Veterinary laboratories in Oregon, Colorado, and New Hampshire are investigating a mysterious and unusual respiratory illness that has been affecting dogs. The illness has caused lasting respiratory disease and pneumonia, with symptoms including coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, and lethargy. Despite efforts to treat the illness with antibiotics, it does not seem to respond to the medication.

Authorities in Oregon, which has reported over 200 cases of the disease since mid-August, are working closely with state researchers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratory to identify the underlying cause. The Oregon Department of Agriculture has urged pet owners to seek veterinary care if their dogs show signs of illness and to report cases to state veterinarians promptly.

While some dogs have unfortunately succumbed to the severe form of the infection, the lack of a clear definition and diagnostic test for the disease makes it challenging to determine the exact number of fatalities, according to Kurt Williams, the director of the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University. Williams advised pet owners not to panic but stressed the importance of ensuring their dogs are up to date on vaccinations, including those that protect against respiratory illnesses.

Meanwhile, veterinary labs across the country are collaborating and sharing their findings in an effort to identify the culprit behind this respiratory illness. The University of New Hampshire's New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, led by senior veterinary pathologist David Needle, has been investigating the disease for nearly a year. They have examined samples from dogs in Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, and are now expecting additional samples from Oregon, Colorado, and potentially other states.

Although there has not been a significant increase in the number of canine fatalities related to the illness, Needle urged pet owners to minimize contact between dogs to reduce the spread of the disease. As the investigations continue, veterinarians are advising basic precautions such as maintaining distance between dogs and ensuring they are up to date on their vaccinations.

As pet owners anxiously await further updates on this mysterious respiratory illness, veterinary professionals remain committed to identifying the cause and finding effective ways to treat and prevent its spread.