Overview

• A mysterious respiratory illness is affecting dogs in several US states, including Oregon, Colorado, and New Hampshire, causing lasting disease and pneumonia that does not respond to antibiotics.
• Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, and lethargy, with some cases progressing quickly to severe illness within 24 to 36 hours.
• The Oregon Department of Agriculture has documented over 200 cases since mid-August and is working with state researchers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory to identify the cause.
• While it's difficult to determine the exact number of fatalities due to the lack of a clear definition or test for the disease, it is confirmed that dogs have died from this illness.
• Veterinarians are urging dog owners not to panic, but to ensure their pets are up-to-date on vaccines and to decrease contact with other dogs.