A new type of bacteria may be behind a mysterious respiratory disease affecting dogs across the United States, a new study reveals.
This disease can cause dogs to vomit blood, develop pneumonia, and in some cases, die.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire identified the bacteria by analyzing samples from 70 dogs that had shown symptoms of the disease over the past two years.
This bacterium is very small and has few genetic characteristics, making it difficult to detect. It is unknown to science and has no name yet.
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Veterinary pathologist Dr. David Needle, who led the study, tagged the bacteria as a “bizarre” microorganism that probably evolved from normal bacteria living in dogs' intestines.
He told NBC News that while this is “new as a potential cause of disease, it is likely a component of the dog's microbiome or something that has evolved from it.” Told. [millions of bacteria found inside the animals’ gut]”
The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, tested samples from 30 sick dogs in New Hampshire and 40 sick dogs in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
They found bacteria in 21 of 30 samples from New Hampshire and most of the samples from two other states.
The disease first appeared last year and has since spread to eight states, including Oregon, Colorado, California, Indiana, Idaho, Georgia, Florida and Washington.
The disease has killed several dogs and can cause a chronic cough that doesn't respond to antibiotics and lasts for several weeks.
In some cases, dogs can develop severe pneumonia, which can cause difficulty breathing, runny nose, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Dogs can become seriously ill within two days of developing pneumonia.
Veterinarians suspect the disease is transmitted through droplets released when dogs sneeze, cough or bark.
No evidence has been found that the disease can be transmitted to humans.
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To prevent this disease, veterinarians recommend that dog owners keep their pets up to date on vaccines, especially canine influenza, Bordetella, and parainfluenza vaccines.
It also advises owners to consult a veterinarian before exposing their dogs to other dogs in the area.
Some veterinarians recommend that dog owners avoid traveling with their dogs during Thanksgiving to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
It also recommends that owners leave their dogs at home and hire a dog sitter instead of sending them to a kennel.
