SPARKS, Nev. -
November 30, 2023The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) encourages
dog owners to implement good health and safety practices as a respiratory
illness is spreading in canines throughout the U.S. The cause of the illness is
unknown and under investigation.
“We are monitoring the illness and are asking
veterinarians across the state to report any cases with symptoms corresponding
to those of this respiratory illness to the NDA,” said NDA State Veterinarian
Peter Mundschenk, DVM. “We have received notice of possible suspected cases and
encourage anyone who thinks their dog may be affected to notify your veterinarian
so those cases may be properly reported and investigated.”
The common symptoms related to this illness include
coughing, sneezing, nasal and or eye discharge and lethargy.
“Symptoms of the illness are similar to kennel
cough and canine influenza” said Dr. Mundschenk. “It’s important we rule out
those possibilities to help determine if this canine respiratory illness may be
at play.”
The NDA recommends pet owners exercise health
and safety practices with their canines. This includes:
- Keep animals up to date on vaccinations such as
canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza.
- Limit exposure to other animals (dog parks,
grooming, boarding, day care facilities, during walks, etc.).
- Practice
safe biosecurity measures which include avoiding sharing food and water bowls and
cleaning those items regularly.
- Contact
your veterinarian for canine specific advice before attending events or activities
where dogs may congregate.
- Contact your vet at the first sign of illness.
Dog owners who are concerned about their animals
are encouraged to reach out to their local veterinarians with questions and to
develop a plan to best keep their animals safe based on their individual needs.
About the Nevada Department of Agriculture
The Nevada
Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and
promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 225 dedicated employees
providing services in its five divisions, Administrative Services, Animal
Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and
Compliance. The department’s $288 million budget facilitates regulatory and
administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries,
protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing
food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of
Agriculture’s school and community nutrition programs.
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