A fungal infection which is endemic in the semi-arid regions of the southwest. Infections occurs by inhalation of airborne spores of the fungus, Coccidioides immitis . These fungal spores become airborne when soil is disturbed by digging, or construction projects. If the organism is not walled off in the lung, but disseminates throughout the body, almost all organs can be affected and without treatment, these animals will die. Symptoms vary according to which organs are most severely affected, but often the long bones are heavily invaded and the animal will become lame or sore on palpation of the limb.
Treatment is ketaconazole given for a minimum of six months.
Once the virus infects the CNS the outcome is invariably fatal. The virus is transmitted by infected saliva, usually by a bite wound, but viral laden saliva may enter preexisting wounds or abrasions. Infection takes place by deposition of infected saliva in or near a nerve. The virus travels up the nerve to the spinal cord and finally reaches the brain. The earlier the treatment, the more hopeful the outcome.