US Investigates Outbreak of Deadly 'Dog Flu' That Does Not Respond to Antibiotics

Veterinary laboratories in several US states are investigating an unknown acute respiratory infection that is spreading among dogs and does not respond to antibiotics. This is reported by Associated Press.

Oregon, Colorado and New Hampshire are among the states where cases of the disease have been reported in animals.

The disease in dogs is manifested by coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge and lethargy, causes pneumonia and does not respond to antibiotic treatment. Some cases of pneumonia progress rapidly, making dogs very sick within 24-36 hours.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has documented more than 200 cases in animals since mid-August. The state agency urged pet owners to contact a veterinarian immediately if their dog becomes ill.

The department is also working with government researchers and the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratory to find out what is causing the disease in animals.

According to Kurt Williams, director of the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University, the disease is fatal, but with no clear way to identify or test for the disease, it is difficult to estimate the number of animals that have died from severe infection.

He urged pet owners not to panic and to make sure their pets are up-to-date on vaccines, including those that protect against various respiratory diseases.

Laboratories across the country are sharing their findings in an effort to pinpoint the exact cause of the disease.

As previously reported by The Gaze, Spain has passed a new animal welfare law that came into force in the spring of 2023. Spanish police now have the power to arrest people who leave their pets unattended and impose fines of up to €200,000 on those who mistreat animals.

And South Korea intends to introduce a complete ban on dog meat consumption by 2027. The bill is expected to be passed later this year. Currently, dog meat consumption is not explicitly banned in Korea, but it is not entirely legal. Despite many years of attempts, no government in the last decade has been able to end this widespread traditional practice.