stopping by multiple times during the day rather than sending them to a kennel. This approach may reduce the risk of infection and keep dogs safe from the mysterious respiratory illness.

Share With Others