WSVMA is closely monitoring reports on Canine Respiratory Disease and as information clarifies we will send out updates.
The State Veterinarian and the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL) are not seeing an increase in respiratory disease in shelters animals or other areas but have heard of localized outbreaks of respiratory disease.
Respiratory disease outbreaks are relatively common at this time of year. It is unclear whether the stories in the media are about a new respiratory disease or the more commonly experienced seasonal diseases such as Kennel Cough. Heartworm may also be a cause of respiratory symptoms.
WADDL has had cases submitted likely rising from concerns from the media attention, however other various causes have been determined with no linking cause between cases.
There have been mortalities reported in Oregon, but at this point there is still no clear linking cause.
If there are cases of concern WADDL is happy to work with veterinarians, shelters and owners of affected animals.
The State Veterinarian strongly recommends that owners make sure their pets are appropriately vaccinated to protect them from respiratory and other diseases.
It is also recommended that if dog owners hear of local respiratory disease, their dogs should avoid dog parks, shared drinking bowls, and other areas where multiple dogs are grouped together.