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.

What our clients are saying about us

Request An Appointment
FACEBOOK REVIEWS
GOOGLE REVIEWS

I am very picky about my veterinary care. My previous vet just retired and after 15 years I had to look for a new vet. Fern Hill came highly recommended and it did not disappoint! I brought my “problem child” sweet old man who has multiple issues to be managed and I felt like not only did they explore the issue I was there for they also did a great general exam. I will absolutely be bringing all my pets here and am so glad I found them! Thanks team!

Sara R.

We have two labs that we adore and have moved to the area looking for the right place to take them. This office is amazing! Very professional, patient, and caring. We saw Dr. Shana Downes and appreciated her taking the time to listen and get to know our boys. Each staff member got on the floor to try communicate with them. Our labs are very nervous at the vet so they even recommended coming by for “happy visits” to become more acquainted with the staff. We received a follow up phone call the next day to check on their reactions to some of the procedures that were done. We look forward to having a vet that we trust!
Stephanie D.

So kind and helpful! Every staff member I’ve interacted with so far has been wonderful. I was very impressed with how they handled my “spicy” cat – firmly but very gently and comforting. He was so relaxed under the conscious sedation that he looked like he was getting a massage!
Karen A.

I am a dog trainer in Portland, OR. Fernhill has been the place that l, not only take my dogs, have also taken clients dogs in the event of urgent care when staying with me for training. In fact one of my clients switched over to Fernhill from their regular vets after an exemplary visit.

Kind, compassionate and knowledgeable!

Rebecca H.

Dr. Zambelli,

I cannot express enough my gratitude for you and the excellent care and compassion you provided to me and Autzen during an incredibly challenging day.

Thank you for explaining things to me clearly and in such a clear and compassionate way. Most of all, thank you for taking the time to sit on the floor and talk with me. You helped me absolve myself of guilt and regret that I would have carried, feeling as if I made the wrong decision or didn’t do everything I could to take care of and protect him. The conversation we had was so helpful in my healing process. Thank you for your humanity in that moment and for taking such good care of my boy and doing everything you could.

Jenna

Dr. Zambelli is wonderful! I attempted to use a vet in my new home in Eugene, and my furry family is just too precious to compromise their health. Alicia diagnosed the issue almost immediately (the Eugene folks hadn’t in a year) and my doggie is happy again. I’ll make the trip up, happily.
John B.

Awesome experience, as always. Dr. Roberts’ approach is intelligent and focused upon making my animals’ quality of life the best it can be. This is an approach you can feel from the entire staff. Everyone there loves animals and is compassionate and attentive to my cat’s needs. Even when big kitty Magnus tries to pee on them 😉
Evans B.

I had an exceptional experience working with Dr. Downes. She was knowledgeable and kind and gave my pet excellent care. If she ever goes into general practice, I would love to know because I would absolutely take my cat to her!
A. C.

As many of you know, it’s difficult to find a new vet these days in Portland. Especially one that is small, locally owned, and run by women. We felt really lucky when we found out Fern Hill was open for new clients. I especially appreciate their no-fear protocols, which helped a lot, because our dog is aggressive when he’s scared. I was so touched by the care and communication that we experience when our dog had a major dental procedure at Fern Hill last week Dr. Roberts was kind and communicative. She stayed in touch with us for several days after the procedure to make sure that he was OK. They were happy to answer any of our questions. I am super grateful and even though I live in Northeast Portland, I will be traveling down to Happy Valley as often as I need to to have my animals taken care of there. Thank you so much FernHill Veterinary.
Ria

Dr Alicia Zambelli and her team, are an absolute pleasure to visit. Not only are they all extremely professional, but also caring and genuine. They don’t offer their own insurance (which I love), so your time there isn’t being “sold” and “upselling”. It’s spent giving your pets the respect and attention they deserve. They are only a 30 minute drive from Mid City, Portland! So if you’re in the city and looking for somewhere that you can trust with your furry friends, go to Fern Hill Verterinary in Happy Valley! 10/10. Would give more than 5 stars, but that’s all I’m permitted

From front desk staff, technicians to the vets- I’m blown away by their kindness and knowledgeable care. My dog Birdy and I thank you for always making us feel grounded in times of high stress. We will definitely come in to for a happy visit soon.
Christina S

Amazing. All staff are super friendly, helpful, caring they go above and beyond to make us and our Mandy feel comfortable. Highly recommend.
Cindy B.

As for Dr. Zambelli… I will just say that having moved quite a bit, I’ve been to several different vets. She is by far the best! Not only so kind and friendly, but she takes thorough time to talk through everything and answer multiple questions, making me feel reassured he’s in the best hands.
Taeler K.

Dr. Downes is fabulous. Walked me through the care for my dog, explained medications and when to use them, and even recommended more affordable options without me asking. She’s fabulous. Definitely would recommend.
M. Meyer

Dr. Roberts is one of the most thorough, kind vets I’ve ever met. She takes her time truly listening to your concerns and provides all avenues of treatment (costs and treatment success rates included) while working with you to make a decision. I never second-guess her guidance because it’s obvious that she genuinely has the pet’s best interest at heart.

Casey P.

Dr. Roberts seems to have a special affinity for dogs like mine (American Pit Bull Terriers) and my dogs love her.
Sue D.

Dr. Roberts is an angel. The entire staff is oh so sweet, care is unparalleled, and the general kindness has left me gobsmacked.Blessings to all of you, especially Dr. Roberts.
Miss T.