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Department of Public Health
ACIRD Disease

Current Situation in LA County

In Fall 2023, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Veterinary Public Health Program started receiving reports of dogs experiencing a sudden respiratory illness of unknown origin, similar to case reports in other states. The pathogen that causes this respiratory illness known as atypical canine infectious respiratory disease (aCIRD) has not been identified. Public Health is in case-finding mode to determine if, and to what extent, there is a new respiratory illness impacting dogs in Los Angeles County. As additional information becomes available, we will update this webpage.

As of January 22, 2024, Public Health has received 44 case reports from veterinarians about dogs that have respiratory illness, but tested negative on the respiratory panel that tests for common viruses and bacteria seen in dogs with similar symptoms. Of these reported 44 cases, 20 are still being monitored to see if they develop pneumonia or if their symptoms last 6 or more weeks. Owners are being contacted to determine where the dogs may have become infected. Public Health is communicating with federal and state agencies to ensure coordinated efforts as more information is available from ongoing investigations.

What is atypical canine infectious respiratory disease (aCIRD)?

Canine respiratory infections such as “kennel cough” are common among dogs. Atypical canine infectious respiratory disease (aCIRD) appears to be different than regular kennel cough because dogs appear to cough for longer periods (6-8 weeks) or sometimes become more severely ill, developing pneumonia. Dogs with aCIRD also test negative for the bacteria and viruses that are the most common causes of kennel cough. Please note that cases of regular kennel cough are also occurring in LA County at this time.
(aCIRD) is currently defined as having a negative canine respiratory PCR test panel, which tests for the most common viruses and bacteria in dogs that usually cause respiratory symptoms, PLUS one of the following:
Coughing and other respiratory symptoms that last more than six weeks
Pneumonia, either rapid in onset or occurring after weeks of coughing

Symptoms:

The symptoms of aCIRD in a dog look identical to those of regular kennel cough, at least at the beginning. Given the lack of knowledge about the cause of this disease, veterinarians and dog owners are advised to be on the lookout for symptoms such as:


Coughing

Nasal discharge lethargy, or lack of energy

Sneezing

If Your Dog Has Symptoms

If a dog is experiencing symptoms of atypical canine Infectious respiratory disease (aCIRD) owners should take the following steps:
Contact your veterinarian so the dog may be evaluated, and possibly given the appropriate tests and medications. It is possible your dog has regular kennel cough.
Clean regularly and disinfect surfaces, doorknobs, keyboards, and animal equipment. To disinfect, use an EPA-registered disinfecting product. Always read and follow carefully the instructions on the disinfectant label.
If a dog becomes ill after being boarded or being in a facility, owners should take it to a veterinarian for evaluation and they should also notify the facility about the illness.
Isolate sick dogs at home for a minimum of 28 days past the first day of the onset of illness. A dog should be kept home as long as it has any symptoms. Dogs exposed to the sick dog should quarantine at home and away from other dogs for 14 days to monitor them for signs and symptoms of illness.
Keep the dog home and away from day care, boarding kennels, grooming facilities, and dog parks for 28 days minimum. Or until all the symptoms are gone, whichever is longer.

Prevention

If your dog develops signs of respiratory illness, keep it away from other dogs for at least 28 days or until all the symptoms are gone.
Make sure your dog(s) are vaccinated against some of the common causes of kennel cough, including Bordetella, parainfluenza, canine adenovirus, as well as for influenza H3N2, and distemper.
If you adopt a new dog from a breeder or shelter, keep it away from other dogs for two weeks to make sure it does not develop a respiratory illness.
If your dog has respiratory symptoms and is lethargic or eating less, contact your veterinarian. There are a variety of causes of coughing in dogs, many of which are not contagious, so it is important to have a veterinarian examine your dog if they are sick for more than a couple of days, or if they are very sick.
If you plan to bring your dog(s) to a day care, boarding kennel or groomer, it is recommended that:
You make sure your dog is fully vaccinated at least one week before entering the facility.
Choose facilities that are well ventilated and not overcrowded, that require proof of vaccination, that monitor the health of the dogs closely, and that ask about your dog’s health before they enter the facility.
Do not let your dog use any communal water bowls and make sure your pet doesn’t interact with any dogs that appear ill.

Additional Information