An Infectious Dog Disease Is Running Rampant in Florida, Should Owners Worry?

An Infectious Dog Disease , Is Running Rampant in Florida, Should Owners Worry?.

'USA Today' reports a virus among the dog population in Florida has experts concerned.

'USA Today' reports a virus among the dog population in Florida has experts concerned.

The virus, Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRDC), better known as "kennel cough," is quickly spreading among the canines of South Florida.

The virus, Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRDC), better known as "kennel cough," is quickly spreading among the canines of South Florida.

Though the outbreak has thus far remained in South Florida, experts say the sickness occurs among dogs anywhere in the country, at any given time.

We'll see a case here and there, but then there are times where outbreaks will occur in different areas of the country at different moments.

, José Arce, president American Veterinary Medical Association, via 'USA Today'.

We'll see a case here and there, but then there are times where outbreaks will occur in different areas of the country at different moments.

, José Arce, president American Veterinary Medical Association, via 'USA Today'.

CIRDC is often displayed in the form of sneezing, coughing and discharge from the nose.

If the disease is allowed to develop, experts say dogs could have secretions from their eyes and nose, as well as difficulty breathing.

If the disease is allowed to develop, experts say dogs could have secretions from their eyes and nose, as well as difficulty breathing.

According to 'USA Today,' some dogs may carry CIRDC without showing symptoms. Many cases of "kennel cough" in dogs are mild, though if left unattended, may develop into pneumonia.

Not attended, it can even be the cause of death, José Arce, president American Veterinary Medical Association, via 'USA Today'.

As CIRDC cases rose in Miami-Dade County in March, health officials moved to indefinitely suspend dog adoptions and wellness clinics.

Officials say their quick response to the outbreak has helped to contain the virus.

I think we acted very promptly.

, Maria Serrano, chief veterinarian Miami-Dade County Animal Services, via 'USA Today'