A mysterious respiratory disease that strikes dogs worries authorities

Veterinarians and pet lovers are on the alert after the appearance of a mysterious respiratory disease that is currently affecting dogs, especially in the United States. In some cases, the disease can progress rapidly, with serious illness occurring within 24 to 36 hours.

A mysterious respiratory illness that has been sickening dogs continues to spread across the U.S. while veterinarians try to determine its causes and the best methods for treating it. Dogs in at least seven states have been infected. https://t.co/JXFEtI7AKJ pic.twitter.com/Y4OvcNvOuq

— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 22, 2023

This disease is a cause for concern, as it does not respond to antibacterial drugs. Symptoms of this canine disease include persistent coughing, runny eyelids, sneezing, loss of appetite and lethargy.

Numerous cases have been reported in Colorado, Rhode Island, Oregon, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The strange disease has experts worried, as tests for known viruses, bacteria and fungi have all proved negative. In tests carried out in New Hampshire, they discovered a previously unidentified pathogenic bacterium that could be the cause of the disease. The bacterium is smaller than the usual bacteria and has a small genome, as well as being difficult to detect and sequence.

A small number of dogs have unfortunately succumbed to the disease, so pet owners are urged to be vigilant, avoid dog parks and areas heavily frequented by dogs, and contact their vet if their dog develops respiratory symptoms, New York Times reports.