Public Health Advisory

As of December 5, 2023

Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD)

This is an advisory for dog owners regarding the emergence of Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD). The advisory offers guidance for dog owners and actions requested.

Background

In August 2023, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) began receiving reports of an Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD) in dogs. To date, ODA has received over 200 reports of aCIRD from Oregon veterinarians. The epidemiology suggests a shared infectious etiology, but the pathogen has not been identified.

On November 21, 2023, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) reported receiving multiple reports of aCIRD. California is one of at least 10 states with cases, which are estimated to be in the thousands nationwide.

To date, there is no evidence of canine to human transmission, and no cases have been reported in our county.

Case Definition

Cases are currently defined as respiratory illness with the following characteristics and a negative canine respiratory PCR test panel:

1. Chronic mild-moderate respiratory infection that lasts more than six weeks that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics; or
2. Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics; or
3. Acute pneumonia that becomes severe in 24-36 hours.

Recommendations

Dog Owners

If a dog is experiencing cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and lethargy (lack of energy), owners should take the following steps:

1. Contact their pet’s veterinarian for evaluation, and, if indicated, testing and treatment.
2. Isolate sick dogs at home for 14 days after symptoms started.
3. Quarantine exposed dogs for 7 days and monitor for signs and symptoms of illness.
4. Clean regularly and disinfect surfaces.
5. Dogs in isolation and quarantine should stay at home and away from day care, boarding kennels, grooming facilities, and dog parks.
6. If a dog becomes ill after being boarded or being in a facility, owners should take it to a veterinarian for evaluation and notify the facility about the illness.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have scheduled an evaluation for a patient exhibiting any upper respiratory infection symptoms, we will ask you to call the office upon arrival so we may bring your pet directly into our isolation room.