There have been reports of an increase in testing for Blastomycosis in pets this spring.
Blastomycosis is an infection caused by a fungus. This fungus lives in moist soil and decomposing matter such as wood and leaves. People and animals can get 'Blasto"after breathing in small amounts of fungal spores from the air. It is particularly dangerous for pets, especially dogs.
Oneida County Public Health Nurse Rebecca Lohagen says their office recently received reports from a local veterinarian that they had seen an increase in testing.
"We wanted to let the public know that it is out there, we are seeing it and they should be aware of the signs and symptoms and get themselves and their pets tested if they do have symptoms.."
Most people do not get sick, however, those who do get symptoms experience flu-like symptoms. Lohagen says symptoms can appear between 3 weeks to 3 months after breathing in Blastomyces spores. ...
" Blastomyces is the spore that couses Blastomycosis and it can be found in the dirt near any standing water. Staying away from standing water or any area with leaves or wood..."
Lohagen says Blastomycosis is not contagious between animals and people. If you are concerned about your pet’s risk of getting Blastomycosis or if you think that your pet has the disease, she says talk to a veterinarian.
