Blastomycosis is a disease caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. The fungus lives in moist soil and in association with decomposing organic matter such as wood and leaves. Lung infection can occur after a person/animal inhales airborne, microscopic fungal spores from the environment.

With more and more cases that are being heard of. This infection is no longer rare. I believe it never was, just rarely diagnosed correctly. The education is not out there more and more people and animals are being misdiagnosed leading to a fatal out come.

By making Blastomycosis a mandatory reportable disease this will help the local health official track where it is becoming more prevalent. Making the Doctors and Veterinaries aware that there is a issue with the lack of knowledge of Blastomycosis and not dismissing it. There for saving a life.