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No reports of mysterious respiratory disease killing dogs in Lower 48

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Last month, State Veterinarian Bob Gerlach put out a letter to veterinarians across the state, asking if any had encountered a mysterious respiratory illness that has struck dogs in the Lower 48, including Washington and Oregon. The result, Gerlach said, is that so far no similar cases have been reported in Alaska.

When asked if he thought the virus could spread to our state, Gerlach said he thinks the chances are small.

“It’s a possibility, but to me, I think it’s a very low probability,” Gerlach said. “One, because there’s a lot more interstate travel between contiguous states than we have up here, having to fly. And when you have to fly up here or drive up here, you need a health certificate. So that dog’s got to go in to [see] a veterinarian and get certified that it’s healthy and free from infectious, contagious disease.”

Gerlach said there are precautions people can take if they have concerns, especially if they have a dog that’s considered at risk, such as dogs with chronic health conditions or simply very young or old. In that case, Gerlach said, owners may want to limit interaction with dogs they are unfamiliar with, but he added that even dog parks might be OK.

“Depending on how many animals that are there and if you know the animals,” he said. “So, if you go with your friends, and you all let your dogs go out together and you are familiar with that, I don’t think that’s a big risk.”

Gerlach said all owners should make sure their pets are fully vaccinated, and watch out for symptoms of respiratory illness.

The first symptoms are usually a cough which in this case can persist for weeks, and progress to pneumonia which doesn’t respond to drugs or other treatments. Gerlach said people who see concerning symptoms in their dogs should contact their veterinarian.

“They are going to be that local expert to go ahead and know your dog and know you and then can make some good recommendations for you,” he said.



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