Veterinarians across the country are on high alert as a mystery illness has been spreading rapidly among dogs in several U.S states, including Florida. Dozens of cases for this respiratory infection have been reported since the fall, and multiple organizations have issued warnings about the illness.

Several dog owners have reported symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, trouble breathing, and abnormal fatigue in their pets. Additionally, in all of the cases reported, the dogs have not tested positive for any common causes of canine respiratory illnesses. 

Experts have declared that the infection is bacterial and airborne, meaning dogs who sneeze on each other or even share the same water bowl can spread the disease. Dogs are also likely to contract this disease by being in close contact with other dogs, such as in places like dog parks, groomers, boarding kennels, etc. 

What makes this mystery illness outbreak so dangerous, however, is the high number of dogs who are developing pneumonia as a result of it. According to the Center for Companion Animal Studies in Colorado, the rate of canine pneumonia cases in the state has recently risen by 50% due to the infection. Because of these high rates of pneumonia, it has also been confirmed that some dogs have even died from the airborne virus. 

Although cases have been on the rise recently, the virus has actually been around since last year, and researchers have since been trying to determine the exact cause of it. Recently, experts have identified a bacteria that could possibly be the origin of the respiratory illness. However, more testing is needed in order to confirm their findings. 

As of now, cases have been reported in 15 U.S states, including Florida. Animal shelters in several FL counties have diagnosed their dogs with the disease. Alessandra Moreno is a sophomore at Charter who expressed her concerns with the ongoing virus outbreak. “[As a dog owner], it was kind of scary when I heard about it, because [everyone] just wants to keep their pets safe, so I think it’s important to be aware of your dog’s health and how they’re acting,” she explained. 

Veterinarians and other experts have been advising dog owners across the country to make sure their dogs are safe and healthy. The American Veterinary Medical Association has also been recommending people to keep up with their pet’s vaccinations, keep them away from other dogs, and consult a veterinarian if any symptoms arise in their dogs.