Researchers have found that dog infections can serve as early indicators of Valley fever, a fungal disease spread through inhaling spores in dry soil conditions. According to Jane Sykes, lead author of a recent UC Davis study, dogs are “sentinels for human infections,” providing valuable data on potential health concerns.
The disease, caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, thrives in the Western United States, particularly in areas with specific soil moisture levels. While many people who are exposed may not experience symptoms, those who do often report flu-like illness.
The study analyzed large collections of dog blood tests, revealing patterns linked to certain states with known contamination zones. However, smaller clusters were also detected in locations not typically flagged for this infection. This highlights the need for continued research and monitoring to better understand the disease’s spread.
Health agencies warn that Valley fever can become severe in individuals with weakened immune systems, spreading from the lungs to other parts of the body. Early detection and treatment are crucial, but improved teaching for doctors is also essential to keep illness from going unnoticed.
As weather extremes increase, the fungus may have more opportunities to spread, emphasizing the importance of continued research and data collection. By tracking dog infections, researchers hope to fill gaps in human data and provide timely alerts to residents at risk.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-that-dogs-can-alert-humans-to-valley-fever-disease