MIAMI (CBSMiamy) – The Miami-Dade Veterinary Service is urging dog owners to supervise their pets in public as a new, highly contagious disease spreads in South Florida.
Ini disebut Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC).
READ MORE: Police ID Suspected TD Bank Robber Who Rolled Over During Police Chase
“A complex of dog-infected respiratory diseases such as canine flu or dog colds. These are some viruses that affect the respiratory tract and cause respiratory symptoms. Sneezing, coughing, and hacking,” said dr. Maria Serrano, a veterinarian at Animal Services.
The Veterinary Service says there have been many reported cases of CIRDC throughout South Florida. They urge dog owners to help protect their pets by keeping them on regular vaccinations and away from places with lots of dogs.
“Stay away from places where dogs congregate. So dog parks, groomers, anywhere where there are lots of dogs together. Also, avoid nose-to-nose contact between dogs,” says Serrano.
To protect pets in their shelters, Animal Services is temporarily suspending the following services until further notice for their dogs.
- Health Clinic – Spay/Neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchipping
- Accept – owner surrender
- Off-site pet adoption Acara
The virus is spread through direct contact with infected dogs and through contact with people who have been exposed to the virus. This virus can be carried on people’s clothing, hands, and on items such as food/water bowls, leashes/leashes, toys, and bedding.
However, it is easily killed by most disinfectants, washing hands with soap and water, washing clothes normally, and washing bowls and toys with soap and water.
At Trails and Tails Park in Doral, several dog owners said they had never heard of CIRDC.
READ MORE: ‘Children Don’t Deserve to Die’: Locals on Alert for Mariupol Theater Bomb Victims
“No, I haven’t heard of that. It’s the first time I’ve heard of it,” said Giavoni Tardencilla.
When asked if he was worried about it, he replied, “Not really. This is the third time I have brought them to this park. I drove him home, but it didn’t really concern me much.”
Ximena Aponte didn’t really care either.
“We exercise, we eat right, above all God will protect us,” Aponte said. “He’s not around a lot of dogs. He’s always around the neighbor’s dogs and these dogs, but there aren’t many dogs around.”
dr. Serrano said the virus passes through droplets in the air and is highly contagious. He said dog owners should treat it like COVID, maintaining a safe distance from other dogs as it is potentially dangerous.
“It can progress to something more serious, pneumonia, fever, lethargy, not wanting to eat,” he said.
If your dog starts showing symptoms, go to the vet because there are treatments. Your dog can be given an antibiotic regimen. The incubation period is three and 10 days. If infected, it can last two weeks to a month.
FURTHER NEWS: How to Help the People of Ukraine
Humans and cats cannot catch the virus.
–
