Health officials said a mysterious upper respiratory illness affecting dogs across the country is moving into Pennsylvania.

They said the only cases in the state right now are in the eastern part of the commonwealth, but that will change.

"We don't see any in this area yet, but it's coming," veterinarian at Johnstown Veterinary Associates Fayez Assad said. "We are going to see people coming from west or from other states to Pennsylvania, so we're not going to be surprised when we see it coming in because of the time of the year."

Assad said it is still not known if the disease is a viral or bacterial illness. He said they are learning that it is resistant to most antibodies regularly used for respiratory infections in dogs.

It can be deadly in some cases, but that is very rare according to Assad.

Health professionals said look out for symptoms like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, discharge from the eyes, decreased appetite, or difficulty breathing.

Assad said at this point there have only been about 200 cases in the country, so do not assume it is the respiratory illness if a dog is coughing.

"It could be allergies. It could be kennel cough. It could also be a heart problem, so not every cough means it's this new disease," Assad said.

Veterinarians and dog boarding facilities each said they are preparing for the disease to come to the area.

A dog daycare and grooming facility in Johnstown 'Lead Me On' said it is not accepting out of state dogs to board there for the "foreseeable future."

Assad said he is confident that more information will be discovered about the illness over the next few months.

"It's not something that should make anybody panic," Assad said. "You can be concerned but don't panic about it."

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