Highly contagious dog disease spreads in South Florida – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

MIAMI (WSVN) – Miami-Dade County Animal Services has issued a warning to dog owners about taking your pet out in public, because of a virus that is highly contagious throughout South Florida and it could put your dog in danger.

When the sun goes out in South Florida, so do the dogs.

But now, Miami-Dade County Animal Services is warning pet owners to be on the lookout for a disease that can be dangerous for dogs.

“Basically, I’m just trying to be careful,” says dog owner Susanna Fernandez. “Don’t let them drink from the fountain.”

It’s called CIRDC or canine infectious respiratory disease complex.

“An illness caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria that pretty much infects a dog’s respiratory tract and can cause quite serious infections including,” said Dr. Maria Serrano, Miami County Animal Services Chief. even pneumonia.

Animal services said they have seen some spikes recently and are currently suspending some of their services.

“Health care services such as vaccinations, viruses and spay and neuter. We are pausing accepting surrendered owners into our population and we are pausing events that require our dogs to enter the community,” Serrano said.

The surge in cases also forced the postponement of Pup Glow 2022, a charity event in Miami Beach.

“You should watch your dogs for any signs of breathing, so they will cough, sneeze,” says Serrano.

Although most cases are mild, the virus is highly contagious, especially in close contact with other dogs.

Officials say some ways to help prevent it from spreading are:

• Go see your vet
• Keep your dog regularly vaccinated
• Avoid dog parks and other environments where many dogs are present

Monica Diaz said: “They are my sons.

Diaz says her dogs are family. They’ve been sick for the past few weeks, and now she wonders if it could be CIRDC.

“These two weeks have been tough for them,” she said. I do not know why. ” LIVE

Fortunately, the news is spreading rapidly among her neighbors, Fernandez said.

“It would be better if we had a bulletin board or something at the park,” she said.

Several dog owners who spoke to 7News said they had not heard of the virus and wanted to do more research on it.

“I’m always careful when it comes to my dog’s health,” says Rollin Smith.

Others said they weren’t too concerned.

“Especially because it’s hard. They do not know. They will wonder why you keep them away from other dogs and all that,” says Nick Kaknes.

CIRDC symptoms last seven to 10 days. If symptoms persist or become more severe, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Copyright 2021 Sunbeam Television Corp. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.