Researchers identify NEW mutant bacteria that they say is behind the spate of dog illness sweeping across the US
- Dogs affected by the disease are left with chronic coughs that last for weeks
- Researchers from the University of New Hampshire say it is not a virus, but a bacteria
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A mysterious dog disease rapidly spreading across the US could be caused by a mutated bacterium, researchers say.
Dogs affected by the unknown respiratory disease develop chronic coughs that last for weeks, bloody mucus and, in some cases, potentially fatal pneumonia, according to veterinarians who treat the animals.
Now researchers at the University of New Hampshire believe they have identified the bacteria causing the wave of illness.
Dr. David Needle, a veterinary pathologist who led the research, said it was a ‘funky’ organism – which has not yet been named – and had not been seen before.
Dogs affected by the disease continue to cough chronically for weeks and severe cases develop into pneumonia, which can be fatal
His team discovered the bug by conducting forensic tests on 70 dogs that had developed the tell-tale symptoms in the past two years.
Speak with NBC Newshe said this was “new as a potential cause of disease, but it is likely – or evolved from – part of the dog microbiome (millions of bacteria found in the intestines of animals).”
He also described the bacterium as smaller than other species and said it had few specific genetic characteristics, making it harder to detect.
Veterinarians have previously suggested that the disease is spread through virus-infected respiratory droplets released into the air when dogs sneeze, cough or bark.
There have been no reported cases of the disease spreading to humans.
Further tests will now be carried out to confirm whether this bacteria is behind the disease.
In the study, which has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, the scientists tested samples from 30 sick dogs from New Hampshire.
They also tested another 40 samples from dogs in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The results showed that 21 of 30 samples from New Hampshire contained the previously unknown bacteria.
It was also detected in most samples from Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Infected dogs may suffer from a persistent cough for six to eight weeks, which does not go away with antibiotics.
In more severe cases, dogs can develop severe pneumonia, which can also cause breathing difficulties, runny nose, fatigue and loss of appetite.
Vets say that when this happens, dogs often become seriously ill within two days.
The mysterious disease first emerged last year and has now been discovered in eight states.
Oregon has reported 200 cases of the disease, while infections have also been detected in Colorado, California, Indiana, Idaho, Georgia, Florida and Washington.
Several dog deaths have also been reported.
Veterinarians in other states – including New York – fear it is only a matter of time before the disease shows up in their areas.
To protect pets, dog owners are advised to stay up to date on vaccines, including those for canine flu, Bordetella and parainfluenza.
They are also advised to consult their veterinarian before allowing dogs to come into contact with others in their environment.
Some veterinarians are also advising owners not to travel with their dogs this Thanksgiving to limit the spread of infection.
Advice has also been given to leave dogs at home and opt for regular visits from dog sitters, rather than sending them to kennels.