Marin issues warning on dog respiratory illness

The county is warning dog owners in Marin to protect the animals from potential exposure to respiratory illnesses, including a mysterious new ailment called atypical canine infectious respiratory disease.

The condition, also known as aCIRD, has caused lasting respiratory disease and pneumonia and does not respond to antibiotics.

“California is one of at least 10 states with cases, which are estimated to be in the thousands nationwide,” the county’s public health office said in an advisory on Friday.

No cases of the ailment have been reported in Marin yet, according to Dr. Matt Willis, the county’s public health officer.

“If a dog is experiencing cough, sneezing and difficulty breathing, owners should contact their pet’s veterinarian for evaluation and possible treatment,” the public health office said. “Sick dogs should not have contact with other dogs, including in kennels, groomers, dog day cares or group walks.”

Willis said that although some of the symptoms for aCIRD might resemble other canine respiratory conditions — such as the flu or kennel cough — a dog with aCIRD will “test negative for all the normal respiratory infections.”

“Some of those are vaccine-preventable,” he said. “This one is not.”

Lisa Bloch, communications director for Marin Humane, said she was unaware of any cases in the Bay Area.

“It’s not canine influenza, and it’s not really known exactly what it is — such as viral vs. bacterial,” Bloch said. “So no, there is no vaccine for it yet.”

“So while it’s always smart to be cautious, there is no need for panic,” she added. “And as always, people should consult with their vet if they have concerns.”

Cases have been reported in Southern California. On Nov. 21, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported receiving multiple reports of aCIRD.

Oregon officials have reported at least 200 cases since mid-August.

Willis said officials have found no evidence that aCIRD is transmissible from animals to humans.

The county said symptoms could include a chronic mild-to-moderate respiratory infection that lasts more than six weeks that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics; chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics; or acute pneumonia that becomes severe in 24 to 36 hours.

The county recommends that owners of potentially sick dogs should, in addition to contacting the a veterinarian, isolate the animals at home for 14 days after symptoms started. Residents should quarantine potentially exposed dogs for seven days and monitor them for symptoms.

The county also advises residents to disinfect surfaces regularly with an EPA-registered disinfectant or a bleach solution.

More details and recommendations are online at shorturl.at/frLN4.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.