BIG SPRING, TX — Happy Day Humane Society, the local non-profit animal rescue organization, recently announced that their doors would be closed to the public until further notice due to a confirmed case of canine distemper in the Howard County area.
Canine distemper is a contagious and serious disease caused by the canine distemper virus. The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs and is highly contagious.
“It is very easy for distemper to pass from animal to animal and from contaminated areas called fomites. So, an animal interacts with a space, leaves, and another animal interacts with that same space. So, direct contact and shared spaces can spread the virus,” said Jake Vinson, DVM at Veterinarian at Big Spring Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital.
Canine distemper virus initially attacks the cells of the immune system, weakening a dog’s immune response and putting the dog at higher risk of other infections.
All dogs are at risk of canine distemper but it can be prevented through a vaccination that also protects against parvo and leptospirosis. Dr. Vinson.
Khristy McMahan with Happy Day Humane Society told KBest News that none of the animals in their care have contracted the disease and they aim to keep it that way. Adoptions will continue but they must be done by appointment only. Currently, the phone line is down at the facility, but the public can contact Khristy at 512-982-8432.
For more information on canine distemper, you can find a link for the American Veterinary Medical Association here:
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