Veterinary Public Health
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) in Animals in Los Angeles County
What is Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)?
It is an infection caused by a fungus called Coccidioides. The fungus lives in dirt in certain limited parts of the world. In Los Angeles County, the fungus is most common in the San Fernando Valley and in high desert areas, such as the Antelope Valley. The fungus grows best in sandy, alkaline soils in areas with hot summers and warm winters. When the dirt is disturbed by digging or excavation, the fungal spores are released as dust into the air.
People and animals can become infected when they inhale the spores into the lungs. Many people and animals develop immunity to the fungus and do not get sick, while other can become very ill. The fungus does not spread from person to person, or from animal to animal.
What are the symptoms of Valley Fever in animals?
Many types of animals can have Valley Fever, but the most serious infections are usually seen in dogs, cats and primates. The most common symptom in dogs is coughing, but may also include low appetite, limping, enlarged joints, fever and possibly diarrhea. Cats get infected less often, but may have skin problems (abscesses, draining lesions), fever, low appetite, and weight loss.
Diagnosis and Treatment
How do you know if your pet has Valley Fever?
Your veterinarian needs to perform tests to confirm the disease. Many times a combination of x-rays, blood tests, and sometimes biopsy are needed to confirm infection.
What is the treatment for Valley Fever in animals?
A veterinarian will prescribe antifungal medications. In some cases, these medications must be given to the animal for long periods of time.
Are there any cases of Valley Fever in animals in Los Angeles County?
Yes. In the decade between 2011 and 2020, a total of 173 cases of Valley Fever were reported in LA County domestic animals. In 41% of the cases, the animal had most likely become infected while in Southern California.
Why is there a drop in reported cases of Valley Fever in animals in Los Angeles County in 2019 and 2020?
While it appears that there is a significant decrease in reported Valley Fever cases in animals in Los Angeles County in 2019 and 2020, the actual incidence of disease or number of cases may not be fewer. A laboratory that is required to report cases did not report between late 2019 and all of 2020 and this is largely responsible for the obvious drop in reported cases. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic may have had an impact on pets being taken in for veterinary visits and pets being tested for this disease.
Reporting Valley Fever Cases in Animals
Veterinarians: report cases of coccidioidomycosis in animals to Veterinary Public Health through our reporting page. Questions? Email vet@ph.lacounty.gov or call (213) 288-7060.