BREAKING NEWS: Distemper outbreak – SPCA under quarantine
The first signs of canine distemper include sneezing, coughing and thick mucus coming from the eyes and nose.
A statement from Michael Muller, manager of the Lower South Coast SPCA released earlier today reads:
“We have had to call a emergency meeting with the newly elected committee this morning regarding possible distemper in the kennels.
Approximately 2 months ago we impounded 19 animals on behalf of the SAPS. These animals were assessed on intake and did not show outward signs of distemper. It was found within days that a number of these animals indeed had distemper.
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Distemper is a virus that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems, as well as the conjunctival membranes of the eye. The first signs of canine distemper include sneezing, coughing and thick mucus coming from the eyes and nose. Fever, lethargy, sudden vomiting and diarrhoea, depression and/or loss of appetite are also symptoms of the virus.
Please see your vet right away if you suspect your dog has been infected with the canine distemper virus.
The virus spreads rapidly and must be aggressively treated as soon as it’s discovered. The same applies for the disinfection of kennel facilities such as ours where large amounts of animals can be infected over a very short period of time.
We had initial cross contamination within the kennels within days of the initial admittance of the 19 dogs and a stringent disinfection protocol was followed and a small number of dogs had to be humanely euthanized.
All animals entering the adoption kennel block was also vaccinated against the virus from the initial contamination. It seemed if the quick response to the initial contamination was effective but to our dismay we have had more dogs contracting the disease with 2 dogs being adopted out which has now shown clinical signs of the disease. Similar to the outbreak in the Knysna area recently we also have to take drastic action to curb the spread of the disease. Euthanasia of certain dogs can therefore not be ruled out.
Not only is it heartbreaking for new owners that adopted animals have become seriously ill shortly after them arriving at home, the risk of transferring the disease to other animals on the property is extremely high.
We have therefore made a decision with the management committee to “quarantine” most of the facility to re disinfect the grounds and take whatever actions we can, to curb the spread of the disease not only for the sake of our dogs but that of our community in general.
A notice of the quarantine time frame has been distributed via electronic media and please ask everyone to vaccinate their dogs against this disease. We are hopeful that we will be able to have the new intake protocols, vaccination procedures and disinfection in place by the 5th of September 2018.”
- The society will be placing the kennel grounds and kennel animals under a quarantine environment as from todaY (August 8) for a period of 28 days.
- The society will not be offering any boarding, viewing, walking or adoption of animal until September 5.
- The claiming of stray animals and usage of the veterinary clinic will only be affected until Monday, August 13.
PET OWNERS ARE URGED TO HAVE THEIR ANIMALS VACCINATED AGAINST DISTEMPER AND THE PARVO VIRUS AS A MATTER OF URGENCY.
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