"Oregon Veterinary Diagnostics Lab Urges Caution: Stay Away from Dog Parks and Boarding Amid Mystery Illness"

The Director of Oregon Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, Dr. Kurt Williams, has advised dog owners to avoid dog parks, boarding facilities, and other places where dogs gather until a mysterious canine infectious respiratory disease is contained. The illness has affected hundreds of pets in the Portland metro and Willamette Valley areas since August. Dog owners are urged to ensure their pets are fully vaccinated and to consult their veterinarian for guidance. The state has launched a large-scale PCR testing program to detect respiratory infections in dogs before symptoms appear. The disease is not linked to human diseases or COVID-19.