Valley Fever in Dogs and Cats: Think Outside the Desert

Course overview

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as "Valley Fever," is a systemic fungal disease caused by the Coccidioides spp. soil fungi, C. posadasii and C. immitis. Coccidioidomycosis causes a great deal of morbidity and mortality in affected patients and can also infect humans. Although it is primarily found in the arid southwestern United States and northern Mexico, human cases have been recently reported as far north as Washington state. Pets living in and those who travel to endemic regions are at risk, so it is important for the practitioner to include this on the differential list based on clinical and travel history. In this presentation, the participant will learn more about the fungus, including its biology, clinical disease manifestations, diagnosis, differentials, and treatment as well as promising work towards development of a preventive vaccine.