We were notified by the LA County Veterinary Public Health about a Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease in dogs of unknown origin. It has been reported in Malibu, Pacific Palisades and El Segundo. Similar outbreaks have been described in both Oregon and Colorado. Clinical signs in dogs include acute onset of respiratory issues of coughing, nasal discharge and difficulty breathing. In some cases, the dogs become ill rapidly and are in need of hospitalization. At this time there is no further information on the cause of the illness, how to diagnose or how to treat it.

The Veterinary Public Health Program is asking local Veterinary professionals to take the following steps:

• Identify possible cases
• Practice Infection control
• Perform PCR testing prior to starting antibiotics
• Report Suspected and confirmed cases

The Veterinary Public Health Program advises owners:

• Limit dog to dog contact as the best preventative
• Avoid areas with high populations of dogs including day care, boarding kennels, grooming facilities, and dog parks
• Reduce direct contact with affected pets
• Isolate sick dogs at home for 28 days from first onset of illness
• Quarantine exposed dogs at home for 14 days to monitor them for clinical signs
• Make sure your animal is up to date on all vaccines including Bordetella and Canine Influenza Virus
  

**Fully vaccinated dogs can still get sick