Epidemiology of Canine Blastomycosis in Wisconsin
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Date
1985Author
Archer, John R.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
An epidemiologic study was designed to investigate the increasing number of
canine blastomycosis cases being reported in Wisconsin. From January 1980
through July 1982, 200 cases of canine blastomycosis from 39 Wisconsin counties
were examined to assess epidemiologic and environmental aspects of this disease.
Based on a survey of 176 dog owners, principal disease characteristics for canine
blastomycosis were anorexia, lethargy, shortness of breath, chronic cough, and
weight loss. High incidence areas of canine blastomycosis occurred in the
southeast, central, northwest, north central and northeast regions of Wisconsin.
The central and northeast regions are new enzootic areas defined in this study.
Sporting breeds accounted for the largest percentage of cases among the various
breeds of dogs in Wisconsin. The majority of cases occurred among dogs three
years of age and under. There did not appear to be a sexual predilection of dogs
with blastomycosis in this study. Canine blastomycosis cases occurred from late
spring through late fall. Enzootic areas, except for the southeast region of
Wisconsin, occurred in sandy, acid soils. Results of this study suggest a possible
association of enzootic areas with waterways, especially impoundments. Serum
sampling resulted in the identification of a positive serologic reactor to
blastomycosis in an adult timber wolf (Canis lupis).