Looks like Kennel Cough but Isn’t
In the summer of 2022, veterinarian David Needle began to hear reports of a respiratory illness affecting dogs in New Hampshire. Affected dogs exhibited symptoms like sneezing, coughing, eye discharge, and prolonged illness. Needle, a senior pathologist at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, noted the cough associated with this illness was significant and often resistant to standard treatments. Even more puzzling, the typical bacteria and viruses associated with “kennel cough” tested negative in these cases.
Discovery of a Brand New Canine Bacterium
Needle embarked on a mission to identify the cause of this mysterious illness. He collected samples from various clinics and utilized genetic sequencing techniques in his investigation. Initially, his efforts yielded no results, finding no known DNA or RNA viruses or bacterial or fungal pathogens. However, they eventually discovered a short segment of DNA that seemed to belong to a previously undescribed bacterium, similar to a genus called Mycoplasma, which lacks cell walls.
Early information gathering was done quietly, but Needle’s team at the University of New Hampshire continued their research, trying to sequence and culture more of the bacterium’s genome.
New Illness Spreads
The situation took an exciting turn when similar cases of the illness were reported in neighboring states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts. This discovery led to concerns among veterinarians and health officials nationwide, who began investigating hundreds of cases of this unidentified respiratory illness.
Vets Suggest Avoiding Dog Parks and Boarding Due to Spreading Respiratory Cases
While the connection between cases in different states is unclear, some veterinarians are advising dog owners to use caution.
Dr. Amanda Cavanagh from Colorado State University suggests reducing interactions between dogs, and avoiding doggy daycares, boarding facilities, and dog parks. She notes an increase in respiratory cases in her state and emphasizes the importance of keeping pets up to date on vaccines, particularly those that protect against canine influenza and Bordetella.
The situation is also a concern in Oregon, where over 200 cases of an “atypical canine infectious respiratory disease” have been reported. This illness often does not respond to antibiotics and can progress to severe pneumonia. Researchers and veterinarians are actively investigating these cases to determine the cause and find effective treatments.
While the exact cause of this mysterious respiratory illness remains uncertain, scientists and veterinarians are working diligently to unravel the mystery. Further testing and research are expected to provide more insights in the coming weeks. Dog owners should keep their dogs out of kennels, dog boarding, and doggy daycare facilities to minimize their exposure to infection.
