California scientists have determined that dogs might be able to help predict the spread of a dangerous fungus, which has surged in recent years due to the impacts of climate change.

Drought conditions across the Golden State have been ramping up the dispersal of a soil-dwelling organism called coccidioides, which causes the flu-like disease known as coccidioidomycosis, or “Valley fever.”

The disease, which can cause grave or even deadly complications, has risen sharply among California residents over the past two decades: Reported cases tripled from 2014 to 2018 and again from 2018 to 2022.

Valley fever

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