Protecting Your Pets from Soil-Borne Fungal Diseases

As pet owners, we go to great lengths to ensure our furry friends are healthy and happy. However, hidden dangers in the environment can threaten their well-being, particularly soil-borne and tree-borne fungal diseases. Worldwide, fungal diseases are increasing in humans (and presumably in dogs and cats) and more are becoming resistant to antifungal medications.

Dogs and cats can be susceptible to fungal infections like Valley Fever, Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis, and Blastomycosis, which also can infect humans. Understanding these diseases and how to protect your pets is crucial.

Soil-borne fungal diseases are caused by microscopic fungi that live in the soil. These organisms can become airborne when the soil is disturbed, and pets can inhale the fungal spores. Once inhaled, these spores can cause severe respiratory infections and other systemic illnesses. Infected animals cannot infect other animals or humans.  Here are some of the most common fungal diseases affecting pets:

• Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis): Predominantly found in the southwestern U.S., this fungus thrives in arid desert soils. Valley Fever is very common in dogs in Arizona, New Mexico, and central and southern California.  It can be fatal, and treatment costs Arizona dog owners alone at least 60 million dollars per year. It’s especially relevant now, as a vaccine for dogs is expected to be available by late 2024.  This is the first vaccine ever available for any fungal disease, and dogs will be the first species to benefit!  Read more here.
• Histoplasmosis: This fungus is common in the central and eastern U.S. and grows in soils rich in bird or bat droppings.
• Cryptococcosis: This fungus is found worldwide and is typically associated with bird droppings, especially pigeons. However, it is also found growing on certain trees and/or in the shade of certain trees, independent of soil or bird droppings. 
• Blastomycosis: This disease is prevalent near waterways in the Midwest and southern U.S., where the fungus grows in moist soil and decomposing wood and leaves.
• The geographic locations of these organisms are moving because of climate change. Additionally, sometimes the weather conditions in a particular area will be favorable for a “bloom “of infectious fungal organisms and a spike in the number of affected animals (and humans).

The symptoms of these diseases can vary but often include:

• Coughing
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Respiratory distress
• Skin lesions
• Eye inflammation with possible vision problems

Prevention will truly not be possible for any of these diseases until vaccines are available. However, the risk of exposure can be reduced. This is a challenge with dogs, given that they love to smell and investigate the ground. Here are some measures to help reduce risk if you live where these diseases are prevalent, and to help get your pet diagnosed as early as possible if they become infected with a soil-borne fungal disease: 

• Use HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters in your home’s ventilation system and vacuum cleaners, and use air purifiers to reduce the number of fungal spores in the air.

• Avoid activities that disturb the soil in areas where these fungi are common. Utilize ground cover plants to stabilize soil. Wet down soil or mulch before handling. Avoid construction sites. 
• Where bird droppings accumulate, the risk of infection increases. If pigeons live near your home, this is a special risk for cryptococcosis. 
• If your house is being re-roofed and pigeons live nearby, keep your pets indoors as much as possible to avoid breathing in dried, aerosolized bird droppings. 
• Keep your pets on designated hiking trails. Valley Fever organisms like to live around animal burrows. With small pets, consider using a pet carrier backpack.

• If you are a “snowbird”: when you travel south for the winter, establish veterinary care for your pet and be aware of what fungal diseases are prevalent in your winter home. This is particularly important for Valley Fever.  
• If you and your pet visit an area where one or more of these fungi are endemic, your pet might not become ill until after you return home. Your primary veterinarian might not be familiar with these diseases, so when you take your sick pet for an appointment, it is important to inform the veterinary staff if you have been traveling out of state with your pet, and where you have been.
• Regular health check-ups: Early detection is crucial, so regular veterinary visits are important. There are diagnostic tests available for all of these fungal diseases.

The upcoming Valley Fever vaccine for dogs represents a significant advancement in veterinary medicine. This vaccine could greatly reduce the incidence of this debilitating and expensive disease in dogs, offering hope to many pet owners in high-risk areas. The development of this vaccine highlights the ongoing research and commitment to improving pet health care.

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for managing soil-borne fungal diseases. If you live in areas prone to these various fungi and your pet shows signs suggestive of infection, consult your veterinarian immediately. Effective treatments are available, primarily early in the course of these diseases; early intervention can improve outcomes.

Soil-borne fungal diseases pose a serious risk to our pets, but we can protect them with proper awareness and preventive measures. The development of new treatments and vaccines, like the vaccine for Valley Fever in dogs, continues to enhance our ability to effectively care for our pets’ health.

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