Researchers at the University of New Hampshire may have discovered a potential cause for the mysterious illness afflicting thousands of dogs across the United States. They have identified a small portion of the genome of a previously uncharacterized bacteria they believe may be responsible for the illness. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, and lethargy in canines. Unfortunately, several dogs have died from the respiratory disease, which often results in severe pneumonia. The puzzling ailment, which has manifested in at least 14 states, does not seem to respond to standard antibiotics.
Experts have confirmed cases in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, but New Jersey health officials reported no known cases in the state. Nevertheless, there have been inquiries from veterinarians regarding potential canine respiratory cases that could match those reported in other states.
The breakthrough came through genetic sequencing of samples from 70 dogs in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts over the past two years. The bacterium in question might be host-adapted and potentially a part of the dog’s microbiome, which has recently developed the capacity to cause disease, according to the UNH researchers.
While the discovery brings hope for identifying the right treatment for infected dogs, caution remains. The New Jersey Department of Health has yet to receive reports of suspected or confirmed outbreaks in canines. An expert at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory emphasized the need for further research to definitively determine the bacterium’s role in the syndrome.
Veterinarians urge dog owners not to panic, recommending preventative vaccines to protect their pets. The New Jersey Department of Health recently issued guidance to local health professionals and animal health care providers concerning the illness. As of November 28, there have been no reports of human illness associated with the cases in other states.
