An Infectious Dog Disease , Is Running Rampant in Florida, Should Owners Worry?.<br />'USA Today' reports a virus <br />among the dog population in <br />Florida has experts concerned.<br />'USA Today' reports a virus <br />among the dog population in <br />Florida has experts concerned.<br />The virus, Canine Infectious Respiratory <br />Disease (CIRDC), better known as <br />"kennel cough," is quickly spreading <br />among the canines of South Florida.<br />The virus, Canine Infectious Respiratory <br />Disease (CIRDC), better known as <br />"kennel cough," is quickly spreading <br />among the canines of South Florida.<br />Though the outbreak has thus far <br />remained in South Florida, experts say <br />the sickness occurs among dogs anywhere in the country, at any given time.<br />We'll see a case here and <br />there, but then there are <br />times where outbreaks will occur in different areas of the country at different moments. , José Arce, president American Veterinary <br />Medical Association, via 'USA Today'.<br />We'll see a case here and <br />there, but then there are <br />times where outbreaks will occur in different areas of the country at different moments. , José Arce, president American Veterinary <br />Medical Association, via 'USA Today'.<br />CIRDC is often displayed in the <br />form of sneezing, coughing and <br />discharge from the nose.<br />If the disease is allowed to develop, experts say dogs could have secretions from their eyes and nose, as well as difficulty breathing.<br />If the disease is allowed to develop, experts say dogs could have secretions from their eyes and nose, as well as difficulty breathing.<br />According to 'USA Today,' some dogs may carry CIRDC without showing symptoms.<br />Many cases of "kennel cough" in <br />dogs are mild, though if left unattended, may develop into pneumonia.<br />Not attended, it can even be the cause of death, José Arce, president American Veterinary <br />Medical Association, via 'USA Today'.<br />As CIRDC cases rose in Miami-Dade <br />County in March, health officials <br />moved to indefinitely suspend dog adoptions and wellness clinics.<br />Officials say their quick response to the outbreak has helped to contain the virus.<br />I think we acted <br />very promptly. , Maria Serrano, chief veterinarian Miami-Dade County<br />Animal Services, via 'USA Today'
