Streptococcus zooepidemicus is most common in racing greyhounds and boarding kennels.

RVC calls for vets to help investigate potentially fatal infection

Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) are calling on vets to help with investigations into a potentially lethal bacterial infection, that is becoming more prevalent among dogs.

Streptococcus zooepidemicus is a pneumonia-type disease that manifests itself in a similar way to human toxic shock syndrome. It is most common in boarding kennels and racing greyhound communities.

While outbreaks are sporadic, RVC's Dr Simon Priestnall says vets and researchers have seen the number of cases "spiral upwards" over the past five years, particularly within rehoming centres and racing greyhounds.

"This suggests that the bacterium may have mutated to become more virulent and contagious," he explains.

The disease causes severe, bloody pneumonia in dogs and has been known to kill dogs within 24 hours of infection. Mortality rates are reported to be up to 50 per cent.

Dr Priestnall and his colleagues are investigating the bacterial pathogen alongside Animal Health Trust and the University of Nottingham. Researchers are asking vets who are treating affected dogs to submit swab samples to help with the investigations.

The team is working to develop a test to determine how many dogs are suffering from or carrying the disease, using a nasal or throat swab.

It is hoped that by detecting patterns among infected dogs, researchers can uncover potential risk factors and limit the disease spread.

While the disease is rarer in family pets, the RVC is keen to raise awareness of the symptoms among owners, particularly if their dogs are regularly in boarding kennels or attend events with large groups of dogs.

Dr Priestnall says there is actually "very limited" public awareness of the disease. Early signs are similar to those of kennel cough, but dogs rapidly show severe signs and become very ill with Streptococcus zooepidemicus.

Signs for owners to look out for include lethargy, fever, sneezing and nasal discharge, which is often bloody. Owners are urged to seek veterinary advice immediately if they notice rapid onset of these signs.

For more information or to submit samples, email spriestnall@rvc.ac.uk.