05/01/2026
Affects any breed…..
From the Hungarian Vizsla Breed Health Coordinator, Verity Griffiths.
I am posting today NOT to cause alarm but to make you aware.
You may have seen through social media, posts over the past few days regarding the sad death of two Italian Spinones who attended an Open Show. Their demise was due to contracting Streptococcus Zooepidemicus, a bacterial pathogen which is appearing as a new threat anywhere there are large populations of dogs, such as boarding kennels, animal and rescue shelters.
I would therefore like to alert you to the disease if taking your dogs to large venues like dog shows, agility competitions or any other large gathering.
The bacterium, although not new, is dangerous as it spreads quickly and can be lethal. It is NOT kennel cough but signs are similar, however, dogs can go from coughing to death in 24-48 hours. It has airborne transmission through direct dog-to-dog contact, or contamination of toys, bowls, bedding etc, and also on human hands and clothing so it is imperative to maintain good hygiene.
So what are the signs of Streptococcus Zooepidemicus?
Early signs often mimic upper respiratory infections like Kennel Cough, with symptoms often start mildly, hence the reason to be vigilant, as a delay in treatment can be fatal. So signs to look for in the early stages are:
• Mild cough or sneezing
• Runny nose or discharge from the eyes
• Loss of appetite +/- lethargy
• Low to moderate fever
In later stages of progression:
• High fever
• Laboured breathing
• Bloody cough or nose bleed
• Sudden collapse
• Death within hours of symptom onset
The most severe form caused bleeding into the lungs (haemorrhagic pneumonia) and sadly often results in sudden death. Therefore, immediate veterinary care is critical, so if you suspect that your dog may have been exposed, do not hesitate, do not visit Dr Google, do not question of social media, GET AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR VET AND MENTION YOUR SUSPICIONS.
More information can be found at:
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/pathology-and-diagnostic-laboratories/projects/streptococcal-pneumonia-%E2%80%93-an-emerging-potentially-fatal-respiratory-disease-in-dogs
