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MVMA Statement on Blastomycosis in Dogs

The Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) is aware of public concerns regarding blastomycosis in dogs and would like to provide information to help pet owners better understand the infection, recognize potential symptoms and know when to seek veterinary care.

The MVMA does not collect or track cases of blastomycosis in dogs and is therefore unable to confirm the number of reported cases, fatalities or locations associated with infections in Manitoba.

What is blastomycosis?

Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Blastomyces, a fungus that can be found in the environment, particularly in moist soil and decaying organic matter, often near bodies of water.

Dogs and humans can become infected by inhaling airborne fungal spores. Blastomycosis is not considered contagious and is not transmitted directly between animals or from animals to humans.

How does exposure occur?

Fungal spores can become airborne when soil containing the fungus is disturbed, such as through digging.

Dogs that dig, sniff or put their noses close to contaminated soil may be at greater risk of exposure. Simply walking through an area does not necessarily result in infection, and not all animals exposed to the same environment will develop blastomycosis.

As a precaution, pet owners are encouraged to discourage their dogs from digging in or closely investigating disturbed soil, particularly in areas where the fungus may be present.

What are the symptoms in dogs?

Symptoms of blastomycosis can vary depending on which organs are affected and may include:

• Coughing or difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Lethargy or decreased energy
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Lameness
• Eye inflammation or other vision-related problems

Symptoms may not appear until several weeks or months after exposure.

What should pet owners do?

Pet owners who notice any of these symptoms or are concerned their dog may have been exposed to blastomycosis are encouraged to contact their veterinarian promptly.

These symptoms can also be associated with other illnesses, and a veterinarian can assess an animal’s condition, recommend appropriate diagnostic testing and discuss treatment options.

Additional information

For more information about blastomycosis, including potential sources of exposure and prevention, please refer to the Government of Manitoba’s Blastomycosis Fact Sheet.

The MVMA encourages pet owners to remain informed and seek veterinary advice if they have concerns about their animal’s health.