Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex: A Case Study of Epidemiology and Risk Factor Investigation Based on Survey Data from Dog Owners Across the United States of America
21 Pages Posted: 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), commonly known as Kennel cough, is a highly contagious pathogen throughout the world that affects the respiratory system of canine population. Recently, an atypical form of CIRDC (aCIRDC) has garnered attention in the United States, with multiple states reporting alarming surges of the disease. Traditionally, the primary causes responsible for CIRDC include Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine herpesvirus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine distemper virus, and canine parainfluenza virus. However, emerging pathogens such as canine pneumovirus, influenza virus, respiratory coronavirus, Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, and Mycoplasma cynos are now associated with the onset of this disease complex. Thus, these organisms linked to CIRDC exhibit remarkable resilience, enduring vulnerable conditions for several weeks. Consequently, understanding the extensive epidemiological distribution, progression timeline, and associated factors with death is crucial. To explore these aspects, a case study was conducted by gathering survey data from November 24, 2023, to January 26, 2024. Survey responses were collected from members of the "2023 Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Tracking" Facebook group, targeting dog owners whose pets were affected by supposed aCIRDC through convenience sampling. Disease severity was assessed based on predefined criteria, with 479 complete responses included for analysis. Upon analyzing the results, the current study revealed aCIRDC cases were widespread, with the highest incidence and responses documented in California, followed by Colorado Utah, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Florida, and Massachusetts. Moreover, common exposure locations included dog events, kennels/boarding facilities, and dog parks. Furthermore, most dogs displayed symptoms within 10 days of exposure, with Doxycycline being the most used treatment. Then, univariate logistic regression analysis revealed a higher likelihood of disease manifestation in dogs treated with IV fluids and oxygen therapy, with an odds ratio of 9.40 (95% CI, 1.61-74.99). Similarly, symptoms like lethargy, fever, difficulty breathing, and sneezing also showed a strong positive association with disease manifestation, with an odds ratio of 9.76 (95% CI, 3.0-31.68). In multivariate analysis, only dogs exhibiting these symptoms demonstrated a strong positive correlation with the likelihood of death, with an odds ratio of 14.11 (95% CI: 3.63-57.52, p < 0.0001). In essence, this study serves as an introductory exploration of aCIRDC, setting the stage for more advanced research into more epidemiological investigation and risk factor identification with treatment or vaccine development. Thus, the findings of this study will guide specific actions and preventive strategies, enhancing our comprehension of the disease and its management.
Keywords: CIRD, Kennel cough, Bordetella, Parainfluenza virus, Pneumonia, Infectious tracheobronchitis.
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation