Uniting for Health: How Dogs and Their Humans are Battling Valley Fever Together

Valley Fever: A Growing Concern for People and Pets

Valley fever is a fungal infection that’s moving beyond its usual home in the Southwest. It’s impacting many, including people and dogs. A recent multimedia story and podcast from UC Davis explore this rising threat and the efforts to combat it.

The feature titled “Valley Fever is Spreading Across the Arid West, Affecting People and Dogs” shares stories from two individuals who faced serious challenges due to Valley fever. It also highlights a boxer mix named Cooper, who nearly lost his life but was saved by veterinarians at UC Davis.

The podcast series, “Just One Spore”, dives deeper into the collaboration between doctors, researchers, and veterinarians in tackling this issue.

The Human Impact

In the first episode, we meet Rex Dangerfield, a 56-year-old man who developed Valley fever while gardening. He faced complications, including meningitis, requiring surgeries and ongoing antifungal treatment. Rex shared, “I don’t feel normal anymore. Activities I used to enjoy, like basketball and bowling, are no longer possible for me.”

A growing body of research shows that Valley fever cases are increasing. For example, California reported almost 12,500 cases in 2024, marking a record year. Experts expect 2025 to possibly surpass that number.

Dr. George Thompson, co-director of the Center for Valley Fever at UC Davis Health, warns, “If you’ve been in the valley and have a cough that doesn’t go away, think about Valley fever. Just one spore can lead to infection.”

Dogs as Detectives

In the second episode, we learn how dogs like Cooper can help us understand Valley fever’s spread. These animals are highly susceptible to the fungus. Dr. Jane Sykes, a veterinarian at UC Davis, explains, “Dogs are great indicators for us. They dig in the soil and can show us where the disease might be spreading among humans.”

This link was illustrated in 2024 when reports suggested that as dog cases increased, so did human cases. Dogs often stay within a region, making them practical sentinels for tracking disease trends.

Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, stems from a fungus found in the soil. When the earth is disturbed, spores can become airborne and inhaled. In severe cases, it may spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.

What This Means for Us

As Valley fever continues to spread, vigilance is key. The stories of individuals like Rex and Cooper serve as important reminders of the disease’s real impact.

For more information and to listen to the entire podcast series, visit UC Davis’ Unfold.

Staying informed about this infection can help protect both you and your furry friends.

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