CANINE INFECTIOUS RESPIRATORY DISEASE (CIRD) Management of outbreak situations

This technical bulletin is designed to assist the veterinary practitioner in the management of outbreak situations involving canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD). To this end, we have gathered recent opinions and articles from some of the leaders in the veterinary community. Our goal is to provide clinics with general guidelines regarding the handling, diagnosis, and treatment of their CIRD patients and support in the management of these potentially catastrophic events. We will explore the various pathogens implicated in CIRD, describe some of the currently recommended diagnostic tests, and review potential treatment options. We will discuss some of the current CIRD vaccines in broad terms to increase awareness around use, and lastly, we will outline some of the management factors which need to be undertaken in the face of an outbreak. Since CIRD is a complex syndrome involving a multifactorial etiology, diagnostic testing is always recommended to identify pathogens. Armed with this information, the practitioner may then determine the appropriate steps to help mitigate or reduce the effects associated with an outbreak situation. Margaret Gober, VMD Manager, Product Support Veterinary Medical Information and Product Support Zoetis, Inc.