Know the Signs of Valley Fever in Desert Pets

Statement

By Congressman David Schweikert --Arizona 6th District

The 11th Annual Valley Fever Awareness Week begins November 9 through 17th. It's not just humans that can contract Valley Fever--pets can also suffer debilitating and lingering effects from the disease. Knowing the signs and seeking treatment can make a big difference in restoring your furry family member back to health.

Valley Fever is caused by inhaling spores from a fungus found primarily in the southwestern United States. In much of Arizona, as much as 70% of pets will test positive for exposure to the fungus but will not become seriously ill. A smaller proportion will develop symptoms and some will dies from the disease.

While dogs are the most commonly reported sufferers, livestock and cats may also be infected. Arizona pets are the hardest hit by the disease --more cases of Valley Fever affecting pets are reported in Arizona than anywhere else in the U.S.

Valley Fever may manifest as a respiratory infection in pets, with a dry, hacking coughing and lung infection. If the infection spreads beyond the lungs, it can result in lameness or swelling of the pet's legs, back or neck. Puppies under the age of two appear to be more susceptible to the illness, according to a study conducted by the University of Arizona's Valley Fever Center of Excellence.

Early detection and treatment may result in a better outcome for pets. Dogs who receive prompt treatment with antifungal medication can recover and may avoid some of the more severe impacts of the disease.

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent Valley Fever in humans or pets.

Recently, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and I created a task force to raise awareness of Valley Fever with the goal of spurring government health agencies, researchers and private industry to focus more attention and funding on detection, prevention and cures for this disease.

Earlier this summer, we petitioned the U.S Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to include Valley Fever in the list of pathogens under the GAIN Act of 2011, which would provide FDA testing and approval priority for new treatments. It is one small action that could have a big impact in creating incentives for companies to dedicate more resources toward finding a cure so that pets and their owners will never again have to suffer from this devastating illness.

For more information about Valley Fever, visit the Center for Disease Control at http://cdc.gov/fungal/ For more information about Valley Fever Week, visit www.vfce.arizona.edu

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