(File Photo of the Beaver County Humane Society)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) The Beaver County Humane Society of Aliquippa is currently experiencing what they are calling a mild outbreak of kennel cough and they are presently asking for volunteers to help them. Kennel cough is an illness that can occur to dogs and is a contagious illness. Kennel cough is also called canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) and symptoms of it include a loss of appetite, lethargy, runny nose, sneezing and a “honking” cough. Pneumonia also may be developed in dogs with severe infections of kennel cough. According to a press release from the Beaver County Humane Society, most dogs aren’t actively symptomatic and heavy precautions are being taken to limit transmission by quarantining exposed dogs. The bacterium of Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common cause of kennel cough and kennel cough spreads from airborne droplets, contaminated surfaces and dog-to-dog contact. Dogs who have spent time with many other dogs, such as in animal shelters, boarding kennels or dog parks is what dogs that kennel cough typically affects. Dog owner surrenders are also being temporarily halted by the Beaver County Humane Society because of a lack of kennel space and ongoing quarantines. However, until dog owner surrenders can resume, pet food will be provided through the designated pet food pantry at the Beaver County Humane Society. If you would like to be a volunteer for the Beaver County Humane Society, call 724-775-5801.