Unidentified respiratory illness poses threat to Wisconsin dogs

Veterinarians in Wisconsin and across the US are still grappling with a mysterious respiratory illness affecting dogs, with symptoms including flu-like symptoms, cough, nasal discharge, fever, pneumonia, and kennel cough-like symptoms. The cause of the illness remains unknown, and it often does not respond to antibiotics. While some dogs recover on their own, others experience serious and prolonged symptoms, and in rare cases, death. The illness was first reported in Oregon and has since been reported in multiple states. Experts believe that lower vaccination rates among dogs adopted during the pandemic and reduced exposure to pathogens due to social distancing measures may be contributing factors. Researchers are actively working to identify the pathogen responsible for the illness.