'Unusual strain' of kennel cough reported in dogs in B.C., SPCA warns

Dog owners are being warned to watch for signs of kennel cough in their pets, afterthe B.C.SPCA reported two dozen cases of an "unusual strain" ofcanine infectious tracheobronchitis.

On Thursday, the animal welfare agencyissued awarning to pet owners after cases, which first started showing up at its facilities in July, grew to a total of 24, with more being reported in the wider community, especially in the Kamloops, B.C., area.

A senior doctor with the SPCA said though none of the dogs have become seriously ill and all are recovering, there is still a need to take immediate precautions by isolating your dog if it is coughing or begins to have a runny nose or eyes.

"The concerning aspect of these cases is how aggressively the disease has spreadbetween dogs, even if they weren't in close contact," ," said Dr. Emilia Gordon, the senior manager of animal health.

She also said cases were showingup among dogs that had already been vaccinated for the kennel cough virus.

According to Gordon, all of the sickdogs were immediately isolated, but because tests forknown viruses and bacteria cameback negative, specialists now believe the cause could be avirus that isn't detected by commercially available tests.

The SPCA is still recommending dog owners get their pets vaccinatedto reduce illness, and to isolate them immediately if they begin to show signs of the illness.

In the meantime, the SPCA said it is collecting samples as part of its investigation and is teaming up with specialists and diagnostic laboratories to pursue the cause of the outbreak.