WHAT IS BLASTOMYCOSIS / BLASTO?
Blastomycosis, which may also be known as Gilchrist’s Disease, is a fungal infection caused by blastomyces dermatitidis, which grows in the soil in the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri river valleys, areas adjacent to Lake Michigan, Southern Canada, and along the Eastern Seaboard. Only some of the animals in these areas will be infected. The primary risk factor is an individual with a compromised immune system.
It most commonly occurs -
- along rivers banks or lakes,
- in rotting vegetation or fallen trees
- MULCH, top soil and even potting soil
The infected materials are usually in a relatively small area- possibly just a few square yards or a rotting log.
HOW BLASTOMYCOSIS IS TRANSMITTED TO YOUR DOG:
Spring and Autumn seem to be the most prevalent seasons of contagion, but is possible at any time, usually following contact with water or excavated earth. When material containing the Blasto organism is disturbed, the spores of the fungus blastomyces dermatitidis are dispersed into the air and then inhaled.
Most at risk are dogs that have extensive outdoor exposure. Since digging is a favorite pastime for some dogs, exposure is not surprising. Sporting dogs that are often in and around ponds, lakes and rivers are most likely to contract Blasto. It is unknown why intact males are more at risk than females. Although the females are generally more responsive to treatment, they are also more prone to relapse.
If you are a cat owner that allows your cats to roam outside or even just supervised strolls in your fenced yard- remember your cat will scratch at dirt to cover their eliminations.
Go to the Critter Sitters, Inc. website to read the entire article.
