Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD)

You may have heard reports of a respiratory disease making dogs sick, and in some cases dying, starting this summer. It is being called Atypical canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRDC) and seems to be circulating around the country in varying locales. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) began receiving reports of this atypical CIRDC in August of 2023. The appropriate authorities are continuing to monitor reports and are working diligently to try to identify the etiology. It does not appear typical of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV). It is not yet known if it is viral or bacterial in nature. Affected dogs have not tested positive for COVID-19. Some cases start out looking like bacterial kennel cough (Bordetella Bronchiseptica) but are not responding to antibiotics. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

This statement was put out on November 9, 2023 by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) and is the latest update on this situation. The OVMA is a trusted source of information and works with the state veterinarian and other experts. 

The take-home message is to practice caution instead of worry. This is especially important if your dog regularly interacts with other dogs (daycare, play groups, etc.) or is boarded.

The cases reported to the ODA appear to primarily fall within three general clinical syndromes:

  • Chronic mild-moderate tracheobronchitis with a prolonged duration (6-8 weeks or longer) that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics. 

  • Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.

  • Acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24-36 hours.

We are following the recommendations of the state veterinarian and are recommending that those dogs at higher risk (social dogs) keep current with BOTH the Bivalent Canine Influenza Vaccination (CIV) and Bordetella vaccinations. If a dog has never received the CIV vaccination, it is a two-part booster series given 3-4 weeks apart. Currently, we have CIV in stock, but in the past few months, it has been on limited allocation. At this time, the supply seems to have stabilized.

If your dog starts coughing, it would be best to have them checked out by a veterinarian. It is also important that dog guardians stay especially vigilant about no contact with any other dogs if there is concern about any sort of respiratory infection. 

If folks are traveling this holiday season and their dog is traveling with them or going into a boarding situation, this would be the time to be extra diligent about watching for any respiratory symptoms. This is a good site that keeps track of outbreaks on a local and national level (especially in cases where folks are traveling with their dogs): Pet Disease Alerts

Please let us know if you have any further questions! If you are interested in updating or starting your dog’s Canine Influenza Vaccination, please give us a call or schedule online through our website.

Urgent Care Appointments Available 503-821-7070.

Experience. Compassion. Joy.

Your Veterinarian in Happy Valley

Fern Hill Veterinary Care Icon

About Us

Fern Hill Veterinary Care in Happy Valley, OR.

Welcome! Fern Hill Veterinary Care is Happy Valley’s brand new, non-corporate, women-owned Veterinary Hospital, and we are so excited to be here! Our standard is exceptional medicine and unsurpassed service.

A little about us… we are three fabulous veterinarians, each practicing in the Portland Metro area for well over a decade. Now, we have come together to build our dream independent hospital. We can’t wait for you and your pets to become part of the Fern Hill Family!

Fern Hill Veterinary Care Logo

We’re a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite!

We are thrilled to announce we’ve been named a 2023 Neighborhood Favorite Local Business by Nextdoor!

Nextdoor’s Neighborhood Favorite is an annual awards program that gives locals a way to recognize the most-loved businesses in their community and surrounding areas.  

Veterinary Services

What We Can Do For Your Pet

Our years of experience help us have a balanced, wise approach, whether addressing your pet’s routine wellness care, navigating complex medical conditions, or treating urgent illnesses. Between us, we have treated tens of thousands of pets, and we bring that experience to you and your pet. And, we love, love, love what we do!

Pet Wellness Care

Take care of your dog or cat with wellness checkups.

Pet Surgery

We utilize advanced surgical techniques to help restore your pet to health.

Pet Diagnostics

We offer in-house radiology and laboratory services.

Pet Dentistry

Bad breath is an early sign of dental disease.

Work with us!

Join our Veterinary Team in Happy Valley.

We are an independent (truly noncorporate), women-owned, small animal clinic now open in Happy Valley. And we would love to meet you!

We want our staff to feel valued and heard, and to be part of an amazing team and culture. We love efficiency and want to find ways to have your job be smarter, not harder. We work hard and play hard, and want to have this be your career, not just your job.