(WJAR) — Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is advising pet owners not to let their pets mingle with other dogs amid rise of an unknown respiratory disease.
RIDEM said that veterinarians and epidemiologists have identified an unknown but highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs.
Officials said the unknown disease is causing more severe illness and carries higher resistance to antibiotics than typical respiratory infections.
RIDEM said State Veterinarian Scott Marshall is aware of around 35 cases of the unknown disease in Rhode Island so far.
“Based on our internal data, we feel that most dogs that develop pneumonia and require hospitalization will make a full recovery, and a very small number of dogs are passing away from this disease,” Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association President Shelly Pancoast said.
Marshall said that a common thread is that most cases have an association with dogs recently commingling with other dogs at places such as dog parks, shelters, groomers or kennels.
“In the same way that people spread germs and illnesses by interacting with other people, dogs transmit disease when congregating with other dogs,” Marshall said. “For this reason, and particularly until the agent causing the illness is known, we are recommending that dog owners avoid needless risks of exposure.”
Health officials said to prevent exposure, owners should avoid bringing pets to the neighborhood dog park or into stores where pets are allowed. They also said indoor facilities such as pounds, shelters, rescues, kennels, groomers, doggy daycare centers and pet shops should consult with their veterinarian to discuss proper cleaning and disinfection procedures.
DEM said that Rhode Island is one of at least 10 states to have reported cases of the respiratory disease. Evidence suggests that the infection is limited to dogs, according to officials.
More about the canine respiratory disease can be found on RIDEM's website.
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December 14, 2023 at 11:59PM
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DEM warns of contagious dog respiratory disease, urges pet owners to take precautions - Turn to 10
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